Breastfeeding Moms Please Help!

I had a very similar experience with my son. He was exclusively breastfed, and for the first few months of life he was extremely fat and at the high end of the growth chart. I introduced solids at 6 months. Between 6 & 9 months he did not gain any weight at all, and has settled down at the bottom of the growth chart since then (around 25th %). I didn't notice any changes in my milk supply until he was probably 9 months old and was eating 3 meals a day. When we first introduced solids we did so very slowly and gradually worked up to 3 meals a day. I continued to breastfeed until he was 15 months, he pretty much weaned himself at that point. Don't worry, he seems very normal. Keep up the good work!

I breast fed my 1st. He started on solids (cereal) at first & seem to grow better that way. I personally wouldn't breast feed after 1 yr. I believe, that they need nutrients provided by regular food after that. My son was active, interested in regular foods. I think they grow better on regular foods after 1 yr. You are breast feeding him because you want the dependence on YOU. That may not be what he needs, nutrient wise, or otherwise.

Sounds happy and healthy and great to me! Darn doctors I wish they would say these charts that we base these so called growth charts off formula fed babies.

My daughter in law breastfed both her daughters, and the same thing happened at about the same age (6mo)they didn't show as high on the growth charts, after being in the midrange or high percentile. Both daughters were perfectly healthy. After a little bit, they matched the other babies in their growth charts too. Pediatrician said it was breastfeeding.

The charts are averages of both breastfed and formula fed babies. She breastfed both for a year. They are fine, healthy in all ways and adorable. I think it will be the same with your son

I don't think I need to add to anything else said except keep up the good work!! Sounds like your doing great.
I am currently breastfeeding my 3rd. He is 7 mos and still nursing lots even though he is on solids.
I'm glad to see other moms that feel breastfeeding is important!

Hi W.,
My son went through phases where he would nurse like crazy and then snack at times. Your body will adjust to his needs just be patient it will get back to your normal. I had a similar moment with my son at about 6 months as well. I was not ready to stop breastfeeding either! About as week or two later he was back to his normal routine and we got to breastfeeding until he was 12 months old! Don't give up your faith...you are doing the best for your child so keep offering it and when he gets hungry he will nurse!
M.

Hi W.,

I haven't read all of the responses, but I just wanted to tell you please don't worry! Every child is different. They grow, learn and eat with different schedules and patterns....just like adults ;). Here's a link with info on babies height and weight at 4-7 months:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/growth/grow47m.html

As far as the breastfeeding, he's receiving nourishment from the food and the breastmilk - he will let you know if he's not getting enough of any one thing! Always remember, kids (of any age) will eat when they are hungry!! Your body is smart. It makes milk on a supply and demand basis. If he begins eating more, you will produce more. If you are still worried about your supply, you can always pump in between feedings. Even if he doesn't want to take the milk from a bottle, that's ok, at least your supply will build up.

Take Care & God Bless!

I am the mother of 4 who has breastfed my babies from 18mo-24mo. It sounds normal to me. My babies were all 8-9 pounds at birth and so were at the top of the charts at first and then leveled off at around 50% or so. I learned the important thing is porportion not just weight. You're doing great- just keep feeding on demand.

My daughter, who is 16 months, was a breast fed baby and got the same results, as soon as she started to eat more she caught up. She still breast feeds but not as much, mainly in the morning. But I went through the same thing you did because my daughter was only breast feeding and nothing else. But it all turned out fine. I hope this helped. Have a good day.

W.,

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. He is within normal range so try not to worry. Like you said, he probably lost a little weight after surgery and will soon gain it back.

L.

The surgery probably had a little bit to play in the weight drop as well. My daughter had 2 major surgery by 6 months old and is still way under weight. She just turned 18 months and is still under 20 pounds. You would never know it though, she has so much energy and her health is perfectly fine now. Just remember there are going to be days when he eats everything in sight and days were he won't eat anything and that is normal.

I think worrying about what your kids are eating enough/too much is the biggest anxiety mom's face and it dosen't stop.

Keep up the good work, it is not as easy to nurse pass that 6 month mark.

