Weight worries

Vikke - posted on 03/03/2009

theres a few things to think about.. is your daughter breastfed or formula..
- the chart that the dr generally use is from a formula company and it based on a male formula fed child...
- are you a big person, I am 5'2" and my husband is 6"... both our girls are small.. like 3rd percentile (using that chart)
- my 2nd child was born at 7 lbs 11oz and is now 11 months old and 15 lbs.. My feeling is that as long as your child is hitting milestones (ie rolls over, tummy and communication) you should worry
- does she get sick all the time?

From my experience with a child that is "underweight" its not that important as long as they are health and happy... a great place for breast fed charting and info in Kellysmom.com

Rebecca - posted on 03/03/2009

Is she growing? Is she doing what she is supposed to be? Then don't worry. Some kids are small. As long as they are thriving, does it really matter. My daughter is 4. She 43" tall (that's the 95th in height) she weighs 34.5 lbs (that's the 5th in weight). She always has been tall and thing. She is doing everything she should be. She is very healthy. Really, as long as they are healthy and she's isn't losing weight, then the numbers are bs. I never followed them and can't stand doctors that harp on them. If your small, your child will be. If you are tall, your child will be.

Barbara - posted on 03/03/2009

Quoting Kathleen:

Quoting Barbara:

Quoting Kathleen:

Quoting Tamara:

Quoting Kathleen:

Hey, thanks for response you guys.. It makes me not worry as much.

To Denise: In the beginning, I've been breastfeeding but since the last week, I breast feed and supplement w/ formula also twice a day because my doctor said I should also supplement with the breastfeeding.

What reason did your doctor give for supplementing?

He was concerned of her weight when he used the growth chart for her age... but the doctor didn't even know how to use it in the beginning... stupid!

 

Also I like to add, if it affects anything about her weight but.. since the last... 2 weeks or more, she hasn't been pooping as much. For example, she would go all day without doing it but when comes morning there be a huge one! and other days none at all. I asked someone and told me give her some juice or some gripe water  to get her bowels working but it hasn't been working as well as I expected and she seems like she cries in pain, like she's pushing all the time. I don't know what to do about this, it's frustating to see her cry.

That probably has to do with the addition of formula to her diet.  It is much harder to digest than breastmilk, so it cause her to be constipated and uncomfortable.  Do you nurse on a schedule or on demand?  Sometimes schedule nursing can cause issues with gaining weight because there is so much built up foremilk and the baby doesn't get a chance to have the more fattening and satisfying hindmilk.  I would give nursing exclusively another try. 

By the way, those charts are based on a small population of bottle fed white babies from Yellow Springs Ohio in the 1950's.  They really need to expand them, and until they do I wouldn't put much faith in them.  :)

It's comforting  to know that I'm not the only one dealing with these kind of things.

 

I heard about foremilk can a problem but didn't know it can cause issues to not gain much weight. To answer your question: I usually feed on a schedule.. well kind of.. not at the same time every day but every 2-3 hours I will feed her.. is there anything one can change to make sure she's getting more of my milk than the foremilk?

All milk starts out as fattening hindmilk, but as it sits in the breast the fat in it is reabsorbed into your body and it becomes more watery.  That is what foremilk is, it is the oldest milk in the breast and therefore the first to come out.  The longer the interval between feeds, the more foremilk there is that your baby has to eat before she gets to the good stuff.  She's filling up on watery foremilk and missing out on all that fat.

I would feed more frequently, and let her nurse for as long as she wants when you do.  Sometimes it might seem like there is nothing left in there, but that's because there is fresh fatty milk coming out at that point.  Just let her nurse and nurse as much and as frequently as she wants, and I'd be willing to bet that her weight will go up. 

I hope this helps.  Good luck, and happy nursing!

Nicole - posted on 03/02/2009

my son was the same way. he is 6yrs old now and is still in that percentile. and my brother not kidding at 4 years old he was only 30lbs. and that is the 5 th percentile or less. and both are developing well my brother is 16 now and healthy as can be. same with my son.

Leanna - posted on 03/02/2009

I would not worry at all. Yes, its below average but every baby is different. If that is her in your photo she looks completely healthy!! Don't worry, its only a percentage!!

Cecilia - posted on 03/02/2009

My daughter was under her weight for awhile after she was born then all of a sudden she got fat..haha so I wouldn't worry too much especially if she is longer...she will grow at her own rate, just like every child does.

Cathy - posted on 03/02/2009

I agree with the post to go back to exclusive breastfeeding. I am currently nursing my third baby, and while my kids have not had a problem gaining weight, I sympathize with your worries. Remember that even though she is low on the scale, she IS gaining. I would also suggest that you contact a lactation consultant. Afer evaluating your feeding schedule, (frequency and duration) she may have some tips for helping you and your baby. Good Luck!

Kathleen - posted on 03/02/2009

Quoting Barbara:

Quoting Kathleen:

Quoting Tamara:

Quoting Kathleen:

Hey, thanks for response you guys.. It makes me not worry as much.

