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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

to wean at 2.5 months?

88 replies

BigFatHeffalump · 02/05/2012 22:01

my doctor is very concerned about ds's weight. They have tried pushing me to give formula as a supplement but this affects my supply every bottle I give (seriously).He is in the 9th centile and VERY long so looks really scrawny. He was 9 pounds at birth but I feel that is because I grow large babies (dd was 9.7) he was also 16 days over due- but he very much takes after my husband who is also long and scrawny.

I feel I grew a big baby but that it's his nature to be slim so he is falling on the charts. But his doctor is making me nervous and I feel like I could be put on some kind of register if I don't make an effort to fatten him up. So would I be very unreasonable to start weaning him now or in a few weeks time?

I don't want to switch him to formula because he enjoys breast feeding and doesn't do well on formula. I was thinking of adding avocado for the fat content to his diet?

OP posts:
Original poster
BigFatHeffalump · 02/05/2012 22:15

this isn't a joke.. I am considering adding a (small) amount of avocado for the fat although would probably wait till 3 months. dd first had tastes of fruit (blw)at 4-5 months and I hate the idea of giving it to him so early but he vomits after formula. I feel he is healthy as is and docs are being paranoid but I'm worried about them thinking I am not taking care of him properly.

btw not in the UK so no hv

OP posts:
StealthPolarBear · 02/05/2012 22:16

if you think he is fine, then push to get another opinion
Weaning now would be a bad idea IMO

YoullLaughAboutItOneDay · 02/05/2012 22:17

If you feel he is healthy, see another doctor and get a second opinion.

He doesn't need avocado 'for the fat' and it may harm his gut. Why would you do that rather than seek real life breastfeeding support or adding formula?

missdeelite · 02/05/2012 22:17

Lots of doctors are not experts on breastfeeding and can give poor advice. It is definitely worth accessing advise of lactation consultant or breastfeeding counsellor. Its not ignoring medical advice, its about making informed choices.

MissLofPubia · 02/05/2012 22:19

I say do what you think is right. Fuck the books.

crazyday · 02/05/2012 22:20

Google ways of getting more milk into baby. Skin to skin, babymoon, no dummy etc. wake baby up to feed every 3 hours. That sort of thing. Repost on breast and bottle feeding for better advice but I think we are all unanimous in saying DON'T GIVE FOOD YET. Sorry to shout.

Original poster
BigFatHeffalump · 02/05/2012 22:20

The doctor HAS NOT Advised weaning but has advised formula.

Anomaly he is gaining weight slowly I believe it was his initial weight at 9 pounds and his weight now (10.6) that is making the doctors nervous. BTW I am seeing a pediatrician they seem to be overly cautions he has definitely hit all milestones and is a very healthy boy (even docs admit this)

SPB He is an excellent breast feeder until docs got involved at 2 weeks and told me he wasnt gaining weight fast enough. Forced me to top him up with formula then when he gained quicker said I could stop.. then he was gaining to slowly.. I don't think we are having problems. As you said what is wrong with being 9 percent? :(

OP posts:
valiumredhead · 02/05/2012 22:21

I cannot imagine avocado being the best thing even if you do insist on doing it - he'd choke on it even if it was mashed!

Original poster
BigFatHeffalump · 02/05/2012 22:21

been involved with lacttion nurse who thinks he is doing fine btw. just slim

OP posts:
AvocadoAndFitch · 02/05/2012 22:21

BLW at 4 months Hmm

Just in case this is real
gettin thread moved to breast and bottle feeding
Don't switch to formula, just yet
Don't feed any solids, Avocado or otherwise
Go back to your doctors and demand that investigate the failure to thrive properly, thats their job so make them do it.

BertieBotts · 02/05/2012 22:22

Seriously, post on breast/bottlefeeding board. Ladies on there are fabulous and extremely well informed.