Well, I'm not sure how much I can help because I'm not a breastfeeding mom. I tried so hard but could never produce enough milk so I'm so jealous of you!! Anyway, I do have two little ones who are consistently on the low end of the chart. My son was a chunk and then at 6 months old leveled off and ended up on the low end. He started crawling, walking, etc. My daughter was even more like this. They both eat well--especially my little girl!!! My daughter eats anything we give her and she eats 3 good meals and snacks in between. But she is always on the low end of the chart--as low at 10%. We have to go in for weight checks all the time. She eats and eats and then runs it off--she's very busy and pretty petite for her age. I think those charts scare a lot of parents. You said that during the day he's wound up--sounds like you have an active baby too. I feel like most of the time they will eat when they're hungry. It also sounds like you're doing a great job of feeding him when he needs it. My daughter is healthy and strong! Sounds like your little boy is too. I hope this encourages you!

Breastfed babies usually level off some between 4 and 6 months. They will often drop in percentiles because as the baby ages, the fat content of your milk changes to be appropriate to the baby. The reason formula-fed babies do not change like that is that formula never changes, so they gain at a more consistent rate. This is TOTALLY NORMAL, and how your baby SHOULD grow! Don't worry. :) Also, a high percentile doesn't mean "good." The charts used by the CDC in most physicians' offices also reflect the fact that most American babies are formula fed, so the weight averages are inflated. Go to kellymom.com and check out where your son ranks on the breastfed baby charts. He'll likely be higher.

My daughter dropped from 30th percentile to 10th between 6 and 8 months (she weighed barely over 17 pounds at her first birthday). She was walking well by 9 months, and now at 4 is squarely in the middle for height and weight. My son, who was so tiny that he was only 9 pounds at six months is now in the 50th at 2. Like Dr. Sears says, look at the baby, not the chart or scale. If he's happy and healthy, relax. Milk almost never just dries up on its own in a breastfeeding mom (pumping exclusively can lead to that, but not nursing from the tap), and your milk is tailoring itself to his needs. Let him try the solids for practice, but otherwise remember that you are still his main source of nutrition for the first year. Stick with it--you're doing great!

W.:

Don't worry. I breastfeed both of my my boys until they were almost 2(no bottles)along with solids. This was very important to me as well. I have two boys and I was told the same thing. Unless your son is losing weight no need to worry. I stopped listening to the doctors when they gave me the % information because all it did was upset me thinking my kids were going to be short or too skinny. My oldest son,is turning 12 yrs.old and is already 5 '5'. And now I am told he is big for his age. My 6 yrs. old is 3 '8' and he has grown a few inches since last fall. They both eat constantly and are very active. You would have never known they were once considered being in the low % range. I hope this has helped.

A.

W.! i know this is late... just wanted to praise you for breast-feeding! I said I would nurse for a year and it turned into three so go with what is natural for you. My Daughter is super healthy, no ear- infections or other illnesses that formula feed infants suffer w/ and I have nursed everywhere in public from the Riverbanks Zoo Tram to teaching a CPR class if anyone has a problem with you nursing then it's their problem! If you are looking for a nutritional supplement to increase milk supply try Brewer's yeast(1x tbsp.per 8oz.)or "mama's milk" tea from Earth fare and nurse on!

No need to worry. My daughter was breastfed till 14 months and started solids at 5 months and never slowed down on nursing. She was also from 6 months till 2 years on the 1% of weight. She was in 57% for height and 89% for head. She is now close to 3years and is healthy as a horse. She fits into age appropriate clothes. Trust me 36% is normal and average. You are just worrying because you are a mom.

Hey W.,

Don't worry, it sounds like you are doing an amazing job! This is a hard transition time as you are possibly going to need to nurse less, but it is all part of the natural process. It also can be alarming as they seem to be growing soooo much the first few months and then it starts to slow down and even out--this is just fine. As long as your little guy is happy, has normal wet and soiled diapers, you know his body is getting what it needs and using it properly. Just have faith in your instincts. If he does start nursing less, that doesn't mean that he is getting less. He could just be getting more efficient and drinking more at different times. I nursed both my boys a little over 1 year and they are both happy and healthy and have been, even when I wasn't so sure what is going on. That is just how it is with breastfeeding, but they will let you know if they aren't getting what they need. So just continue to do what you're doing and he'll be fine. Don't be concerned unless there is a true reason to be concerned. My oldest turned 3 in Feb. and for the first time ever was over 50% weight. My 2nd little guy was 10 lbs at birth and always stayed above 75%. Every baby is different and those percentages just show how they are compared to all the other children their age. There are so many factors that play into all of this--genes, nationality, activity level, etc...

