DD not putting on weight

[helenhn]

I've been BF for 8 weeks now but DD has only put on just over 1 lb since birth and is only 7 lb 3 oz. I've started introducing top-ups of EBM and formula but still DD weight gain is very slow. I've had a spell in hospital to see if there is anything medically wrong with her but so far all the tests are negative. I'm at the end of my tether and about to give up BF as I'm BF and topping up 7-8 times a day. Has anyone else had problems / any advice as I don't know what to do. The doctor mentioned a high calorie mix to add to DD's bottles - has anyone tried this - did it work?

What was her birth weight and the lowest weight she reached after birth? How long did it take her to regain her birth weight?

helen, it's good she has been checked out and found to be basically healthy. That means all she is lacking is calories - maybe.

Topping up 7-8 times a day may mean your breastmilk is not enough for her, because that's a lot of formula - to get back to full bf, you will need to increase the breastfeeding opportunities. This is the only way to increase your supply. But with more info, maybe we can suggest ways of doing this.

DD was only 5 lb 14 oz at birth and then lost 10.8% of her birth weight. It took 4 weeks to get her back to her birth weight and now another 4 weeks to get her up to 7 lb 3 oz. The doctors at the hospital kept me in to do checks on her because of her small size at birth (although I'm only 5 ft myself so DD's never going to be tall). I've begun to wonder whether the problem may be my breast milk not having the calories in it to make her grow and I am on the verge of thinking about giving up BF and just going on to formula.

Hi Helenhn
My DD is 18weeks old and just shy of 12lb now!
She was 4lb6 at birth & is was fully BF and her weight gain has been slow too!
If she seems healthy otherwise I wouldn't worry! However breast milk is best to help her gain weight, but I started topping up with formula at about week 8!!! As your topping up 7-8times a day it doesnt seem to be increasing her weight gain whatever she feeds?
What percentile is she on her growth chart?

DD is below the percentiles which is probably why the doctors keep getting me and DD in for weigh-ins each week. Just found out that the doctors have found some placenta still in me - not sure if this would have any knock-on effect on my breast milk and therefore her slow weight gain. Also I've lost a lot of weight since the birth through the stress of all this - wonder if this affects the quality of my breast milk for DD too which may affect her weight gain. The doctors have tested her but not me yet.

If she is still not gaining despite formula top-ups then stopping breastfeeding is not going to be the answer. Some babies gain very slowly whether breast or bottle fed. The advantage of continued breastfeeding is that she will be getting antibodies to protect her from infection - very important since winter is coming.

8 weeks is a long time after birthto find placenta there. Placental tissue that is retained can cause problems with milk supply, however you did mention EBM top-ups so it sounds as though you have been able to express?

What is going to happen about retained tissue. Have you to have a D&C? Antibiotics?

Yes! Retained fragments of placenta is DISASTROUS for breastfeeding as your hormones are not right for milk production as the placenta will still be secreting hormones that oppose breast milk production. Poor you! What awful worries you've had. You need to get the fragments removed asap and then your breastmilk will come in properly. I am horrified your doctors don't know this. They need to get on to it asap.
Good luck.