TheScottishPlayer · 02/05/2012 22:23

Is your doctor concerned because he was on a higher centile at birth and is dropping down the centiles? FWIW, my DS was on the 50th centile at birth and has hovered around the 9th centile since he was about 6 months old. I was really concerned about it and my HV kept making unhelpful noises about it (without giving any useful advice) but he's now a happy and healthy nearly 4 year old who's just a wee bit smaller than his peers.

I would second other advice to post on the feeding topics and get some advice/support from bf experts. I really wouldn't start weaning so young.

AllYoursBabooshka · 02/05/2012 22:23

Good questions about his nappies, Are they normal? Formula can make babies a little pukey and it can look worse than it actually is.

I would also suggest a second opinion if you feel he is doing well.

McHappyPants2012 · 02/05/2012 22:24

don't give food yet, but do see a 2nd doctor.

what formula have you tried, because the comfort one are gentler on little tums

BertieBotts · 02/05/2012 22:24

I did BLW from 20 weeks, on and off, it's possible. Probably XP was a little too eager, though. Next time I'd wait until they get to the stage of climbing the table and grabbing from your plate!

Noqontrol · 02/05/2012 22:25

I don't think weaning would make any difference and it wouldnt be good for your baby. And you're right, every bottle you give will reduce your supply unless you pump as well. I got stuck in that trap but managed to get out of it by hiring a decent pump to up the supply between feeds. Sounds like you need some proper bf support. Is there any groups near you, the hv should know. La leche is a good resource to get more information and support from as well.

ChippingInLovesEasterEggs · 02/05/2012 22:25

Which country are you in?

FWIW - some babies have to be on the 9th centile - that's how it works :)

Did he drop weight after his birth or did he stay stable?

ChippingInLovesEasterEggs · 02/05/2012 22:27

Oh & by the way, milk is the most nutritionally dense 'food' there is for a baby, so there isn't anything that is better than milk :)

Original poster
BigFatHeffalump · 02/05/2012 22:27

Thescottish, yes they are woried about dropping percentiles.

I'll see about getting a different doctor for a second opinion

OP posts:
BBQJuly · 02/05/2012 22:29

YANU. Don't want to get into a BF/FF debate, but if you choose formula it would be absolutely fine, it's designed for young babies. Solid food isn't suitable at this age.

If he's vomiting after formula could you switch to a different type? Could be that he's taking in air with the formula feeds - you need to make sure the bottle teat is full of milk (not just half full) while baby is drinking, so the air doesn't get in.

Original poster
BigFatHeffalump · 02/05/2012 22:29

chipping I'm in the states- i saw the lacation nurse at the beginning because of the doctors concerns he dropped a lot of weight early on

OP posts:
BBQJuly · 02/05/2012 22:30

YABU, not YANU :o

Original poster
BigFatHeffalump · 02/05/2012 22:31

i guessed bbq!

OP posts:
larks35 · 02/05/2012 22:32

The problem with centiles is that they don't represent all babies' growth. No baby, especially bf babies, follow the line. I can see that just 1.6lb weight gain in 10 weeks would raise concerns, but if you are happy with how your baby is doing then continue as you would like. As others have said if your DS is pooing and weeing well then he probably is getting enough. If you feel he isn't getting enough then either get some advice on increasing your milk supply or persevere with formula. If you are using a dummy, stop.
Also agree with others about seeking a second opinion.

AWomanCalledHorse · 02/05/2012 22:32

I was weaned at 2months because I was a 'lazy drinker', I've never had a gut problem, allergies or anything adverse. Not saying all 2mnth weaned babies are like that, just think it's harsh that everyone is jumping on OP for thinking of different ways to do best for her DS.

Do what you think is right OP, you don't seem to be keen to wean atm, just keen to help DS grow inline with Drs expectations?

What formula are you topping up with? My DS won't take it from certain bottles, have you tried a different brand (of bottle/bigger teat etc)?
Are you adding anything to the formula to help with the reflux?

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