Scheduling

Jennifer - posted on 12/05/2008

Owen was born at 8lbs 10ozs and at his one month appt weighed 10 lbs and I breastfeed whenever he wants to eat, which seems to be quite often. His pediatrician never said anything about his weight and actually seemed happy that he's gaining, because thats what babies should do. Owen is 5 weeks old today and I also heard about the growth spurt at 6 weeks, so I say, if the babies are hungry, feed them!! Put them on more of a schedule later on.

Lauren - posted on 12/05/2008

I have never heard you can over feed. Most babies will stop eating on their own if they are not hungry. My son was born 8 lbs 12 ozs at birth and at his 1 month appt he weighed 12lbs exact. He is eating about 6 onces every 4 hours except at night (i pump the milk due to my schedule). Your child will let you know if she is hungry or dirty trust me. She will let you know if she needs something. Right now she is getting what she wants without complaining! I think its good.

Anika - posted on 12/05/2008

Thank-you for your help! It has been stressing me out quite a bit, and is nice to hear what other moms think.

Stefanie - posted on 12/04/2008

i found one more link http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/gro...

Stefanie - posted on 12/04/2008

First, that does not seem like too much weight to me. My son gained about a pound a week the first month (and still is putting about that much on at 6 weeks, maybe a bit less). My pediatrician never said a word about the weight gain other than he is a big healthy boy. http://kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/... Kellymom has this cool calculator to see what is "normal" weight gain for a breastfed infant. Under the calculator is a small chart that says what the normal parameters are. You are supposed to go from the lowest weight your daughter had after birth. http://kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/... That link points out that breastfed babies gain MORE than formula fed babies during the first 3 months, then from 3-12 months gain at a slower rate. So if your doctor is using the standard growth charts (which used babies that were formula fed), then it isn't an accurate chart for YOUR baby. This one is: http://kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/...

Second, you cannot overfeed a breastfed infant.

Third, though I am normally opposed to schedules for babies, especially breastfed ones (since schedules can decrease milk supply), if your daughter is fussing less because of a schedule, maybe you can do some sort of mixed routine. I agree that teaching her to communicate her needs is VERY important, that is one of the biggest reasons I feed on demand, have him nap on demand, etc. Whatever he needs when HE needs it, not when it is convenient for me. Maybe you could encourage her to eat big meals during the "scheduled" times, but let her snack when she feels like she needs it. I know I can tell when my son is just full enough to be satisfied, but hasn't had a full feed. If I am in a hurry (like in a store where there is no place to sit, so I have to feed standing/walking), and know I can feed him a full meal in just a little bit (within a half-hour, hour at most), I do that. I feed until he is content, then offer the breast as soon as I can. So maybe you could just do those smaller feeds when SHE wants, but then try and get her to have a longer feed on the "schedule." I hope that makes sense, and doesn't seem like I am trying to say to not feed her when she wants.

To make a long post longer - YOU are the MOMMY and YOU know best. Since your daughter is obviously healthy, I think you should do what you think is best for her, not just here and now, but what is best for her in the long run.

Jaime - posted on 12/04/2008

that is funny because my son was 7lbs 8 ounces at birth and by his first month he was 11 1/2 lbs! That is significantly more weight and our pediatrician said he thought it was great. I do not know why it would be a problem that she is gaining weight, our pediatrician says it is most likely just the baby catching up from losing some birth weight.

Melissa - posted on 12/04/2008

My boy was 7lb at birth and dropped to 6lb 8oz. At his 1 month check he was up to 9lb 14oz. The pediatrician said that they like babies to gain 1/2 to 1 ounce a day. I try to schedule my feedings at every 3-4 hours. That's what seems to work best for him and he's growing like crazy! I agree with the others and do what you feel comfortable with and what makes your baby happy.

Ashley - posted on 12/03/2008

My baby was 7 pounds 7 ounces when she was born and 9 pounds 9 ounces at her first appointment and my pediatrician didn't have a problem with her weight. She had lost about a pound after delivery too.

Alison - posted on 12/02/2008

I think your doctor is probably more concerned w/ the rate she is gaining weight rather than the actual number. Our daughter is gaining about an ounce a day. She is a preemie and apparently that is a good rate for the little ones. I believe doctors like the term babies to gain about 1/2 ounce a day. That being said...if your baby is happy and satisfied then that's the most important thing.

Christine - posted on 12/02/2008

Our baby was 9 lbs and 4.6 ounces at birth. She dropped to 8 lobs and 12 ounces and at 5 and a half weeks, she was 11 lbs and 1.4 ounces. She is in the 90% percentile for weight, but she is not roly poly. She is healthy. She told us we might be overfeeding too, but if she is hungry, I will feed her. Our Viviana also grew 1 and a half inches so I guess I'm not so worried. I've seen bigger babies and the last thing I want is for her to be sickly during this time of year. My friend's baby was 24 lbs within only 5 months, and then didn't add weight for a year. Babies grow how they want, just like the rest of us. Do what makes you feel best.