Son not gaining enough weight

[MochaMom]

Hi,

My son just had his 9 month check-up yesterday and he only gained 6 oz since his 6 month visit. He weighs 15 lbs 11 oz. He went from the 16th percentile to the 3rd. He's been breastfed exclusively until around 6 months when I started introducing solids - pureed fruits and veggies. He only eats a little of the solid foods (except oatmeal cereal, which he seems to really like.) About a month ago, I felt something wasn't right, that he wasn't getting enough milk because he was on and off the breast very quickly (even though he's always been an efficient eater). I was nursing him every three to three and a half hours. Now his pediatrician recommends that he see a GI/Digestive Healthcare Specialist. I really feel that it's more of a milk supply issue, which I'm trying to correct by feeding him more often, eating better, getting more rest, drinking lots of water and taking Fenugreek and Mother's Milk Tea. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

I agree with you that concentrating on trying to increase your production and how much milk he gets is probably the best solution here! Definitely I would recommend following your doctor's recommendation to see the GI specialist to rule out any other causes of slow weight gain, but in the meantime, keep doing what you're doing as far as nursing as often as you can (nurse first, before offering solids - breastmilk contains more fat than most fruits and veggies), and taking herbs to increase production certainly wouldn't hurt. If you have a breastpump, you could also try pumping for 5-10 minutes after his feedings, just to boost your supply even a little more (you can also use that expressed milk to mix with his oatmeal to add a few more calories).

When you do give him solids, try to give him foods that are richer in calories, like avocado, sweet potatoes, bananas.

While 6 oz. in 3 months is certainly on the slow side of weight gain, keep in mind that it's very normal for weight gain to slow down quite a bit in the second half of the year. Typical weight gain for a breastfed baby from 6-12 months is around 1.75-3oz/week.

Finally, I want to share with you a wonderful article written by Dr. Jay Gordon, called "Look at the baby, not the scales":

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/bf/scales.asp

Good luck!

[MochaMom]

Thank you so much for your reply Kerry. I look forward to reading the article and applying your suggestions.

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

Good luck and I hope it's helpful!