Newborn Not Gaining Weight

Congrats on your baby. I'm sorry you are going through a hard time though. I'm divorced with two little ones. Make sure that he is eating on the same breast for at least 15 minutes so he will get that hind milk. Stress can also affect a mother's milk. If he starts to graze (only eating for a little bit and wanting to eat more often) make sure he gets his whole feeding. I had to underdress my daughter, change diapers in the middle of feeding whatever it took to keep her awake and eating a full meal. Good Luck!

I think it is great that you are committed to continue breastfeeding your baby! I agree that getting some advice from a Breastfeeding Support Group (INOVA hospitals have them) or lactation consultant. Even if you have to pay someone, it will be cheaper than switching to formula! Good luck!

Chantel~
Is your little one fussy and spitting up? My first daughter had the same issues gaining weight and it turned out that she had severe reflux and that the breast milk was not heavy enough to stay down. I had to start pumping and mix cereal in with the breast milk and feed it to her via a bottle. My pediatrician suggested 1 tablespoon of ceral for each 2 oz of milk. I used a coffee grinder to grind the cereal down very fine so it mixed in better and was easier for her to get through the bottle. This might be something you want to talk to you pediatrician about!

Good luck!

Please don not worry. I haven't read any other responses yet,. so I might be re-stating something that others have said.

If baby is peeing and pooping properly, they are FINE! I had the same concerns with my 2nd child, who was born at almost 10 pounds, and it took her a full MONTH to surpass her weight gain. The docs pushed and pushed me to supplement, which I never did do. Turns out that my daughter was just a slow gainer- at 16 months old, she's still only 22 pounds. She's hung out below the 30th percentile for weight since she was born.

There is nothing you are doing "wrong". As long as those wet diapers are actually wet- not just damp, then baby is eating as much as they need. Of course keep on the lookout for signs of dehydration- lethargy, getting weaker, sunken soft spot, etc.

Also, there is no need to intentionally add calories to your diet- your body will let you know if you need to eat more.

If it's taking him a full hour to finish a meal, I would say that he perhaps doesn't have an efficent suck. You might be able to work with him on it if he isn't latching properly, or it might just be something he grows out of as he gets older and stronger.

And my last tip- don't feed him on a schedule, or "by the clock" Nurse whenever baby starts rooting or chewing hands.

I'm sure by 3 children, you know all of what I said, but maybe my suggestions will be helpful to some other mama reading. ;)

I'm fairly sure your weight loss has nothing to do with milk content. I gained 24 pounds during last pregnancy. When I weighed myself a few days ago at 2 weeks PP, I had lost 28 pounds total, 4 pounds below pre-preg weight. And my daughter seems to be gaining just fine.

You must be going through a very difficult time right now, trying to make sure your newborn is doing okay and dealing with the possibility of divorce. I'm so sorry! About your little one...have you looked into the possibility of you not producing enough breast milk for him? It would make sense that he would want to eat often if he's not getting enough. Have you thought about supplementing with formula? I know that when you make the choice to breastfeed, having to give formula is not the ultimate way to go, but it may be what he needs because it sounds like you're doing everything else right so it just may be your milk supply. Obviously, consulting his doc is a must, too. I know the stress you are under could compromise your milk production. I truly hope everything works out for you.

Does the MD seem to be concerned? Have you tried supplementing a little. With formula obviously you can monitor who much the baby gets & it stays with them longer. Breastmilk seemed to just run right through my children. I have a 22 month old son & a 3 month old daughter. Mine were small also. My daughter was 6lbs. 6 oz. when she was born, but she quickly put on weight. She's now about 15 lbs. & taking in 4 bottles a day each with 8 oz. I tried to pump, but with 2 small ones it was just too much.

a good friend of mine had the same thing with her son, BFed, 6-1/2 lbs at birth, rapidly lost weight, but not dehydrated, producing diapers...for him it was severe reflux without spitting up, the food just wasn't doing what it was supposed to....check with your doctor... her son was on reflux meds for about 8 months and now he is a healthy 7 year old!

