Dropped to 3rd%

Kat - posted on 05/01/2009

Emily doesn't like Avocado, so I bought some Cottage Cheese, so I'm going to mix Cottage Cheese, Avocado & some tomato to see if she'll eat that to try get some good fats into her. My next appointment is on Thursday coming, so we'll see hey.....

Amy - posted on 04/30/2009

I understand how you feel completely! My son was 6 lbs 7 oz when he was born and he is 9 months now, and we just went to the dr. today. She has been concerned with his weight for awhile, and today she was toying with the idea of diagnosing him with Failure to Thrive. He is 27 1/2 inches (almost at 50%), his head circumference is 17 1/2 inches (again, 50%), but he only weighs 15lbs 14oz, which is almost not on the charts. He looks perfectly healthy, and eats like a horse. He nurses before every meal, and for breakfast the last two days, he has had an adult serving (probably 2 c. cooked) oatmeal, an entire mango, and an entire pear. Then for lunch, he'll eat a whole sweet potato, and for dinner, he'll eat a whole banana, plus about 2 cups of veggies. Then he nurses before he goes to bed. He's not crawling yet, so he's not burning extra calories, so we don't know why he's not gaining weight. He had back-to-back UTIs, so she's referring us to a urologist to see if maybe there's something going on internally that is sapping all of the energy his body needs to grow, and sending all that energy into fighting off infections.

There's just no telling why he's small - probably genetics, is what I'm guessing. I think doctors just want to have their bases covered when it comes to things like this. Suggest to your doctor that before you consider supplementing, maybe they can do a blood count to see if there's an elevated white blood count, and maybe there's something going on inside. If not, she's probably just destined to be small. You, and only you, can make the ultimate decision to supplement. I understand how you feel, though - I don't want to supplement - EVER! The dr. hasn't suggested it yet, and I'm hoping she won't. Let me know what your dr. says, maybe I can try it too!

I'm planning on feeding lots of avocado, for sure!

Krystal - posted on 04/30/2009

both of my children have been small since the beginning. My son is just 25 lbs at his 2 1/2 year check up, and my daughter was 20 lbs 8 oz as her 18 month check up. They have always been less than 5% for weight. although they have been gaining weight very slowly - they are gaining. their pedi is fine with them where they are - they reached their milestones close to when they were 'supposed' to, always had the correct number of wet/dirty diapers in the beginning, etc. they're just small! my daughter was EBF until almost 6 months when i started solids. my son started formula about 5 months of age (i got pregnant, my milk changed and dried up blah blah blah and even that didn't make a difference.
i know i'm not of much help - i just wanted you to know that there are some other little babies out there too.

Tara - posted on 04/30/2009

My son was similar to your daughter. He has always been in the 95th percentile for height and between 3rd and 5th percentile for weight. He has always been a great eater and is healthy. Try not to worry too much as long as your daughter is meeting her milestones and seems healthy she is likely just a slim build. As you increase the more calorie dense solids she will likely gain enough to calm your worries.

Stacey - posted on 04/30/2009

Just pointing out that pumping milk cannot accurately tell you how much milk you are producing. A baby is more efficient at drawing milk than a pump. Best way to tell is by weight gain over time, wet diapers and baby's comfort after nursing. Also, babies hit a bit of a plateau after gaining so rapidly during the few months. It sounds like you know your baby so maybe it's worth having a chat with your doctor and if you are not satisfied then perhaps it may be time to find a new one.

Melissa - posted on 04/29/2009

My daughter was sometimes 3% very rarely, mostly 5- 10% and as long as she is wetting and soiling the proper amount of diapers the fingernails havent changed colour and lips arent cracking I wouldnt be worried .

Have you pumped to see aprox how much milk she is getting/

How old is she?

