Confused about growth curves.

[NoForkNKnife]

Firstly thank you to those that replied and supported me with trying to breastfeed my preemie DD. She is getting better on the breast, and I still hope to bf more often.

DD2 was born with severe IUGR at 29 weeks. She is nearly 13 weeks old (3 actual) and currently 5lbs 1oz. She is below the 0.4th percentile and is under both a paediatrician and dietician.

I've just received a letter from the paed summarising the appt. It states her weight is on the 0.4th percentile and her length is way below the 0.4th percentile (her head circ is following 2nd). but she clearly states her weight is a concern and this has been the mantra from the beginning. But if her length is in the same percentile is this still such a problem? Surely it's good they both match up? I appreciate she is tiny and way below average.

I've been really down about her weight and slow gain but this letter has confused me. The dr didn't mention DDs length during the appt.

Sorry. Pressed post to soon.

So, now I'm aware of her length, am I right to be less concerned about her weight? Or am I in denial and I need to hope for a massive growth gain?

My strapping 10 year old had IUGR too.

When i look back, i was worried to death about everything, but in actual fact, his (slow) weight gain was my best barometer.

He gained then lost a bit, and was never as big as his peers, still isnt, but healthy as a horse, and has just waved at me through the window as he scooters off to his pals to play.

Grand scheme of things, they catch up!

Do you know what a fantastic job you are doing? Well you are, so carry on lovely lady

I guess they might be concerned about any baby on the 0.4 centile just because it's so small, even though your baby is in proportion? So it being a small baby concerns rather than a skinny baby concern?

Sounds like you are doing a great job and if all else is well try not to worry about the slow weight gain too much. If they aren't taking any action sure they are just flagging it up as something to be monitored. My boy twin (6 weeks prem) tracked along off bottom of the chart (not even on the 0.4th percentile) until starting solids at 6 months when he jumped onto it - up to 25th percentile. The hospital were happy as long as he was weeing, pooing, alert and gaining weight not loosing (although they did keep a close eye). According to the HV this is just how some babies are.

Thanks. I want to be reassured, and I was fine with it all until last weeks appointment.
They've put her on a higher calorie formula to go 50:50 with ebm. I've noticed since then and doing some research, that she's hypotonic. It hasn't been mentioned by any medical professional, but her head lags when pulled to sitting and she often has her arms and hands outstretched (thankfully this is getting better and she holds her head really well on her tummy).

I can't wait until all this is a distant memory and she's running around with her sister.

Twitchy you may very well have made my week. I nee to learn to not read stuff found off google and take it as gospel.
Since birth she has had her hands stretched out and will only reluctantly, loosely grasp. I wasn't worried until my DM kept nagging me about it. The last week she has been doing it less and sucking we hands etc.

Thank you.

I remember your other thread & glad to hear how you're getting on. It sounds like your baby is just small & in proportion, from these centiles.

The high calorie milk & breast milk sounds a good combination & will hopefully help your baby climb up the centiles.

I'm another IUGR/0.4th centile mum too & I understand the worry. We've used high calorie formula too & high calorie weaning. With prems, you can wean from actual age, not corrected, and that can be an opportunity for getting more calories in to catch up. I started at 26 weeks actual/15 corrected & went on to wheat/dairy etc straight away.

It sounds like you're doing well - good luck xx

Thank you! I feel a lot calmer after your post earlier Twitchy. The HV and other medical professionals have always been really encouraging about her weight and development so it hit me a bit when I was told at 2 different appt in the same day that 'she was a concern'. But to be fair, both drs were really nice and encouraging too.

lotsof I never knew that about weaning. I'd assumed it would be corrected age. I did BLW last time. Will that be discouraged because she may not be sitting up? It seem a long way off ATM.

I've never done BLW, but I expect you are right in terms of sitting. Also I would think textures might be difficult too - purée is the best bet weaning at that age.