Congrats on your new bundle of joy. And, congrats on the breastfeeding. I am guessing that BB has had his two week check-up and everything is fine. If not, then schedule another appointment. The pediatrician will let you know if your little one is not thriving - ask to see the growth curve, to make you feel better. He may just be a little guy.
Does your local hospital have a Breastfeeding Resource Center - ours in St. Mary's County, MD does and they are fantastic. They can weigh the munchkin before you feed him and then after he's done to see what he's taking in. Plus, they have all sorts of great info and "tricks of the trade". It sounds like you have been doing all the right things - with having him eat every 1-3 hours and the amount of wet and poopy diapers.
How is his disposition? Is he content after feeding? We called it "milk drunk" because my boys were so content. If he's happy and content, then you are doing grand.
I am no expert about the amount of weight that you have lost but it seems like a lot in 3 weeks. It may be the breastfeeding and it may be stress from your marital situation. Do you have someone in your life that you can talk to - outside of your immediate family? If so, talk - bring your little guy, nurse him and talk. I would also be honest with the pediatrician and the breastfeeding resource people. Babies know when there is stress and react. Your focus right now should be one you and the baby. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

From everything you've stated here, you aren't doing anything wrong. He sounds like he's doing well. Not all babies put on a ton of weight right away. And you can't compare him to your older two because every baby is different and will do things in their own time. My 3rd child was my smallest at birth and continues to be so. Her younger sister weighs about the same as she does. So don't stress over this. Keep feeding him when he's hungry, not on a schedule and make sure you eat healthy and he'll be fine. Does his doctor have you worried?

i think it is normal to gain an ounce a day. I would talk to your pediatrician and get some blood work before too much time passes. What did the doc say at his 4 week checkup?
If he is eating for an hour that might be for comfort and not really nursing.. Hard to tell unless you pump and see how much you are making and how much he eats...
but the pediatrician would be one to talk to- at such a young age, guessing is not a good thing...
Good luck!

Hi Chantel,

BF babies do not gain weight like bottle fed babies because there is less fat in human milk than formulas or cow's milk.

If your baby does not have a white coating in his mouth, he will be fine.

Call and talk to someone in the La Leche League. They will help you understand about breast feeding babies.

There resource is:
www.lllusa.org/VA/WebTidewaterVA

Hope this helps. D.

I would not worry too much about this. It sounds like you are watching all of the important factors. Babies can loose about 10% of their birth weight and be just fine. Also factor in there that you probably used different scales to weigh him on. I have 6 kids and they fall in all sorts of places on the growth chart. My smallest compared to others is 10yr. He is in the 3% for growth. He was born at over 8lb but quickly found his spot down at the bottom of the growth chart. He is completely fine. If your baby pees, poops, and grows including meeting milestones then I would say now worries. You might also contact La Leche League for extra support and reassurance regarding breastfeeding. With everything you are saying here it sounds like your son is already thriving. Don't let people talk you into supplementing with formula. Breastfeeding is the best thing for you and your baby and with the stress it sounds like you are under in your marriage breastfeeding hormones can help you cope with that stress and be the best mom you can be.

Hey Chantel, When my little guy didn't seem to be putting on enough weight I would express milk and then add a scoop of formula. Then he got double the calories but the same volume. Sorry to hear that your facing divorce, stress takes an imesurable toll on little ones, when mommy is stressed out little one will be stressed as well. Seek out a playgroup or mommy support group where you can talk to other moms, I found that even "good" marraiges have hard times. You and your little guy will be in my prayers. Best wishes, J.

Good morning. I felt compelled to write. First, Congratulations on your new little one. Second, give yourself a hug from me while facing your possible divorce. I too faced both situations you are facing. As far as your little one not gaining weight don't stress yourself out. It seems to me that you are not doing anything wrong. Your caloric intake is high enough. Are you getting enough rest? The stress of your marital situation is probably taking a toll. I was under ALOT of stress when my little one (now 18 months) was born. My husband missed his birth & was not able to get home till he was 6 weeks old. Once daddy got home & mommy wasn't so stressed he thrived. Also, I believe age has alot to do with the fat content of your milk. I was 35 when I had my little one & had to supplement my milk supply. You will be in my thoughts & prayers. Remember... you are a great mom!!!
K.

