9week old not gaining weight very fast.

Gwen - posted on 03/23/2011

It's not about the actual weight but rather how much they have gained. Doctor's want to see about an ounce a day. My son was born on January 18th at 5pd 13 and at two months was 8pd 3 oz. So he is in the 3rd percentiles but the doctors are happy because he is gaining weight. I also have to supplement with formula which makes him happier.

Shelly - posted on 03/21/2011

The chart they use in drs offices for percentiles is not for breastfed babies. There is a different chart for the breastfed ones. Every baby does gain weight and grow at different rates. If your baby is happy and is satisfied after meals then they are fine. Its fine to nurse the baby then top up with formula.When I was in hospital they told me to do that. I would have to agree that the rice cereal wouldnt be a good idea. They have very sensitive digestive systems and cant handle food of any kind that requires alot of digestion. GL he will gain weight. Babies usually Gain weight then grow taller so if hes growing then thats why he wont gain.

Jenna - posted on 03/20/2011

The norm is double birthweight by 4 months and triple by 12 months but each kid has a different way of getting there. I would def get a 2nd opinion as most doc's wont recommend rice cereal at that early stage. It fills them up instead of them drinking more milk which they need.

My daughter born 6lb 3 oz on 1st Jan is now around 11 or 12 lbs. I admit, she was born premmie and after a few feeding hiccups and jaundice has fed like a demon and really had a few massive growth spurts but she has slowed down a lot!

Jonie - posted on 03/19/2011

My son was born Jan 7th too! 9lbs 1oz. Over the next few weeks he actually went down to 7lbs from jaundice, but bounced back fast when we had that taken care of. Point being, babies are resilient and stronger than you think and they are all different and will grow at different rates no matter what the "norm" is.

Lisa - posted on 03/18/2011

my daughter is 9weeks old she was born 10th jan weighing 8lb 2 1/2oz she now only weighs 9lb 7oz she is on the 50th centile for her height and 9th centile for her weight she has one 6oz bottle of formula once a day. My health visitor said that she is healthy, happy and alert so they happy with her. She feeds every 2-3hrs in the day and sleeps from 10:30pm to 7am, they said if she wasn't getting enough she would wake up.
The Dr's and health visitors have decided that she is going to be a slow weight gainer.
Your sisters little boy does he fit his skin or is it loose on him? That what my dr was looking at with my daughter making sure she fit her skin, he also said that she is all muscle and has no fat on her at all, maybe that is how your sisters little boy is going to be

Brittany - posted on 03/17/2011

That's pretty funny. My son was born on the 5th and was 9 pounds 7oz. He's gained weight like a champ though. At his two month appointment he was an oz less than 15 pounds. He is 97% for heigh and weight. And he is only breastfed. I wonder if she's making enough milk. Has she tried anything to get more milk? I read eating oat meal can help.

Brittany - posted on 03/17/2011

That's pretty funny. My son was born on the 5th and was 9 pounds 7oz. He's gained weight like a champ though. At his two month appointment he was an oz less than 15 pounds. He is 97% for heigh and weight. And he is only breastfed. I wonder if she's making enough milk. Has she tried anything to get more milk? I read eating oat meal can help.

Charleen - posted on 03/17/2011

My daughter grew very fast and my first son grew very slow. Luckily I had a lactation consultant to help me for free at the hospital. She said I has enough milk to easily feed twins and helped me not freak out when the dr started sending him for tests. Turned out he was fine and he is still on the little side but so is his dad and that entire side of the family. My baby noww is growing quickly like my daughter did. Be was born January 19, 2011 and was over 11 pounds at 5 wks. He was my smallest at birth too at only 8 lbs. A lb smaller then my other two. Don't worry yourself babies grow differently and I agree with the others I would questiion the rice cereal. Try and get a second opinion

Jennifer - posted on 03/16/2011

My son was 8.13 lbs born on jan 4th I had to change formula like 3 times but he is only 10.14lbs now and he eats a lot so its ok

Connie - posted on 03/14/2011

My doctor blessed supplementing with formula along with nursing, especially if the baby is still acting hungry after he's nursed. I do it with my son, and he's gaining well. I'd be more concerned that the crying is due to the rice cereal in the bottle. At 9 weeks, his digestive system might not be able to handle the extra substance and it could be terribly painful. Is he spitting up after he eats or with his burps? Has she tried pumping to see how much he's getting? Is she eating enough?

Breastfeeding is hard work. Harder still when you're stressed out about the baby. Formula won't hurt him, and there are so many varieties out that will send you samples to try until you find one that fits him best. Good luck to her!

(My LO was 12 pounds at 2 months/8 weeks 3 days, and he's in the 50% for his weight, but he was born at 7 lbs 3 oz.)

Felicia - posted on 03/13/2011

Babies gain weight at their own rates. My son gained very slowly, and my daughter is gaining very fast. I nursed with both of them. I think she should get a second opinion on the following up with a formula bottle after nursing (is that what the Doctor recommended?), in my experience doctors usually want you to exclusively nurse. Btw he may be crying most of the day because of the formula, it does give some babies horrible tummy aches. I know the rice really does keep them nice and full though but also can cause tummy aches.

Is there a lactation expert in her area? At the wic office offered out were I live, they have one and they are so helpful to turn to as a nursing mom. There are things she can do to increase her milk production and such.

I hope her little one gets gaining soon! He will eventually, some babies just take a little extra time. Let her know that she is a great mom, its hard to breast feed and she is doing the best thing for her little guy by sticking with it. Good luck!!