Breastfeeding Problem!

[BobbysMom2007]

Please do not believe anyone who tells you that all your child needs for the first 6-12 mos. is breastmilk!!  Not all babies are the same!  My son was born at 7.5 lbs and 20 in.--perfectly average.  By his 2-month visit, he was up to 14 lbs. 5 oz. and 23 in, which put him in the 90th percentile for weight and 25th for length.  This week, he went for his 4-month visit.  Keep in mind, we had noticed that he was getting considerably skinnier, but thought that he was just getting really long and thin like his daddy (6'1'', 145 lbs.).  He had dropped down to 10 lbs. 11 oz. and 24.5 in.!!!!  I have been trying to do "the right thing" by exclusively breastfeeding, but had also been supplementing with 1-2 bottles/day and some baby food. I have also, as a stay-at-home mom, been feeding my son on-demand.  As it turns out, that was not enough!  My baby was still hungry, but wasn't letting me know!!  Not my obstetrician, nor his pediatrician, nor the lactation specialist, nor the online resources, nor the "What to Expect" book warned me of this.  I was completely caught off-guard with my son's sudden weight loss.  He is now right on-target for his length (50th percentile), but has gone in two months from the 90th to less than the 5th percentile in weight!!  I still believe that all babies need breastmilk--do not misunderstand me there.  However, I have completely changed my outlook on what my child needs the most.  I have gone (since his appointment) from mostly breastfeeding and supplementing with formula and baby food to mostly formula and baby-food feeding, supplemented with breastmilk (for all the important anitbodies and nutrients he needs).  This way, my son is getting the caloric intake he obviously has been missing, but is still benefitting from the natural nutrition of his mother's milk.  Since we have made the change, my son has been eating like crazy!  This is simply a warning to all new mothers out there: do not assume that your child's needs are completely met by breastmilk alone.  Monitor his/her growth and make changes as needed.  I wish I had known this a month ago!!!

[EODwife05]

Jan. 25, 2008 at 12:47 AM I agree, every baby is different. There are alot of breastfeeding nazi's out there that make you feel like scum if you don't breastfeed. Don't buy into it, a lot of babies need more than breast milk. True for thousands of years we have breastfeed BUT if the mother couldn't do it they had wet nurses that would or feed them goats or cows milk. I was very upset that I couldn't breastfeed but my son just wouldn't take it, I pumped for 4 months and my in-laws thought I was crazy they thought that I just didn't try hard enough.( they all breastfeed) But my son is very very healthy and has never been sick ,knock on wood! So yeah if you think your baby is not getting enough breastmilk then your probably right. Formula is not the devil and your baby will probably sleep like a log after you give them some!

[maddiegracesmom]

Jan. 25, 2008 at 4:52 AM NO SHIT!! I went through the same exact experience as EODwife05.  I started breastfeeding my daughter in the hospital and at night the nurses would ask if I want to supplement. So I said yes. The following day when I barely pumped not even an ounce. After feeding her that, she was not satisfied so I supplemented. She drank 2 oz. like she was starving. Well, I continued to breast feed and supplement for few days.  Then I threw in the towel and said ,"this breastfeeding just isn't for me." This one decision took alot of weight off my shoulders. It  allowed me to focus on my baby and enjoy every moment with her, instead of worrying if she's hungry or not.