Can someone check my EASY?

[besjoux]

My LO is 7 1/2 months old and I have a problem that I think he's growing up to fast and I'm not adjusting quickly enough LOL. I posted in BFing that I'm having problems feeding bottles and nursing him. However, we are dealing wtih major constipation and also lack of weight gain. I'm not sure if I should cut out a BF. Anyone else feed 5x's a day at this age? I am just not sure what to do! He eats best before sleep because he is also a very "on the go" baby and the only time he settles enough (or long enough) to eat is when he's tired. This is allll new since about 4 months.

E 8 am breastfeed
A 8:20 - solids at 8:45
S 10
A 11 (I wake him early)
E 11:20 (nurse)
A - solids 11:45
E bottle of breastmilk at 1:45
S 2
E 4:30 (nurse
A and eat solids at 6
E 8 oz bottle of breastmilk at 7:30
S 8

[empowered mama]

Hi there Julie,

I personally don't think there is anything wrong with 5 BFs at this age if your LO is underweight and genuinely hungry.  Are you having any NWs?  Where is your concern with doing 5 feeds?  How is he doing with solids?

[besjoux]

Well, yes and no on the NW's. He is teething really badly and has been waking (on and off) for the past 3 weeks, but he's STTN (12 hours) since 3 1/2 months. One just popped thru but I see swelling and 4 other ready to pop. I know he is in pain, which is part of the problem. However, he's always been very distractable. I honestly never wait until he's really hungry to nurse because he's a really laid back baby and never really asks.

So I guess I am a bit concerned that by offering 5 times he isn't interested and therefore not taking a full feed. I just can't figure out why he's dropped from the 25% to the 10% since turning 4 months old. He is a VERY happy baby but he is constipated plus went down in the scales....and it's not my supply. I do get plenty because I also pump to keep my supply up.

Maybe I should just wait to decide until he is done teething.

[empowered mama]

hmm...I see what you mean now.  I have heard that LOs often lose their appetite when teething and if there are 4 on the move, then there could be a good chance that this is a cause.  

Have you tried backing off to 4 feeds to see what happens?  Also, have you talked to his ped about this?

[besjoux]

No, I haven't tried to back off yet. I will try and see what he does. I ahve spoken to the ped about his constipation and she is keeping an eye on his weight. So frustrating! But he is drinking well from the sippy cup, so maybe that will help.

[empowered mama]

Yes, maybe see how he does with 4 feeds and if you get any NWs or not.  I hope he starts gaining more soon hun - I'm sure that is very frustrating, but you are doing a great job as his mummy

[besjoux]

Well, I have a bit of a question now. I'm not to 4 feeds but I did notice that he takes a horrible feed 1st thing in the AM. I don't understand that considering he hasn't eaten all day. He acts too distracted! And the funny thing is that I pull him out of bed with his whitenoise still on and immdiately feed while still drousy...and he STILL feeds poorly.

Is still taking sippy and bottle poorly too.

I've tried to make it positive but maybe he senses that I am stressed about this? Maybe I should just start offering only when he asks?

[emily3434]

jumping in here -- I would also focus on the constipation, that can really affect their appetite, and in the long run ruin a relationship with nursing and eating.  what types of solids are you feeding? I don't advise feeding rice cereal because it is so constipating.  try oatmeal instead, or stick more to fruits/veggies.

[empowered mama]

I agree with PP too about the constipation.  Also, have you noticed any teeth coming through?  Sometimes that can affect their appetite as well. 

[besjoux]

Lots of teeth, 3 just popped last week and this week and he has one more to go (or maybe 2). So, yes,  teething pretty badly.

The constpation is solely because of the lack of breastmilk. He actually did well yesterday but his pediatrician said to give him 1/2 tsp of milk of mag every day. He only eats foods that don't constipate. We don't do cereals at all because they are fortified and constipate. He doesn't need the fortification because he receives vitamins.

Anyways, maybe it is a mixture of teething and constipation. I just hope I'm not wrecking our b reastfeeding relationship by offering too much. It's my natural inclination because he's not gaining well and gets constipated easily.