Hi
My ds is 8wks. I had early bfing difficulties and he didn't regain his birthweight until 5 weeks.
He is currently 25th centile for his age, but his weight/length is 0.1 of a centile. He wees appropriately but from early on, only poos once a day and often skips. I was concerned to read that centiles under 5 were indicative of recent malnutrition. Why it surprises me given his slow weight gain is anyone's guess but it's a scary word to read.
GP says he is 'skinny' but handles well and he is reaching all developmental milestones as appropriate: very active/alert. Dh was long and lean and was (horrifyingly enough) put on cows milk at 7 weeks because he 'couldn't get enough' [hmmm].
He is steadily gaining 5.3 oz a week and feeds 8-10 times a day - roughly, 6.30, 9, 11.30, 2, 5, 7. 9, 11 and often at 1. He feeds on demand but just demands in a very regular way, you could set a clock by him. He has two formula supplementations and I rotate these round the clock - a total of 8oz a day - and he always feeds for 30-40 mins before each of these (never offered a bottle without a full bf before it). From very early on, I was pumping after every feed
but I just don't produce a lot - max 1-2 oz. I can't manage pumping in the day and ccaring for him so I have reduced this to 1-2 feeds a day. I was on Motilium for supply but had to give up as I broke out in hives all over my body. I am taking fenugreek, eating porridge and drinking non-alcoholic beer.
I am a bit bothered that his weight gain isn't really accelerating - he is sleeping well though. He has a great latch and feeds very well.
No one seems very bothered about it.. although everytime a new HV at baby clinic sees he was 91st centile for weight at birth and is now 75th they freak a bit.
Should I be doing anything differently? Should I look for a referral to a Paediatrician? Or is this just because of the slow weight gain at the start and he'll catch up eventually? I have no idea about these things.