Nine day old not putting on weight

[NoRoomForALittleOne]

DS3 (DC6) had a rough start with about 36 hours on the NNU for respiratory support and NG feeds to get him adjusted to the outside world. He had a tongue tie snipped at 4 days old and had lost 10% of body weight at that point. He lost a bit more then gained 40g in 24 hours. He was weighed today after a 48 hour gap between weigh ins and was exactly the same weight. Sometimes he needs waking for a feed, other times he is fully alert and asking for food. I breastfed DC1-5 successfully and never had problems like this. I’ve resisted EBM top ups until now as I’ve had over supply issues and didn’t want to overstimulate and make things worse. I’m struggling with tiredness as I had a major PPH and am still very anaemic but I think that setting alarms tonight to fit in extra night feeds will help. Then I’m thinking EBM top ups tomorrow could be wise. I’m tired enough that I need someone to tell me if I’m being sensible and how to do top ups. I got 100ml of milk off after a feed tonight (double electric breast pump) then he woke up again and spent a good while feeding. He’s been settled since then having skin-to-skin for the last two hours so I’m about to disturb him and try to feed him.

I should add that he is producing plenty of wet and dirty nappies.

I'm no expert but DD took 2 weeks to put on weight. She lost 7% in first 5 days and then just maintained for 2 weeks. I was having trouble breastfeeding and was so worried she wasn't getting enough. Then suddenly at 2 weeks she put on loads and was discharged. Throughout that fortnight I had so many friends and family telling me it took ages for their LOs to put weight on. Hospitals put so much pressure on that we start to panic even though we know they're getting enough - lots of wet nappies! I'd say, for now, don't panic, just keep feeding when he's hungry. Good luck and congrats on his birth! X

I had to top up my DS from day three (milk hadn't arrived, 13% weight loss). I breast fed both sides and then topped up with formula to start with and then when my milk came in ebm.
we were readmitted to the children's ward with the weight loss and the nurse looking after DS aware of how exhausted I was said feed every three hours, breast then bottle wake him up if necessary. I fed him at 10pm,1,4,7, 10am 1, 4, 7 and we stuck to this for the first few weeks, it worked well. As he got older and gained weight the top ups and routine were dropped for bf on demand. X

Did they use the same scales OP?

We topping up my 12 day old with ebm x4 daily at the moment as she lost 10% which took her to 5lb 7. I think this early on supply isn’t regulated anyway and you need to protect your supply if baby isn’t feeding great so I’d not be too scared to express. I’ve managedto half fill a freezer drawer already!
Do you have breastfeeding support available to advise you? X

I topped up with formula from the first night after a crash section. My baby didn't lose any weight at all and eventually was weaned onto exclusive bf (after a couple of weeks). I had absolutely no issues with nipple confusion etc that everyone seems to talk about. Honestly, fed is best.

Jilted they used different scales each time

So, after expressing off last night and DS3 waking up wanting to feed almost immediately, he has totally changed. I think that he must have gotten a load of hind milk and that really woke him up! I then had a feed/poo marathon from him from 10:30pm-2am and he then woke at 3:40 and 7am for feeds all by himself. He has been settled in between feeds. I can’t believe how much he has poo’d overnight! I’ve woken up with my boobs feeling like they are full rather than engorged so hopefully this will be a turning point for us and I’m guessing that he wasn’t getting enough hind milk before.

It’s hard but if it’s different scales each time, weighed by different people and at varying times of the day, I’d be a little inclined to carry on as you are. I’m not trained though, but if your MW is ok, I’d try not to worry. You’ve said he’s bright and alert at times and your nappy output is fine. Although having said that, your anaemia might be playing a part, are the MWs and GP getting this under control quickly OP?

If you want a bit more reassurance, could ring one of the BFing Helplines and read this from Kellymom

But most of all, put your feet up, feed, feed and feed some more and enjoy those newborn cuddles