Increase Feeds?

[First Time Mom]

Hi ladies,

Sorry, kind of long!

My dd sleeps through the night now so is missing her night feed, bf's a total of 5x- 7,11,3,6:30, and df 10:30. She seems very content but her weight gain has slowed, which I know it does sometimes after 3mths. She's always been on the small side and is now 11pounds 9oz at 5mths. I read yesterday that once a baby reaches 12 pounds they barely get what they need in less than 5-6 feeds. The bfing clinic told me that she should be feeding 8x and to pacify w/ breast instead of a paci . Obviously I don't want to do this! Doc was concerned w/ her weight at 4 months (was 11 pounds) and told me to add solids and to replace bfing w/ formula but I didn't. At her 5 month appt doc wasn't as concerned as she is still gaining, though less.

My question-
To increase supply for her continued growth what do I need to do? I know some women pump but I don't, never even bought one as didn't have luck w/ it in the hospital (even her df is bf). Should I buy a pump and try now? Should I increase her feeds, maybe add the cluster feeds again? Yesterday, during her 4 and 6 feed I put her on longer, when she finished both sides I put her back on the first, then the second and she took a wee bit, will doing this add to the supply?

I was also thinking of introducing cereal, I've had so much pressure from everyone since dd hit 3 months even from my doctor (I lied to her and told her dd tried it and wouldn't take it!). Now that she's 5 months I would be willing to try but only 1tsp 1x a day, trying a diff cereal each week so that when she is 6 months we try the veggies. This would be just for "practice" for her vs. actually getting any real nutrients. Would a small amount such as this take away from any of her bf meals?

[daisymelan]

Marian,

You have some valid questions there.

I remember when I got my lo on EASY and he was around that age, he dropped to 5 feeds also.  He was bigger than your lo and the bfing clinic at my hospital said I needed to be doing it minimum 6x but more close to 8.   

I knew my little boy and knew he was thriving.  Why would I introduce another feed if he was happy and growing just fine?  I think the hospitals are more into an "on demand" basis.  But maybe not all of them, I"m not sure. 

And yes, you are right, they really slow down in their weight gain at that age.  As long as she's still gaining and happy, I think you are right to give her 5 feeds.  Just because you feed her more often, doesn't mean she will be getting more, right?  Her tummy fills up more right now then it would if you fed every 3 hours?  Know what I mean?  And I think by switching her back, you are helping increase your supply, but it does'nt sound like your supply is much of an issue really.

And in regards to the food, that's a personal choice, but at the beginning, they don't receive hardly any calories from it, so it's more just the practice of eating than anything else.  So you are dead right about what you posted.  That is a personal choice that you should make.

Good luck.

[JacobMarksMummy]

I am more and more amazed at the stupidity of some doctors! The charts that babies are measured on are based on the averages of ff infants, yes babies do put on weight more rapidily if they are formula fed but why is that such a good thing? The only thing that would make me worried is if your LO was losing weight, as she is gaining I say follow your instincts. Your obv. very clued up.

[shelliz]

First time mom,

              I believe I am in the same boat as you. My dd was weighing in at 12.5 lbs at her 4 month appt and the pedi said she was 35% of the average (which like the pp stated, the average has a bunch of formula fed babies in it!!).  My dd still has rolls of chub on her arms and legs and I felt she was gaining just the right amount. At my 4 month appt. my pedi told me I could start cereal and veggies/fruits. I couldn't believe it! All of the research I had done stated it was best to wait till 6 months. On top of that...rice cereal hardly has any calories!  I did get some rice cereal (wasn't going to listen about the other solids!).  I gave her a little bit here and there, but did not feed it on a regular basis.  I wouldn't stress out too much about it!  Like all of the pp say, if your daughter is hungry...she will tell you! My dd still wakes once at night and I feed her. But, honestly, I know this is a habit b/c it is the same time every night so it is a matter of ME breaking that habit. Because she was on the lighter side...I decided I was going to wait to break it until she started solids. Today my dd is 6 months and we began solids (zucchini!). We have her 6 month well baby on the 19th, so we shall see how much she has gained.  I think you are on the right track. Mommy's know best!! 

[First Time Mom]

Thanks ladies!

Yes, the bfing clinic promotes feed on demand, I did this for her first 4 weeks until I found bw. When you feed on demand you feed for every tear so you end up giving them snacks all day vs. a good solid feed.

I'm going to continue as is. I guess as her need goes up my supply will naturally meet it, just wanted to check and see if I should do something different. I guess if she were hungrier she would cry for feeds and wake in the night so if I truly listen to her cues she is fine now.

Shelliz, Milena's one night wake was total habit- 4am sharp for almost 2 months, I always fed her anyways and she took a decent feed, I hated the thought of denying her the feed as you can't measure their intake when bfing in the day. Milena stopped her night wake on her own so I guess they all do when they're good and ready.

[Shdef]

There are so many overweight people in the western world and doctors should know that. If she is gaining weight, if she is content I wouldn't start cereal until 6 months. You are doing really well by feeding her just breastmilk, I wish I could have. And I know we have to watch his weight in future as DH and I have to do that, too. We aren't fatties but a wee bit overweight. I am not putting him on a diet, I feed him when he is hungry and his routine is based on his cues anyway. But... I wouldn't worry if I was you. If she has wet nappies, if she is content and gains weight don't worry. When she's older she won't be underweight, being underweight is hardly a problem in our part of the world.

Babies take what they need and if you don't have enough milk she'd let you know it! Sleeping through is a sign that she is getting enough during the day... Maybe she is just a wee lassie and that's the way she is