slow weight gain

[mjohnson2410]

My daughter will be 5 months tomorrow and has had slow weight gain since she was born. She was 8 pounds, 15 ounces at birth, but lost down to 7 pounds, 15 at 1 week old. She was 2 weeks early and had jaundice. It took her to 4 weeks to get back to her birth weight. She is now 12 pounds and her pediatrician wants her to gain 2 pounds in the next month. The pediatrician also wants me to supplement with 8 ounces of formula a day and start her on cereal. I have started supplementing with formula and that seems like it is going okay. I tried her on cereal and she had tummy trouble for a day and a half until it passed. I think I'm going to hold off on the cereal for a few more weeks. She nurses 6-7 times a day for 7-8 minutes on each side. I don't stop her; we quit when she refuses the breast. She has 8+ wet diapers a day and has a bm every day or every other day. I would appreciate any help.

[vickikreiner]

Sounds like you are doing a great job. Have you tried pumping milk to supplement with? You could ask your Ped about adding powdered formula to your breast milk for calories. Have you tried using a supplemental nurser when you nurse? Have you tried Barley or Oatmeal cereal instead of rice? Do you think your milk supply is good?

[mjohnson2410]

Haven't thought of pumping and adding powdered formula to it, but I will. I will also try Oatmeal or Barley cereal, too. I'm pretty sure my milk supply is good. When she pulls away, I will go to hand express and milk comes squirting out. She is nursing every 2-3 hours during the day and will go a 6-7 hour stretch at night. Could my 2nd or 3rd letdown of milk not be happening fast enough for her and she gets mad and gives up too quickly? Could teething be a factor?

[vickikreiner]

Be sure to check with your Ped about how much powdered formula. Oh yes, teething could be a factor as well as a slower 2-3rd let down. Try compressing the breast and releasing to get the flow going, deep breathing and relaxation too. Babies tend to get easily distracted at this age as well.

[mjohnson2410]

thanks for your help!

[vickikreiner]

You are so welcome. Please let me know how things go!