EBF baby slow weight gain- worried

[Overthinkingotter]

Anyone experienced similar?:

My EBF baby (first born) has just turned 2 months and was born at 7lbs 12 and weighed 9lbs 12 yesterday (weighed at home by weighing myself and then myself holding her).

I’m baffled because, to me, this weight gain seems very low. However, every single midwife and HV we have encountered since birth have not been concerned whatsoever and have all been complimentary on her appearance and health, despite her only weighing 9lbs 1 at her 6 week check (I was told she’d gone down on her line a bit but since it wasn’t 2 centiles or more then that was fine).

She seems very healthy in all ways except the number on the scale. It’s weird because she doesn’t even ‘seem’ skinny to me, or seemingly anyone else, she feeds frequently and seems satisfied, but the number on the scales says otherwise.

I know other peoples’ babies have gained WAY more weight by her age and that 50th centile babies are over 2lbs heavier than she is now.

I’m planning on getting latch checked again and possibly tongue tie (don’t think she has one but I suppose worth checking) and have decided to give a top ups as well, but just wanted to know if anyone has experienced similar? Seems like no one has!! Thank you

Home scales are not accurate. You can only rely on the HV/midwife scales

Comparing to other babies is unhelpful. As long as she is tracking HER line she is perfect.

Is she moving up clothes sizes? Plenty of wet and dirty nappies?

Be careful with top ups - they could actually decrease your supply and cause weight loss

Hi- thank you for replying. I think you’re absolutely right; I’m definitely turning this into more of an issue than it needs to be as she is on the right track (tons of wet and dirty nappies and fits some 0-3 month clothes perfectly, a little on the baggy side in others but still able to wear them).

I’m just confused as it seems unusual for a baby who feeds well, like she does, and who seems so happy and healthy (and not even thin or small) to be so light. But guess it’s not necessarily an issue. And I ideally do want to avoid formula at this stage if I can.

Sounds sensible. Someone has to be in the lower centiles, they can’t all be on the 50th. Whether they are 1st centile or 99th centile, if they are on the chart and tracking that line, then they are healthy.

If she's gaining weight and the professionals aren't worried then don't change what you're doing! Especially don't give her formula- it might affect your supply. It sounds as if you're both doing fine! You could try offering her the breast more often if it would help you not worry.

Incidentally- weighing her like that won't be accurate. Can you get her weighed at your health centre?

Also, gaining 4oz a week is absolutely fine for a bf baby! So try not to worry. (Easier said than done, I know)

She sounds like my DS1. He was EBF and fed well but gained weight slowly. He's now 18yo and well over 6 foot! She sounds perfectly healthy OP. I was worried too at the time, but I think you should just continue as you are. No need for formula top ups.