8 week old Breastfed baby no dirty nappy for 8 days and poor weight gain

[Tish54]

Hi all. I need your advice please.

My little girl will be 8 weeks tomorrow. She is exclusively breastfed. However firstly she is really struggling to gain weight despite my efforts of pumping and taking fenugreek to boost supply etc. She only got to birthweight week 6. In herself she is well, very alert, self settling etc. Health visitor wants me to introduce 1 formula a day to see if this increases her weight.

However this is not what is worrying me. Since last Saturday, she hasn't had any dirty nappies. Before then, she was going about 4-5 times a day. She is having plenty of saturated wet nappies so I know she is well hydrated. She is also passing wind but no poo. She doesn't seem bothered but it's been 8 days now. Health visitor has said go to GP tomorrow if no joy. I'm scared they're going to make me give more formula. I guess if I need to for her health then of course I will but I really want to carry on breastfeeding as long as I can.

Any words of wisdom?

Many thanks x

Your baby could be simply 'catching down' - you could discuss this with your HV. Babies born heavier than average often tend to have slow weight gain and find their own way further down the chart. Your baby could be just fine, with no need for fenugreek or extra pumping or formula. Swapping sides deliberately after 20-25 mins is not a bad idea, and it's worth a try to see if the weight gain reassures you - but if it makes no difference, then I don't think this is a concern in an otherwise healthy, thriving baby :)

The nappy pattern is normal.