So I hope this just encouraged you to keep up the good work!

J.

Trust your own intuition. If he seems healthy and not too skinny, he should be fine. I am still nursing my son who just turned one but am now down to nursing 2x per day. Start feeding him food and solids and keep the milk coming to him as needed. Your milk supply should stay fine as you begin to cut back on the amount. Call LaLeche if you want advice and know that he can be fine on less breast milk and more of the other foods that are good for babies his age...organic whole milk yogurt, fruit, rice cereal, etc.

You are doing everything just fine! I really wouldn't worry about it too much. My 5th child is currently 6 months old too and I too started him out with avocado and he is doing great. Sure sometimes our milk supply will slow down (even though yours has not), but usually because our child is eating solids.

BUT, if your little one becomes fussy while trying to nurse, then you'll know. But, if he is happy, then no worries. Believe me, he'll let you know. If that becomes a problem (it did for me with my 4th child), just take Blessed Thistle and Fenugreek or Mother's tea and you'll be fine. Definitely keep your water intake up.

Oh, most breastfed babies LOVE to nurse, even when they are eating. My little one LOVES to nurse....I can't imagine him not wanting to.

Sounds like you are doing great!

If your Dr. says not to worry, then don't as long as your child is consistent from Dr. visit to Dr. visit, then that is "normal" for your child. Remember 29% of kids are below your child and 69% are above. It's just a number. Good for you to keep breastfeeding just stay hydrated and keep the stress down and you'll be fine. :)

Breastfed babies DON'T usually match the standard growth charts, and you're lucky to have a doctor who is aware of this and is reassuring you. Unfortunately, the standard growth charts that have been the reference for decades, AND ARE STILL USED BY MANY DOCTORS, are based on a study conducteed in Ohio from 1929 to 1975, where the vast majority of the infants were formula fed, and, according to one account, there was also very little ethnic diversity. Over the years, breastfed infants generally jumped into the high percentiles and then dropped below average. This disturbed some doctors and
sometimes these babies switched to formula, reinforcing the idea that a breastfed infant's growth wasn't quite "normal".

But this is how human babies are *supposed* to grow, mom's milk starts out super-high in fat to build the brain the first few months, then the milk gradually changes to a lower level of fat and the babies weight gain slows down. Cow's milk (the main component of formula) is intended to help baby cows grow fast thoughout the first year. Baby cows need to learn to walk almost immediately, and... there's not an awful lot of brain growth needed for a cow. They don't even have to be smart enough to hunt.)

Remember, ANY growth chart, even the ones based on breastfed babies isn not a test - it's a statistical distibution of *healthy* babies. The babies in the 3rd percentile were as healthy as those in the the 97th - it isn't just the middle ranges that are considered "normal" - anywhere in the chart is normal.
Your child is right in there near the center, so I wouldn't worry. (I have ridiculously healthy kid that hovers around 2-4%. No one worries about him because... he's obviously healthy - you can just tell.) "Look at the child, not the chart," as Dr. Sears said.

The CDC(Center for Disease Control) have started creating growth charts where the reference population have some breastfed children, at least proportional to the number of breastfed infants in the population.
Even better, the WHO (World Health Organization) is collecting data for growth charts for exclusively breastfed babies. (What a novel idea, huh?)

"Average Growth Patterns of Breastfed Babies"
http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/growthcharts....

(BTW - that avocado is a *great* first food - those are brain-building fats. I also started putting strawberry-flavored DHA supplement - Nordic Naturals - in his bottles of breastmilk around that age. Several years later, both my boys insist on having their "strawberry yummies" every morning.)

For info on starting solid foods, see
www.wholesomebabyfood.com

Mom, don't worry! I just happened to have an age/weight chart nearby, and you're right-- 16 lbs. is considered low for a 6 month old boy, but did you know it's just about 50% for a girl? I know parents whose babies were barely 20 lbs at well over a year, and they were formula-fed. The point is, every baby is different, and someone has to be at the 99%, and someone has to be at 1%-- that's just how percentiles work. If your doctor isn't concerned, and your child seems fine and normal to you, don't worry about it. Your son probably will want to nurse less as he eats more solids, but that's normal too, and it's a whole different issue. The bottom line is, you're doing fine-- breast feeding is the best thing for your child, and I would just relax and keep doing it for as long as you can. Good luck!

your son is normal and so are you. keep breastfeeding him on demand, your body will do what it needs to do.

