[whale-woman]

I really would appreciate some advice as I'm a bit lost and very stressed about all this.

Background: DD2 born C/s 13 days ago. 3.8 kg at birth (9/9 apgars) and 3.5 kg day 3. Alert and hungry with freq. pees/poos. Day 6 weighed 4.1 kg and was having issues with colic, explosive wind, green stool and was choking with let downs. MCHN suggested 24 hrs block (3hrs) feeding.Stool since has returned to mustardy texture and baby not colicky, breasts much softer. However weighed day 11 and 3.4 kg and day 12 only 5g heavier. still peeing/pooing like a trooper, alert, managing to roll over repeatedly (!). About day 9 developed an infected finger (red to second knuckle/copious pus) and is on ABs for this since day 11. I'm also on ABs for the c/s wound. MCHN who is a lactation consultant has not criticism about her latch/feeding.

THe MCHN seems to be thinking that the 4.1 kg reading was spurious, or possibly baby was misweighed at birth (!). Looking at bub she feels much lighter and skin folds seem to indicate she's lost weight. She was sleeping better a week ago that she has been recently. That said I can't seem to get her to eat more even if I wake her for extra feeds, nor is she really interested in a top up with formula (yes I know what people will say about me offering this). I've only go her to take formula only and then it was the same amount that I later expressed.......

I'm very confused about what is going on. I'm not sure this is a supply issue secondary to the block feeding, or secondary to being sick with the finger infection or something else. I just want bub to put on weight and are worrying myself sick about whàt to do and have lost a lot of faith in what 'i'm told by the MCHN.

DD1was BF till 6-7 months so this all can work.......


Any advise out there? Thanks BFing gurus.

This post has been edited by whale-woman: 22/02/2013, 03:46 PM

[noi'mnot]

When my daughter had weight gain issues we ended up sticking with the one set of scales, and weighing twice to confirm each weight. Doing this might help you have faith in the scales. Weighing every day can be tricky too - sometimes it's better to look at the bigger picture over a week.

Basically, what I'm getting from your post is that you're worried about her weight gain in the past week? What are you doing about this? What has been recommended? What has your GP said (I presume that's who prescribed the antibiotics)?

Is she too sleepy to take extra feeds, or just disinterested? There is a big difference here and if the case is the former then it might be a problem but if she just doesn't want food then maybe she's full.

Honestly, If you're really worried (which it seems you are) then I'd be getting a second opinion. Does your hospital have lactation consultants? How about calling the ABA (1800 686 268) for some further advice?

I'm sure that others will be in soon for better advice. Good luck, I hope you get this sorted soon.

[futureself]

I would agree that the 4.1 kg reading could have been wrong. I was told that regaining birth weight in 7-10 days was good so that's a heck of a gain if correct! Your DD seems to have done that anyway even ignoring the 4.1kg read. Your DD also sounds quite alert and that could be why she's harder to settle than a week ago too.
DS had all sorts of weight issues and anomalies so I sympathise! I second finding one set of scales and ONLY using them - half our issue was the differences in the MCHN scales, the ones at our GP and then the ones at the Paediatrician we really didn't know what he weighed in the end as they were all different - nearly 400g difference between the MCHN and the Paed's office. In the end I went weekly to my GP and used hers and she said not to weigh more than weekly as anymore was just stress inducing. In the end we went with small top ups of EBM after every feed, then half of feeds, then twice a day etc gradually lessening as his weight gains stayed consistent. I would access an LC too, mine has proved invaluable throughout the last 5 months of breastfeeding as we've had numerous problems and issues arise, and she may have further advice about continuing to block feed.
Good luck

[meggs1]

I remember another thread where a mum was very upset about an apparent weight loss (was given a hard time by the nurse maybe) and it turned out to be the scales.

My son had what we later came to believe was an incorrect head measurement in hospital and so it looked like his head wasn't growing. After a lot of worry and paediatric review all was well. No drama - better to be safe than sorry - but it shows how one measurement can throw things out.

[lucky 2]

How about seeing a LC asap? Ideally at 2 weeks of age you would see heaps of pale wee (soaked nappies) and at least 2-3 soft yellow poos each 24hrs, a baby who wakes for feeds and settles after most feeds (perhaps excepting the cluster feeding of the night or evening) and a regain of birth weight.
Is there only one set of scales at the MCHN clinic?
Perhaps start from now, you have had a recent weight, even if it isn't a weight to be enthusiatic about.
But you have indicated that the nappies are good. It does sound confusing.
I'd imagine that a MCHN who is a LC as well would be on the ball regarding his well being, ie having the requisite skills and knowledge.
What has she suggested you do now?
I'd be bfing +++ and hoping for lots of wee and poo getting another weight asap.
Perhaps go to the GP on Monday if you are feeling worried and see if you can access a LC through the hospital?
All the best.

[Natttmumm]

Im not a breastfeeding guru at all but wondered if that weighing was wrong.

Might be worth visiting the baby health centre. Seems too much to loose in that time.