Nurse nurse nurse Mama. If you can allow him to feed whenever he wants to. Don't schedule him. At his age that could mean that it seems like he's nursing all the time but that's totally NORMAL and EXPECTED. As long as his diaper output is good you know he's getting enough! Diaper output is the only indicator you can go by. Check out this link then maybe browse Kellymom for more info. If you are truly concerned make an appt with your doc and ask to see a lactation consultant.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/enough-milk.html

Hi. I didn't read all of the other responses, so I may be duplicating, but here goes. When my mom first had me, I didn't gain any weight- they said that I had "failure to thrive." She was breast feeding and the doctor told her to stop breastfeeding and put me on formula. She was very distressed by this prospect because she didn't want to do that & I don't think they could afford the formula at the time anyway. So she got a second opinion- the second opinion was to feed me whenever I looked hungry, not on a schedule, and it worked out fine. I'm 29 with 4 children of my own now, and although I have always been a little underweight according to the charts, it's totally normal for me. Each person is different, each child is different. I would concur with the earlier advice of finding someone to talk to. I would suggest that perhaps you & your husband seek marrital counseling together, maybe with a pastor. It may be hard right now, but you have 3 children together & there must be something that attracted you to your husband in the first place. More often than not, it is worth working out, regardless of who's "at fault". God bless you in this endevor- I hope that all works out well & that your marriage can be mended.
Stress could certainly be a factor in the weight issue, if it is not simply the baby's normal growth pattern, and I'd venture that stress is hugely responsible for your weigth loss, although that also may be simply your body's natural variation. God bless you. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Hi Chantel.
My pediatrician has assured me that as long as the baby is wetting diapers and making bowel movements, they are most likely getting enough nutrition. If you continue to be concerned, speak to your pediatrician.

Good luck! It sounds like you're doing everything right.

J.

Have you have your 4 week f/u with your pediatrian? You may seek their advice. My neice was born healthy and fine but by the time she had her 4 week check up she had lost almost two pounds. My sister was breast feeding and the milk was going to the baby. She had another child she breast fed until he was one. Perfectly fat and healthy. After long series and batteries of tests she ended up having a GI problem nothing definitive but she was not processing the breast milk. They ended up living in the hospital monitoring all her feeding consumption, started with breast milk went to formulas of all sorts. It was a very lenghy process. It also made my sister feel like she did something wrong to her child, which was not her fault at all. If you don't feel right you need to get your baby checked out. Start with the pediatrian first and if they say he's fine and you still are not sure or comfortable then I would try a peds GI doctor. Feeding issues are more common than you think. In my neices case it took a long time to distinguish the problem with no definative answer other than her body was just not processing the food that it should. It did cause minor set backs in development. But looking at her now a healthy (always hungry) 4 year old you would never imagine the issues she had when first born, she is still in speech and occupational therapy but perfect in every other way. I don't want to alarm you, I also have a cousin that just had a low weight child in the 15%, they also went to a GI doctor and ended up in feeding therapy and he is perfect yet smaller and slender for his age and he is 5. Good luck--if you do not feel right go get him checked out or get a second opinion. Do not wait, I believe if they would of found what was wrong with my neice earlier she would not of ended up with developmental issues she had to overcome.

Chantel,

I read your post and Id like to tell you to relax. You said that he is meeting his milestones and is growing so dont worry. He is producing enough poopy and wet diapers. He just might be smaller than your other children but thats not a problem. Assuming that youre going to the pediatrician for the regular check ups, I would leave the pediatrician to tell me that he isnt thriving. From what you presented here, he sounds fine and its great that the breastfeedng is going well and that you're eating enough to produce milk. I would, rather, keep an eye on post partum depression. Sometimes it surfaces as heightened anxiety. I experienced the same and didnt realize that I was 'depressed'.

Take care of yourself.

Cheers!
J.

