Baby Not Gaining- Need Your Advice

My oh so DS hasn't put on ANY weight in the past 3 weeks (possibly even 4 weeks since I didn't get him weighed without his clothes on) and he seems to be ok EXCEPT for when he's feeding. He's EBF and therefore I can't really tell how much he's taking in. Have just tried pumping which barely gave me a couple drops (it is the afternoon) and is making me really upset. I never thought my supply would've been an issue but perhaps it is now. I just want to have an oversupply so it's easy for son to feed. I think he may be lazy nowadays and once he gets the little bit of milk, it's enough to get him happy and stop feeding. I've already seen a LC and the dr to rule out anything that may be affecting him adversely (infections etc). They didn't do any blood tests but if he hasn't gained weight by next Tues, then they'll recommend me to see the pediatrician. "Nothing is wrong with him," the dr said. "He seems happy and healthy!"

Here is how my feeding goes:

2am-5am wakes for a feed (does a good one b/c there is a build up overnight). Then 7-8am feed again (not too bad of a feed usually).

Then 11-12 another feed and this is when he is fussy. He'll fuss around for quite a bit during the feed which may last from 10-15 mins. He'll go for about 2-3 mins and get the letdown and once it slows down again, he'll try and try to squirm off the breast. After several attempts to get him to latch back on (and trying to burp) I will switch him to the other breast. He'll go on and fuss til he gets the letdown and then he'll suck slowly (where it feels like he's barely getting anything). Eventually he'll get his way b/c he keeps pinching my breast when he pulls off and it hurts . I tried giving him top ups when he went for a weigh in and only gained 60g in a week, then it went 3 weeks til his next appt and found out after all those extra feeds, he hadn't put on anything. He is a very alert boy, stays up for about 1.5-2hrs between feeds (4 mos old) and sleeps for 1hr-2.5hrs (most times it's 1.5 hrs) 3-4 times a day. He wakes at around 7 to start his day and used to go to bed at 7 but now I'm delaying it so that I can squeeze in another feed.

After the 11-12 feed, he'll get another one around 3-4,

another at 6-7 and another at 8-9.

So, that ends up being 6 feeds a day (how DO YOU get 8 feeds in and are they full feeds or does 8 include topups--and topups are only BM?). When I went to the dr and the LC they suggested he be fed in a dark room with little distractions as he is easily distracted. He's rolling around a bit and does a lot of tummy time so the dr say's he's buning calories up there. I wanted to hold off on starting solids but I may just have to start if he doesn't gain (at least that's what I'm thinking). Hmm, think I covered it all. If I missed anything, just ask. Sorry if I went off in tangents and am all over the place.

OTHER QUESTIONS:

What do you do to get an oversupply (anything you eat/drink)?

Has this ever happened to your DS/DD and how did you get them to put on more weight?

Anything would seriously help a fretful mother!

Thanks!

Oh chin up hun.....skinned rabbit here too

Often height and weight go in turns so 3 wks of not gaining weight is not uncommon. The feeding sounds fine - if he was hungry, he'd ask for more. (And if you didn't have enough for him, he'd let you know, too.)

Also not every 4mo is into rolling or even moving a lot and that's probably where the weight is going. Weigh him again in 3wks and I bet he would've moved. Oh, you're probably about due for a growth spurt soon too.

Fist up, remember you are doing a great job and this is normal!

He may be fussing and feeding frequently becasue he isn't draining one breast before getting the other breast., so is only gettiing the foremilk wich isn't as filling as the hind milk.

Its also important to remember that baby is the best breast pump and the best indicator that your supply is good. If he is having plenty of wet and dirty naps then he is probably ok. Feed him often, he may be trying to vuild up your supply by wnating to feed often and don;t offer him bottle or dummy as this affects him building up your supply (ie he;s sucking them instead of you)

You cannot "run out" of milk, either, you make most of what baby needs while he is feeding. It will differ in makeup depending on the time of day. Try not to get too hung up on the "volume" (mls) of a feed, baby will take how much he needs when he needs it.

Check to see he is latching on properly, too.

Get plenty of rest if you can. Forget about the washing or the housework and spend a good part of a day just lying close to baby andletting him feed when he wants and re charging your batteries.

Sorry hope this dosen't sound patronising! I have just this week done a training course through La Leche and now have a liscence to set up and run a peer support councelling programme. Ring La Leche, they may be able to point you in the direction of a peer support person and they will give you heaps of good free advice!

At the end of the day, you just need to try to trust that your body and your baby knows what they are doing!

Hugs to you xxx

Oh yeah and also they don't gain at this age like they did as newborns, either. Also he is probably beign very curious about the world...

Here is a recipe for Tigers Milk which I find fantastic:

2 teaspoons brewers yeast (optional - if you are prone to thrush I would leave this out)
1 egg
600ml Milk
1-2 Bananas
2 Tablespoons complan
Mix together

Drink one glass every time you breastfeed for 24 hours then rest for 3 days and start again.

He gained! 150g in 2 weeks but hey, it's a gain! Dunno- am told he's at this developmental thing where he's just not that into the boob (not a foodie) and that he's easily distracted with the outside world.

Still wondering about the mini Pill but mentioned to Dr. and she didn't seem to think much on it.

hey there mel&kel, that sounds like a good tea brew. will definately have to try it as I have 2 of the ingredients already (hub is Indian). thanks

Yay Niecey! Lol at him grabbing everything, they are so curious aye.

My DH is half Indian, so we have them all at home.

I think the fennel and fenugreek are the main ones.