Also has she recently become more active as then they burn calories I fed my daughter a lot of avocado, very little prep time very big nutritious meal



I am sure she is good but if you are worried try possibly getting a second doctor appoinment

I also found some people weigh there children sometimes pre poop or after they pich either one instead of both this is handy when having a smaller child I found when my daughter was in the 3% it was because I was weighing after poop and the 5- 10 was pre poop, surprising it makes a differance It took me a while to figure it out lol so maybe try booking your appointments at about the same time I know my baby poops same times everyday if this would work for you it may be worth a try

I hope you good luck and relax a bit she is beautiful and perfect

Kat - posted on 04/29/2009

Emily was 6lb13oz born. She has gained weight consistantly ever since & never dropped any weight (except the 1st couple days as normal). She has a chubby little face but that is her face shape more than anything. Her body is long & lean. Her height is in the 50th%. She sleeps amazingly well (11.5hrs over night & 5 hours during day in 3 naps). Never complains & is very happy content little girl. She poo's every day & nappies are wet at every change. You couldn't ask for a more perfectly healthy baby - in my eyes. I don't worry about her at all because I see my Mother who is very lean & has been all her life. She is a good eater & very athletic. My Husband & I are both short - but overweight. But neither of us have big frames to start with.

Geralyn - posted on 04/29/2009

Katrice, I know its every mom's fear that her baby is not getting what she needs. I totally agree with the other posters that you should rely on your motherly intuition. She is doing amazingly with solids and is breastfed. It definitely sounds like she is getting enough food. If she is eating so well with solids at her age, why would they have you introduce formula? If its only because it may be denser in calories, I agree with the other poster that there may be additional solids that could assist with calories.

The % charts are guidelines firstly, but they are also based upon a population of babies, many of whom are formula fed. Our breastfed little ones get sufficient calories and the milk and solids is broken down better than the formula fed babies.

Dr. Jack Newman is an authority on breastfeeding. I have his book, and have read the information on his website whenever I had concerns about supply or other issues. The link is: http://www.drjacknewman.com/breastfeedin...

Most pediatricians don't know anything about breastfeeding. I understand your concern about %s, but I honestly think that you should get a second opinion if your pediatrician recommends supplementing or switching from breastfeeding to formula.

Despite what the % chart says, you and your daughter are doing really well with feeding. Good luck, I hope that you can get assistance to put your mind at ease....

Stacey - posted on 04/29/2009

The growth charts are so worrisome. If your girl is happy, sleeping, peeing and pooing and growing, then everything is okay. At six months my daughter was really tall (I can't remember the percentage) but her weight was low (again, can't remember). But she was growing, happy, learning stuff, sleeping okay so the doctor said we'd check her weight again later. She's gained weight over the last couple months. I suggest you feed her avocado, firm tofu, cook her vegs in a bit of olive oil and stick to whole milk yogurt and cottage cheese when you introduce them.

Lindsey - posted on 04/29/2009

My son was 9lbs 11.5 oz when he was born. He now weights just over 19lbs. He has always been in the 95 percentile until his 6th month check up when he dropped to the 75th percentile. The health nurse gave me "crap" for this... As if I could control it, he eats and eats and eats. But, he has started moving around which has slowed down his weight gain. Now that he is getting solids every day, including protiens, I am sure his weight gain will increase again, I am anxious to see what he weighs on his 7 months b-day.
No matter what the health professionals say, you are her Mommy and the decision is ultimately yours if you don't want to supplement with formula don't! Personally, I wouldn't but that is because I know Jeremy is a good eater and isn't going hungry. It sounds like you also have a good eater. Try giving her more protein and some avocado, which is packed full of health fats!!!

Nicola - posted on 04/29/2009

I'm 2wondering if she was large small or average at birth and how this compares with your own and her fathers size if she was quite large and you are both small its not surprising if she is not gaining weight fast. she looks happy and healthy in the photo. I would do a feed weigh then you can see how much she is drinking from a bf.

Neshamah - posted on 04/29/2009

I think that you should definitely consider what the doc says but as a parent you know your child best! Assuming you are acting in her best interest and not letting your own prejudices etc get in the way...you are the one who can best make the decisions about her and her diet. If she starts losing weight rather than gaining then considering supplementing might be in her best interest. It sounds like you want to do what's best and it sounds like she's on a fairly healthy diet as a 6 mon old. Don't get discouraged or too pressured by anyone. Is that the picture of your daughter b/c she looks pretty chubby in that picture.