I tend to agree with everyone else. It seems he's doing fine. He's just but putting it into weight he's using it learn and move or growing taller. Some use their food for moving and stuff.
My daughter had the same troubles. She 5 now and thriving. Actually you say "You want to help him thrive" He is thriving with your help. My daughter has always been small. The doctors told me the same thing as as she was growing as another mother said. Make her eat more she's not eating often enough, Waker her to feed her. I DON'T agree with that i think your child knows what it needs. Don't disrupt that. Good luck

Sorry to hear about your divorce possibility, I hope you can work things out.
As for your son: are you sure he is getting enough? I mean nursing for a whole hour seems a little excessive. Normally a 15-20min feed on each side is more than sufficient. Is he sleeping and eating during that hour or sucking for a complete hour? He must be completely exhausted if sucking for an hour. Try pumping once to see how much you get out. That way you will see what you have. Id say he is too young for any food, so dont let anyone try to talk you down that route. As long as he is eating and producing wet/soiled diapers then I would assume he is ok. As for his not gaining weight rapidly, I dont know. You seem to have a good metabolism w/ your weight loss, maybe he does as well? Give it a few more weeks and see how he is at his next check up. The dr. should be able to see if there is an issue or not. GL.

My son was the same size at birth and it took him a long time to get up to 8 pounds--I rememebr waiting for him to reach the minimum weight for the Baby Bjorn carrier and it seemed like it took forever. I did end up giving him formula supplements that I would mix with pumped breast milk (my husband is the stay at home caregiver). My son is still skinny--always in the 25th percentile for weight but 95th percentile for height. He just seems to put all of his calories into getting longer rather than heavier. And keep in mind that 50% of their calories are going straight to brain development at that age and will continue that way for a couple of years. As long as your baby is soiling plenty of diapers I wouldn't worry too much about it. All babies are different.

Dear Chantel C, Wow, If most of your statement doesn't sound like a repeat of my first son! He was bf, ate well and was very thin. He is now 26 years old and 6'4''! Your son may be feeling some of your stress. My son started to gain weight at about two months. I'd keep an eye on it, but don't over stress yet. He is surpassing his milestones, just love him! M. L

Don't assume right away you are doing something wrong. Could be nothing, or could be a GI problem as mentioned before. Sounds like the diaper volume is good. My son was born c-section at 8 lb 12 oz, but lost down to 7lb 8 oz in one week because my milk took longer to come in. He recovered the weight loss and is just fine for his age, but is a thin child as it runs in my family. The best thing is keep checking with your doctor for percentile weight gain comparisons, buy a good scale at home and use it the same way each time, and keep an eye on the baby's behavior. If he gets listless, doesn't have the same activity level as normal for him, get to the doctor ASAP. Good luck!

STOP!!Just STOP! Your last or close to your last statement,"WHAT am I DOING WRONG?" That right there, doubting YOURSELF, for even a millisecond. Don't EVER do that and don't START!!! I too, have two beautiful children(girl,almost 8 & boy 3. I separated from their father at 6&1/2 & 2. Believe me, toughest decision EVER(for Me)!! Over a year later, the kids have verbalized how much "happier" they are, which makes tears well up in my eyes, because I was only thinking of them and trying to stay, for their sake!! To hear my daughter say, "I'm happy living here Mama(she still calls me Mama) and you and daddy not fight anymore. (We still argue & fight) she doesn't know it or see it. We're better off apart! Hell YES!! It's Scarier(sp)? than the "Tower of Terror" at MGM studios in Disney World, but to make that step, and ride that ride, you can do ANYTHING!! And you should, for your OWN happiness(cause ain't nobody, nowhere gonna do it for you)YOU OWN THAT!! And for the sanity of your children, let them be kids and have "happy" memories of their childhood. I quickly signed up for a "group" therapy for people going through similar situations, through Catholic Charities. Pat Cole was the lead therapist in that. I don't have the # off hand, but look up Catholic Charities in Arlington, Va and they'll give you the # @ 411or on the WEB. And I don't know where you live, but if it's in Va. (Virginia) a GREAT therapist for one on one is Jackie Jacobson her # is ###-###-#### ext 105...Been there, done that (wish sometimes, I didn't have to), but I did and now I'm holding the "control" switch or remote, or wearing the pants, WHATEVER EMPOWERS YOU, right now I know, you're struggling with that~Not ONLY because of the "question" "what am I doing wrong" (been there,a year ago), Your "QUESTION" NEEDS & I MEAN NEEDS to be "WHAT?? AM I DOING ABOUT IT"???? GO OUT THERE, EMPOWER(!!) YOURSELF~~and NEVER let ANYONE, ANYTHING, Take that away, your kids will thank you for that...later!! My daughter already has, and it's AMAZING what almost 8 year olds know...DON'T BLINK!!