To Denise: In the beginning, I've been breastfeeding but since the last week, I breast feed and supplement w/ formula also twice a day because my doctor said I should also supplement with the breastfeeding.

What reason did your doctor give for supplementing?

He was concerned of her weight when he used the growth chart for her age... but the doctor didn't even know how to use it in the beginning... stupid!

 

Also I like to add, if it affects anything about her weight but.. since the last... 2 weeks or more, she hasn't been pooping as much. For example, she would go all day without doing it but when comes morning there be a huge one! and other days none at all. I asked someone and told me give her some juice or some gripe water  to get her bowels working but it hasn't been working as well as I expected and she seems like she cries in pain, like she's pushing all the time. I don't know what to do about this, it's frustating to see her cry.

That probably has to do with the addition of formula to her diet.  It is much harder to digest than breastmilk, so it cause her to be constipated and uncomfortable.  Do you nurse on a schedule or on demand?  Sometimes schedule nursing can cause issues with gaining weight because there is so much built up foremilk and the baby doesn't get a chance to have the more fattening and satisfying hindmilk.  I would give nursing exclusively another try. 

By the way, those charts are based on a small population of bottle fed white babies from Yellow Springs Ohio in the 1950's.  They really need to expand them, and until they do I wouldn't put much faith in them.  :)

It's comforting  to know that I'm not the only one dealing with these kind of things.

I heard about foremilk can a problem but didn't know it can cause issues to not gain much weight. To answer your question: I usually feed on a schedule.. well kind of.. not at the same time every day but every 2-3 hours I will feed her.. is there anything one can change to make sure she's getting more of my milk than the foremilk?

Barbara - posted on 03/02/2009

Quoting Kathleen:

Quoting Tamara:

Quoting Kathleen:

Hey, thanks for response you guys.. It makes me not worry as much.

To Denise: In the beginning, I've been breastfeeding but since the last week, I breast feed and supplement w/ formula also twice a day because my doctor said I should also supplement with the breastfeeding.

What reason did your doctor give for supplementing?

He was concerned of her weight when he used the growth chart for her age... but the doctor didn't even know how to use it in the beginning... stupid!

 

Also I like to add, if it affects anything about her weight but.. since the last... 2 weeks or more, she hasn't been pooping as much. For example, she would go all day without doing it but when comes morning there be a huge one! and other days none at all. I asked someone and told me give her some juice or some gripe water  to get her bowels working but it hasn't been working as well as I expected and she seems like she cries in pain, like she's pushing all the time. I don't know what to do about this, it's frustating to see her cry.

That probably has to do with the addition of formula to her diet.  It is much harder to digest than breastmilk, so it cause her to be constipated and uncomfortable.  Do you nurse on a schedule or on demand?  Sometimes schedule nursing can cause issues with gaining weight because there is so much built up foremilk and the baby doesn't get a chance to have the more fattening and satisfying hindmilk.  I would give nursing exclusively another try. 

By the way, those charts are based on a small population of bottle fed white babies from Yellow Springs Ohio in the 1950's.  They really need to expand them, and until they do I wouldn't put much faith in them.  :)

Kimberly - posted on 03/02/2009

Hi, I'm actually in the same situation with my 6 month old daughter, who now weighs just under 14 lbs. She was 6 lb 10oz at birth and dropped a pound at 3 days old due to refusing food. I have her on cereal and strained veggies now, I hope that puts some weight on her, because I'm worried about her being in the 5%. Other than the weight issue, she is developing excellent and just cut her first tooth (2nd is due any day).  Being a new mom, there is always some kind of concern, but I just try my best and learn from it! Good Luck!!! :)

Beth - posted on 03/02/2009

I definitely want to echo the other mom's views about weight. My oldest is 2 years 5 months old and is between 22 and 23 lbs. She is the size of an average 1 year old! She is below the charts in weight and in the 10% for height. She also wears almost a size 5 shoe - which is not easy to find for a walking child! I have done my share of obsessing, worrying, and research - only to realize that she is just a petite, happy, energetic kid. She also had pooping issues - although mostly too much of it rather than not enough. I will say, if your doctor is making you more anxious, please consider switching doctors. I did that when she was 2 months old and am SO much happer with my new doc.



Hopefully, there is something that can be done to help your daughters bowel movements and relieve her pain. Perhaps revisit your diet and play around with it? That has helped me with my second daughter - now almost 6 months old.



Good luck!

Kathleen - posted on 03/02/2009

Quoting Tamara:

Quoting Kathleen:

Hey, thanks for response you guys.. It makes me not worry as much.

To Denise: In the beginning, I've been breastfeeding but since the last week, I breast feed and supplement w/ formula also twice a day because my doctor said I should also supplement with the breastfeeding.

What reason did your doctor give for supplementing?

He was concerned of her weight when he used the growth chart for her age... but the doctor didn't even know how to use it in the beginning... stupid!

