Decline in weight gain after starting to EBF?

So we had our second pediatrician apt. today and Felix (my baby B and 6lbs 9oz @ birth) has only gained 2oz in a week (I understand it should be .5-1oz/day). Last week he gained 6oz in 5 days when I was supplementing with formula because my milk hadn't come in yet and the babies were HUNGRY! We did it through the tube so they would only be on the breast but still get the sustenance they needed. Felix hoovered the formula (up to 60ccs/feed plus what he got from the breast) and gained more than his brother (who only gained 2oz in 5 days). Now, I am producing lots of milk and Louis (my baby A and 8 lbs 4oz @ birth) has gained 4oz this week. The Dr was not happy with Felix's weight gain but said he would not push for formula supplementation just yet as he finds if he does this too soon, it deters women from BFing. So, we will go back next week and hope he's gained better. Otherwise, we'll be supplementing, likely with a bottle as the tubes made everyone crazy.

My question is: is it possible that he gained unnaturally fast because of so much formula so now his body is just recalibrating to BFing? Has anyone experienced this kind of weight gain lull after early formula supplementation? Or, am I just kidding myself and he's really not getting enough? He is smaller, and his latch is smaller than his bigger brother for sure, but his elimination is great and he settles well between feeds (whch is a good indication he's getting some nutrition, right?).

Sorry for so much info but I would really appreciate insights and experience and wanted you to have a full picture. I really want to EBF but also want to be sure my babies are getting what they need and developing well.

Thanks in advance,

Amy

 

To be honest I never really put a lot of emphasis on the whole "weight gain chart" I always gauge by are they growing, wet diapers, poopy diapers, content after feeds, sleeping well etc! My babies seem to grow steady but not fast. They are both still under 20lbs at 14 months and that is small when compared to the charts, but they are growing, they are thriving and that is enough for me! I only supplemented until my milk came in as well and once they get the hang of nursing if all signs point to a content baby I would not worry!!

 

This exact same thing happened to me with Piper, my smaller baby. She was tiny when born and had a mix of formula and EBM to start. I couldn't produce milk fast enough to keep up with with the NICU needed, so they supplemented. She grew so fast on the mix, and when we switched just to EBM (she couldn't do thin liquids so couldn't breastfeed) her weight gain slowed down. But she was still growing, and had great everything else - health, sleep, wet diapers, etc. Our first pedi wanted me to supplement and bring her in three times a week to be weighed. It seemed so extreme that we asked around for a pedi recommendation and ended up with a fantastic guy who told me to get a scale at home and weigh her daily and if she wasn't growing, to call. He also gave me the number to a lactation consultant who came out to my house and watched her eat (when we were trying to breastfeed).

If you can find a lactation consultant, please call one. That way you can eliminate problems breastfeeding and you'll feel better about sticking to your guns with just breastfeeding. Good luck!

 

I second finding an LC. It's great that your doc isn't pushing supplementing yet but the reality is that he likely doesn't know too much about breastfeeding. Sure supplementing will solve the weight gain problem but it won't protect the breastfeeding relationship. An LC can help you do both.

All that being said, babies grow in fits & starts, not on a nice perfect curve. The charts are one possible guide that can offer insight into a baby's growth & health but they aren't the whole picture or the final word. Nurse him as much as he wants & he'll find his way.

 

It's great that he is peeing, pooping and generally satisfied. I third the LC recommendation if only to do a before and after feed weigh. I'm not terribly into weights and growth either, but do make sure that the pedi is using the WHO's guidelines for BF'd babies- its more generous than the AAP. :hug: and congrats on getting them to the breast. You'll be doing a lot of growth spurts for a while to get them the milk they need.