Please help me. I just took my baby to the doctor for a
"weight check" that my doctor said she should have. She was born on
July 1,
1998. On her 4 month check up on Oct. 20th she had only gained 6 ounces in about a month
and a half. So I upped her feeding schedule. On November 3 I took her back and she had
gained 9 ounces in two weeks. So the doctor said i didn't need to supplement. But today
when i took her she only had gained one ounce. Please help me i want to keep breastfeeding
my baby sooooo bad. I had my tubes tied so this is my last chance to breastfeed and bond
with my baby. thank you so much.
You did not tell me how much your baby weighed at birth or how much she gained
during her first 3 months. Since you are concerned about the slow weight gain during her
4th month, I will assume she was gaining well up until that time. Realize that it is
not just weight by itself that is important. Hopefully your baby is growing in length and
head circumference and reaching developmental milestones on time (such as rolling over).
Sometimes genetics plays into the picture. Either you or your husband may also have been
slow gainers as babies. It would be good for you to document your baby's weight for that
very reason. When she has children, if they are slow gainers, she can show the doctor that
it is a genetic trait.
Look at what may have changed during the past month. Have you started on birth control
pills, begun having menstrual cycles, had a cold or the flu, had your baby start sleeping
through the night? All of the above can reduce milk supply. Are you taking any other
medications that may affect milk supply, such as cold or allergy medications
(antihistamines)? If the answer to the above is no, then what about your baby's nursing
habits. Has there been any change there? Is she taking bottles? If so, are you pumping to
keep up your supply? Is she sucking on a pacifier? Sometimes babies will be so
"pacified" that they won't demand to eat. The key to keeping a good milk supply
is frequency. The more often you feed, the more milk you will have. Also, it would be wise
if your baby is going long periods at night without eating to wake her up. Going long
period without nursing can cause your hormone levels to drop. It's the hormones that keep
you lactating.
Stress can also play a role. If you get sick (physical stress) or are going through any
emotional stress, it can have a definite effect on your milk supply. Anything you can do
to reduce stress will help--getting more rest can be very beneficial (not to be confused
with 8 straight hours of sleep--no new parent can expect that; I mean taking naps while
you are trying to build up supply and not trying to be a Supermom!). Renting a
hospital-grade electric breastpump for several days can also help. I advise pumping each
breast for several minutes after feeding your baby. Within 2-3 days, most women will be
making more milk.
Hope this is helpful. If you try these techniques and do not get good
results, let me know.
Cher Sealy, RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL
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