well, shucks!

[munchkinfairie3]

So, as it were...I have been breastfeeding my LO now for 6 months. Go us, right!? That's what I thought too, especially since she is also eating breads, baby mum-mums, fruits and veggies, and the rice cereals. Well, she's been having an issue with weight gain. She is currently at 12lbs, a gain of (drum roll please) 2 entire ounces since she was last weighed 2 weeks ago. I feel the milk let down, I'm feeling full, and then empty, and I am also hearing her swallow. What is it that I am doing so incredibly wrong that my LO isn't gaining?! So, today her doc took urine, tomorrow I have to find a sitter for my other kids so I can take LO to the lab for blood work, and then they want me to do a sweat test for cyctic fibrosis. HOLY CROW! Anyone else had a scare like this? Oh and let me once again add that she refuses anything aside from the breast. As in, eats solids OK...but no bottle or cuppy for this boobie-baby. Though I won't lie and say I don't enjoy this close, personal time I get to so end just her and I. Its relaxing, and really she has this effect on me where when we are nursing the world seems to be at peace, no matter how bad my day is going, how unruley my other 3 children are behaving...its just bliss.

[FLmommy0204]

Is she getting mobile?  It's common for weight to stall (even drop per my new pedi) after 6 months.  Baby gets mobile and starts burning those calories like crazy!  Look at the bigger picture.  How much total weight gain since lowest weight?  Meeting milestones?  6+ diaper changes a day?  If so, you're good. 

Any ohter weight issues prior to the 2 week weight check?  Methinks the doc may be jumping the gun with a bunch of unnecessary tests! 

[sreichelt26]

Becoming mobile can contribute, but it's probably the solids. Especially the breads and cereal - they're empty calories that fill bellies without providing nutrition. I'd cut back on those and nurse more. Breastmilk is higher in calories and fat content than solids.

[munchkinfairie3]

I am breastfeeding like a newborn as per my Dr. She is only 3lbs heavier than birth weight.

[Elyssa414]

As far as the CF, we have a few CF mommies in the raising special needs kids group. Maybe you can ask in there for some advice? (my son has West Syndrome, so I have no personal experience with CF). Good luck Mama!!

[collinsmommy0]

This. Baby shouldn't be eating any solids before 6 months, rice cereal is as nutritious as cardboard, and baby needs to be nursing before any solids up to a year.

Baby's diet should be at least 75% breastmilk or formula up until a year old. The slow weight gain is likely due to too many solids.

Another likely culprit is a sensitivity to cows milk.

Quoting sreichelt26:

Becoming mobile can contribute, but it's probably the solids. Especially the breads and cereal - they're empty calories that fill bellies without providing nutrition. I'd cut back on those and nurse more. Breastmilk is higher in calories and fat content than solids.

[munchkinfairie3]

Quoting collinsmommy0:

My baby is 6 months, almost 7.

[gdiamante]

My first thought is to ask for a weight history. Only gaining two ounces in two weeks is pretty normal at this age. They don't grow at a steady clip but rather in fits and starts. At six months, if she's six pounds heavier than her lowest weight and making all milestones and wetting/pooping enough, you're fine and doc has you jumping through hoops for no good reason.

But I also have to note that solids are known to slow gain rather than increase it. Nurse first, solids after, all the way to the first birthday. She can have ZERO solids and be better nourished than an agemate who gets three square meals a day and no breastmilk.

[munchkinfairie3]

Let me expand, I am feeding her baby veggies and fruits too. She is being given solids as per her age group, pediatricians reccomendations. She is also being breastfed for approximately 20 mins each side every 3 hours. She is mobile.

[Pink.Daisies.23]

That's still A LOT of solids at 6 months. By 7 months my daughter had tried avocado and banana. She didn't even eat solids every day, maybe once every other day. If you're truly concerned about weight gain, cut out solids and nurse more. You will likely see a gain pretty fast.

Quoting munchkinfairie3:

Quoting collinsmommy0:

My baby is 6 months, almost 7.

[Pink.Daisies.23]

Timing feedings could be another problem. Do you unlatch her then switch sides or wait until she is done them offer the other breast?

Quoting munchkinfairie3:

Let me expand, I am feeding her baby veggies and fruits too. She is being given solids as per her age group, pediatricians reccomendations. She is also being breastfed for approximately 20 mins each side every 3 hours. She is mobile.