I breasstfed both of my kids until they were 3 years old. My 11 yr old was the same way. She is now 11 and 5 foot 1. He will be fine. The slow down of weight gain will pick up again. My son did that, they are just curious about the new food. My son's interest in nursing never went away. He would snack and nurse during the day, he wight gain slowed alittle, then when he got used to the new food, the wight gain picked up again. I was freaked when my first did this too. Hang in there its worth it. don't let the numbers frek you out. If he looks and feels healthy to you, he's fine. All babies are different. mine ate and acted differently and gained differently, but they are both healthy kids.

Everything will be ok! I nursed til 14 months, when my daughter begin biting and it was just not fun anymore! I had enough milk for maybe 2 feedings a day but I no longer pumped, that would have probably kept it strong. I'd consider talkin with a Lactation Consultant from Wellstar Cobb Hospital! I called them for advice til I stopped nursing! good luck!

And they will nurse less when solids are introduced, it's only natural because it's another meal :)

Hi W.,

My daughter has been breastfed and was recently started on solids (sweet potato & acorn squash - both of which she loves). I was also worried about her weight because she never seemed to gain that much (especially compared to other babies her age). She is now 7 months old, weighs almost 17 1/2 pounds and is about 26 inches long. She looks pretty chubby when you look at her, and the comment I usually get is that she doesn't look too hungry! She is still BFing about 8 times a day even with cereal in the morning and veggies in the evening and like your little one really likes to eat at nighttime. She is a happy little baby who really over the last month hasn't gained much weight at all. The local lactation specialist & pediatrician all have said as long as she is eating well and not losing weight to not worry about it. I know it's hard, but one thing you can do to check on your milk supply is to weigh the baby before and after a feeding. Our lactation specialist has a special (or at least very sensitive) scale. What we do is weigh the baby before she eats and then afterwards. Believe it or not, you can see a few ounce weight change which is basically how much the baby has eaten. (You have to weigh the baby within an hour of eating as they'll digest the milk.) The other thing you can do is bring the baby back to the pediatrician in a week or so for a reweigh.

Also, is your husband (or you) or either of the family members on both sides on the thin side? Genetics do play a role. Some babies are just thinner than others, and it doesn't mean they aren't eating enough. Your little one will let you know when he is hungry during the day, and if he's not when you try, I'm sure you'll know. Hopefully he doesn't bite too hard!

My daughter also had a stomach bug a few weeks ago and seemed to lose a little weight but gained several ounces back over the next few weeks.

Have you thought of joining a local BF support group? It's a great way to meet other moms and to talk to them weekly about what's going on with you and your little one. Your local lactation specialist or the hospital you delivered at can likely put you in touch with a BF support group or La Leche League. The groups are really helpful.

Good luck!

Unless the doctor is telling you he/she is concerned, do not worry. My daughter was always around the 75% mark for head circumfrence, 50% for height, and 25% for weight. As long as they are progressing at a certain rate, there should be no cause for concern. For instance, if your son wasn't gaining weight at all, then the doctor might suggest nutrition supplement or some sort of diagnostic testing. But if the doctor isn't worried and your son appears healthy, you shouldn't worry either!

W.-
Please please do not worry about those stupid percentiles...ugh- I wish they didn't even give us those- All three of my boys are only in the 7%ile- and my 2 yr old is only in the 2nd! he was exclusively breastfed and was almost 20 lbs at his 6 mos check up- now at 2 he is only 25 lbs....as long as he is healthy- please do not worry about those percentiles...the only time you should worry is if he isn't gaining any wieght at all or is sickly and lethargic...kudos to you for breastfeeding! I can be tough- but it's so good for them!
Good luck to you
Nikki
mom of 3

It sounds to me like you have a healthy kid and a healthy habit. Keep it up. Weight sometimes fluctuates -- no worries!