Chantel,

Your story sounds so similar to mine. My second son was 6lbs 6 oz as well and too has not gained rapidly. His brother grew much faster. With both I gained only 20 lbs and lost it rapidly afterwards. Now at 7 months all I can say is that it seems that my second son is just meant to be smaller. He too has reached all milestones and is happy and healthy. We to went through all the list of regular worries with BF and my intake etc. Both my boys had reflux and there has even been investigation into my second son spitting up too much that he hasn't been able to gain weight.

I've tried all sorts of things to get him to eat more and he is only going to gain what he can and will gain. I've come to a realization that if I let my fears and doctors questions nag in my head I will miss the opportunity to enjoy him. For us it is just the difference in genetics between our sons. It certainly sounds like that might be a very real possibility for you as well. My husband is 6' 1" while I'm only 5' 2" from a much shorter family. So our second is just more like my family.

Things to keep in mind that are good news is that if he is gaining - even a little, it means he isn't losing. I had to focus on that a lot. If he is happy and not hungry when he finishes eating then he is satisfied. Obviously you, as I, feed him when he wants/needs so it is really all you can do. Should there be any possibility of reflux issues that we had, you may want to see about visiting a specialist as well. They has us add a cereal meal earlier (4 mos) and then increase to multiple cereal meals earlier than most. The solid food helps them with spitting up from reflux.

Things that you might want to try:
- check to be sure he isn't dosing during feeds
- continue to wake him on the 1-3 hour mark during the night even if he wants to sleep (can be hard on you, but will keep him eating)
- should there become a question about your milk you can always try fenugreek (herbal supplement - which was recommended by a lactations consultant)

I'd say you are certainly doing a wonderful job and keep an eye on the weight but focus on the other areas as it sounds like he is very healthy. You want to be sure to enjoy this time with him.

Good luck to you and the little guy.

I am sure he has been feeling the strain of your marital problems! They are smart.
You need to eat plenty of food, good food, and carbs for your milk to have high calories for nursing. you sound like you've done good on this point but the hospitals don't teach to drink a glass of water everytime you nurse.So drink up and take your vitamins!!
If you've been under stress due to your marriage and not eating enough that could be it.
NEVER feed your baby food this early, it can cause allergies!
If you have done these things, he could just be a small guy!!
Fear not, pray for him and trust God, and He will look after your baby!

I wouldn't worry too much about it. BF babies gain weight more slowly than formula fed babies. The charts and standards are based on Formula Fed Babies. Your baby just might be small. My daugther--who is now four--was very small. In fact, I don't even think that she is on the chart. Develpomentally, she is fine. She was a happy baby--and continues to be a happy child. I think she's 36 inches and maybe 28 pounds today....

My son, however, was a different story. He wasn't gaining weight...and he was EXTREMELY fussy as a baby. (Though, he was gaining MORE weight than my daughter did) I just felt something wasn't right this time. He spit up when ever I drank milk. Once I cut milk out of my diet...he seemed to do a little better. He was diagnosed with Failure to Thrive at 9 months. Sometime between 6 months and 9 months, I began to think that maybe he was allergic to Wheat. The doctor's tested him for Celiac Disease. When that came back negative, they advised that I just FATTEN him up. So, I fed him lots of whole milk, yogurt, cheese, etc. It didn't work. Finally, at one year, he was diagnosed (after a severe reaction) with multiple food allergies....Milk and Wheat included!

That meant that I needed to cut all of his allergens out of my diet as well since I was still breast feeding. He gained weight quickly...and is on the chart now.

My whole point in telling you this is that perhaps you should take note of the things that you are eating and how your baby reacts to them....If he throws up everytime you drink milk...try cutting milk completely out of your diet for a few weeks and see if that helps. (That means nothing with any milk at all!).

Again, I'm sure your baby is fine....just keep breast feeding! And, maybe contact Las Leche League. There are many online meetings which I found very helpful. Good luck!