Also I like to add, if it affects anything about her weight but.. since the last... 2 weeks or more, she hasn't been pooping as much. For example, she would go all day without doing it but when comes morning there be a huge one! and other days none at all. I asked someone and told me give her some juice or some gripe water  to get her bowels working but it hasn't been working as well as I expected and she seems like she cries in pain, like she's pushing all the time. I don't know what to do about this, it's frustating to see her cry.

Toni - posted on 03/02/2009

I had a similar problem with my daughter. She put on weight so slowly that she kept dropping in her percentile. The health visitor just told me it wasn't a problem so long as she was eating well (which she was),  her nappies were wet with regular bowel movements and so long as she was putting weight on no matter how slowly instead of losing it. Sometimes she would only put on half an ounce in a week, but they weren't worried so long as it was going on and not coming off.

Incidentally I was once told that breastfeeding makes for leaner babies and formula for 'chubbier' babies. Not sure if this is true though.

Courtney - posted on 03/02/2009

Is this baby number 1? Only asking, because I worried about everything, but I only had one and I felt like the only one who didn't know all the mom secrets. But come to find out, there is no two alike:-)

DO NOT WORRY! Every baby grows at its own pace. the doctor would say something if they were alarmed. I am betting that if they had done all the same measurements of you and your babys daddy when you were growing over the first year, there would be a similair pattern. You will see over the next year or two that things tend to level out. Sometimes they will grow more or gain more and sometimes less. But in about a year your baby will be right in line with where you or your husband were as a year old .

My doctor charted the same information and confirmed that y son would be about 6'2" as an adult, now that was at one. There is no one in my family or his dads that tall. I told the doctor his dad is 5'8" and my dad 5'10". He assured me Cole would be tall. I went home and thought the doctor was just crazy. Sure enough at four he confirmed, Cole would be about 5'10" as an adult. So, its just a chart, an average, but your baby is perfect and going to do things at her own pace. You just keep taking good care of her, loving her, and she will grow to be a close resemblance of her genetics:-)

Joanna - posted on 03/01/2009

You may want to consider finding another doctor. Your baby looks perfect! (And adorable) I don't see why you would need to supplement!

Denise - posted on 03/01/2009

All babies grow at different rates. As long as she is having at least 6 wet diapers a day, she is fine. I wouldn't bother supplementing unless she is acting overly hungry.

Amie - posted on 03/01/2009

Hi there, I agree with the other mom's don't worry overly. Some kids are just small, while some are just huge. Like mine. The lowest one was my oldest and she was in the 95th percentile. That is daddy in them though, they definitely got his height and solid build. I BF all of mine. I have a friend though who all her kids were in the 5th percentile, her and her hubby are both small people though so it wasn't too surprising. It just depends on the kids and the parents. Also, it might be where I live but I know the charts they use here to measure these things are universal, BF and formula fed babies. It's just averages, doesn't mean too much just to show generally where your kids are on average to others their age. At least that's what they've always told me. =) Only friend who ever had a problem was because her baby was underfed and it was brought to her attention but not using the charts, it was through observation and her doctor's appointments during the health check ups. Found out why quite quickly too, her babies were formula fed and it was her first, she was mixing the formula wrong. =)

Tamara - posted on 03/01/2009

Quoting Kathleen:

Hey, thanks for response you guys.. It makes me not worry as much.

To Denise: In the beginning, I've been breastfeeding but since the last week, I breast feed and supplement w/ formula also twice a day because my doctor said I should also supplement with the breastfeeding.

What reason did your doctor give for supplementing?

Kathleen - posted on 03/01/2009

Hey, thanks for response you guys.. It makes me not worry as much.

To Denise: In the beginning, I've been breastfeeding but since the last week, I breast feed and supplement w/ formula also twice a day because my doctor said I should also supplement with the breastfeeding.

Denise - posted on 03/01/2009

aRE YOU NURSING YOUR  BABY...THOSE CHARTS ARE FOR FORMULA BABIES, AND NURSING AND FORMULA BABIES DO NOT GAIN THE SAME

Andrea - posted on 03/01/2009

As long as she's not significantly dropping off her curve, I wouldn't worry about it. Is she at the same percentile as when she was born?

Nicole - posted on 03/01/2009

i honestly wouldn't worry one bit. my daughter is 5wks and only weighs 6lbs. she was 5.1 at birth and was full term! she's perfectly healthy and very strong for her size! she's in the 1%!!!!

Debbie - posted on 03/01/2009

As long as she is developing, there is no reason to be worried.  My son was 9 lbs 1oz at birth around the 95th precentile.  He gained weight slowly and dropped to the 5th precentile by 6 months.  The doctor kept saying that as long as he is gaining he would be fine.  He is 10 years old now and still small for he age, but doing great.

Nicole - posted on 03/01/2009

I think as long as you are feeding her and she is meeting all of her requirements she will be just fine.

Jolene - posted on 03/01/2009

I wouldn't worry. My niece is in the 5th for her height and 25th for her weight. Every baby is so different and as long as you can tell shes thriving your fine.