I experienced the same thing in my daughter. It's true however, that breastfed babies tend to lose signficant weight. Both of my daughters did, and both of them were breastfed exclusively until about eight months. Just keep an eye on him. Make sure he's still urinating and making bowel movements. Just watch him closely, and use your mothers instinct if something doesn't feel right. For months my daughters peditrician were telling me the same thing. Throughout, they were both very happy and joivial babies. They both eventually caught up to the 'growth chart', although they are still slim for their age. Alot of that is genetics however, because my husband is slim, and I've never been that heavy myself. So keep genetics in mind as well. I'm positive everything will be fine. Just keep an eye on him. And if something doesn't seem right, don't hesitate to ask your baby's doctor.

W.,
Don't worry. My little girl has always been on the low end of the spectrum and was solely breastfed. Remember that the weight and height charts that are used in the States are based on a mixture of breastfed and formula fed infants. The international growth chart that other countries use is based solely on breast fed infants. If you look it up, I am sure that your son would be on a higher percentage as my daughter was. I just chose not to worry about the growth chart. My daughter has continued to grow and is happy and healthy. That is what really matters not how she/he compares in weight and height to other babies. I know it is harder said than done, but if he eats and grows, what more could you ask!?

sounds pretty normal to me. there is a growth spurt at 6 months, he will eat more. And he won't always be above that 50% , my son was 90% when he was born, and he evened out.

Don't worry! My daughter started leveling off at her 9 month appointment. She wasn't too interested in solids until then anyway. She was always around the 50th percentile in the beginning and has slowly gone down from there, but it is quite normal. She's a pretty good eater now at 19 months, but doesn't eat in huge quantities and still nurses about three times a day. Now she is only in the 3rd percentile, but the key is that she is still gaining and is proportional (she's just long and lean). Anyway, don't worry and get caught up in the percentiles. As long as you know your son is healthy, that's all that matters!

Your milk is superior to any formula made on the market. If there are problems with the surgury that is killing his appetite, that is different. If he eats heartily and is little, and his brain is growing, his weight is of secondary importance.

Was he given antibiotics with the surgury? If so, you may want to add proibotics to make sure he is not getting a yeast overgrowth, which will cause him to want less healthy food.

My daughter was tiny, wieghed 20 pounds way past her 2nd birthday, is five now and well above the 50% percent, in beautiful mental and physical health. Weight is not the measure. Color in the skin, no circles under the eyes, good energy level, brain growth, developmental milestones are the measures I think are important. I hope you get lots more help, but also reassurance of your ability to provide the most important thing you can give him.

J.

I was so happy to read all the responses you got in support of your situation. You would think that breastfeeding was the most unnatural thing if you pay attention to the attitudes of most people, even today, which is crazy just based on all the research. If you think you want to up your supply, especially for pumping purposes, take the supplement fenugreek. It can be bought at any GNC or healthfood store. You can take one to three a day and within a day or two you will feel the difference, but if he seems satisfied then you should just keep up with the nursing on demand and like the others said, follow your instincts. Ours are very fine tuned as breastfeeding moms.

Sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with your son!!! I am currently breastfeeding my 3rd child (5 mo old boy). All 3 of my children were different, they are all unique with breastfeeding, and different on how they gained weight. Just drink plenty of water and pump when he is not nursing as much. Keep up the great job!

Don't let statistics scare you! Every baby is different and 36% is no cause for alarm. Your doctor is absolutely right, as long as he continues to grow there is nothing to worry about. Remember that solid foods are a supplement to breast milk until 12 months, so breastfeeding is very important for his growth. I have a lactation consultant with my company and she highly recommends www.kellymom.com for breastfeeding questions. It has tons of information with references to scientific studies.

I wouldn't worry. My daughter stopped eating alot of solids at 10 months and would only eat certain foods. She dropped to the 7th % but still had some rolls of fat and was fine. She is a champ. eater and her weight is steadily climbing back up. My mom said not to worry if she eats. There are so many obese kids out there that I shouldn't worry.

I did have supply issues, and it was easy to tell since DD would let me know she was hungry. Your LO will eat when hungry and is happy so don't stress. Your Dr. isn't worried, you shouldn't be either. The %s aren't a grade, 36% can still be a healthy happy baby. Good luck, you are doing a great job.