It may be that your current emotional state is causing you to feel nervous about this. A divorce can be quite stressful. If he is meeting and surpassing all his milestones I'm not sure what the concern is. It does sound like he may be a little on the small side. I would just take him to the doctor to be on the safe side, or even seek help in the community. I had some issues nursing my son and I went to a La Leche League meeting and they really helped. They are not just knowledgable in nursing, they have alot of experienced women with alot of advice and support. I also had a visiting nurse who was a certified midwife and lactation consultant and she helped me as well. Between the advice they had to give and the help I found online, the support of my family and friends and God's grace, I made it through the rough time I had in the beginning with post partum depression and nursing issues. I hope all will work out for you and I'll keep you and your child in my prayers.

I would see a lactation consultant. My daughter had similar weight issues and it turned out that even though she was eating for up to an hour it wasn't productive eating so she wasn't getting enough milk. (It sounds like your son is getting enough as the ammount of dirty diapers, but a lactation consultant might be a good idea just to be on the safe side. I know this really helped for us.)

Chantel,
I'd suggest calling your local La Leche League leader to get help.
The amount of wet and poopy diapers seems fine to me. Look at the amount of fat you are eating, maybe add flax seed powder and seed butter.
Good luck,
L.

Chantel,
You are not doing anything wrong. The fact that your son is eating well and producing the poops and urine is the sure fire indication that he is eating and eating well. Babies just take different strides with putting weight back on once they lose the birth weight. And as you know, each child is very different so don't compare him to your other boys. He will only put on a few ounces every couple of weeks anyway so don't get alarmed. Only be concerned if there were dry diapers after feedings. Take and good luck.
Dani-mom to a 3 1/2 year old boy and 7 month old girl, wife to a hard-working husband and BF counselor by day!

I had the same problem. My son was 6lb 4oz and by one week later he was barely 5lb. I was also breastfed and I also only gained 29lb with that pregnancy. He just was not gaining weight. By three months we has about 11 lb and the doc was concerned. I stareted to supplement formula once a day and he plumped up,fast. I was devasteted, thinking I couldn't help him but seeing him get bigger was worth it. The doc said I just couldn't maintain my weight so in turn, his either. I thought I was eating enough and he went through plently of diapers so I was less concerned but when I started supplementing he started reacting to me and others so he was a happier baby. I eventualy changed over completely by 5 or six months and he did fine. He is now 5 and still eats everything and is still a small guy. I am only 5ft so I understand!!

Chantel - Congrats on you new BB!

I was reading thru the responses and there are a lot of good ideas, but I thought I'd add mine as well. I had similar issues with my BB born last September - he was 7lbs 5.8 oz at birth (4 wks early) and was down to 6lbs when he came home at 22 days old. He lost some more in that 1st week home. I, too, was BF, but because he was hypotonic (low muscle tone), I was expressing and giving him BM in a bottle, so I knew exactly how much he was eating. He is now a thriving 7 1/2 mo old in the 90% for height & weight. Here is what I did; it might work for you...

* Definitely speak with his pediatrician – they will be able to tell you if there is any underlying medical issue that would preclude him from gaining weight.
** Wake him to feed every 2 hours (around the clock) for a week or two until he starts gaining weight - this is tough, especially with other kids (I also have a 6 & 4 yr old).
*** When you nurse, use one side each feed - I know the conventional wisdom is to do 10 min per side, but the foremilk that they get in the beginning has fewer calories than the hind milk at the end of the feed. If you let him nurse on one side until you are "empty" or he is full, he will get more of the high-calorie milk and it will help with the weight gain.
**** Try not to stress too much - I know this is hard, especially with your current situation, but babies can sense the stress and tension and react to it.

Good-Luck! I will keep you in my prayers.
~ B.

Chantel,

I experienced this w/baby # 3. When the pediatrician told me to start supplementing w/formula, I burst into tears! Why??? I don't know why we burden ourselves w/guilt about this. If you doctor suggests it, I would just do it. It does not at all me that you give up breast feeding. In fact I would breast feed at every feeding. I would pump some first. Then he would nurse since the more fatty milk comes later when nursing. Then I would supplement w/formula. Don't be afraid to do it. It worked beautifully and when I saw the results, I didn't feel guilty. Just keep what's best for him in mind rather than negative feedback. Discuss w/your doctor and make a sensible healthy choice for you and your baby.
M.

Ask your pediatrician about it. Also, you say your are getting 2500 calories, are they the right kind? Stress could be playing a part in it as well.