Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Weight Watchers

Nope, despite Blaine's triple chin, fatty leg rolls, and Budha Belly, I don't have to put him on a diet. I have to get him to gain some weight!

I was sent home from the pediatrician's office with a can of formula. I pretty much viewed that as a can of failure. What breastfeeding mother wouldn't? The doctor doesn't want me to stop breastfeeding, but maybe offer the formula at meals when we usually give Blaine a cup of water. Shhhhhhh, don't tell anyone, but I really don't want to use the formula! So much to think about......

I'm very torn! Knock on wood, Blaine has been so healthy and is a strong, active little guy. I know he should have grown more than he did in the last three months, but I know he burns soooooooo many calories being an absolute busy body. He never EVER sits still. He eats a lot, poops a lot, pees a lot, and is developing quite normally. I also know he comes from a line of genetically very small, and mostly very skinny people!

So my plan is to offer up more "fatty" foods and see what that does! Baby yogurt, cheese, avocados, and a little butter put on some of his bread. We'll see what happens! We have a weight check in 3 weeks. I'm going to tell Blaine to try not to poop until AFTER his appointment that day. ;)

11 comments:

Kara said...

Formula really isn't all bad. I used to think it was a sign of giving up (on being the best mom who provides breast milk), but it's really more about the anticipation than anything. Once you give him a little formula, you'll realize it's not the end of the world. But you're his mom and you know best, so maybe he just needs some scrambled eggs and mashed avocado :)

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Shannon said...

I can definitely relate'. Noah is in the 1st percentile and those weight checks stress me out! We are seeing a GI specialist next Monday to talk about his reflux. He is super active too, but Noah's slow weight gain is due mostly to the amount of spitting up he does. I hope they tell me that he will just grow out of it. Hope both of our little guys pork up a bit before their next appointments. Avocado is on the menu here!

diana said...

I don't think formula is all that bad, but I think I'd be hesitant to use it too. It's definitely worth trying other more fatty foods to help him gain a little extra weight before using the formula. I've also heard that supplementing with formula can affect your supply of breast milk. I don't know if that's primarily with newborns while you're establishing breast feeding or if it is the same with older babies too. I hope the higher fat foods help!

Janelle said...

Austin was always tiny tiny - and I got the formula talk a few times. I actually skipped Wes's 9 mo. checkup because I didn't want to hear the speech again (we got it at his 6 mo apt.) Come to find out..there are two different growth charts - ones for breast-fed babies, and ones for those on formula. Surprise surprise, the formula charts use higher numbers and also are the ones used by most doctors. So don't stress too much. I would trust your intuition. If he is genetically predisposed to be small, and is eating, drinking, pooping, playing, and growing on schedule, then chances are he is JUST FINE! I do make an effort to make sure the boys get a relatively high fat diet (I even give them nut butters - gasp!) - avocado and mashed banana mixed with full fat yogurt and ground flax seeds is a favorite, calorie dense meal that they see frequently.
p.s. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE! Donate that can of formula to a food bank and keep taking great care of your cute little boy.

basebell6 said...

janelle, i was really hoping you'd comment on this because i remember reading about you having the same thing happen with your boys. thanks so much for tips and the reassurance!!!!! :)

Peggy said...

That growth chart is dumb. We always hear that Ian is average for his weight according to the growth chart. Ian doesn't have an oz of fat on him. If you see him without cloths you would say that is a skinny kid. Ian is going to be tall and is tall for his age. Ian needs to gain some weight. Blaine is going to be small. Blaine has a lot of fat on him. Did the doctor look at his legs and tummy?
Your milk is making a healthy baby. Plus all the good food you are giving him. Give the formula to someone who needs it.

Tara said...

I totally agree with Janelle. I think you are right on to try giving Blaine some more caloric solids too, but I am sure your breast milk is giving him what he needs. If it makes you feel better Sadie has gained less than 1/2 lb since her 6 month checkup. At our well-baby visit today our pediatrician told us it is super common to see a plateau in baby's weight gain right around the time they become more mobile and you introduce solids. He says he wouldn't worry at all, even up until they are 12 months old. Don't feel like a failure--but you are a pretty with-it mama, just trust your instinct. You guys were also sick, which could have resulted in a little weight loss too. Blaine looks like a charming, healthy happy baby to me! Happy 9 months!

Kari said...

Hmm...I would trust your gut. You spend all day with him. If he's constantly active he's burning those calories. Sounds like a good plan to bulk up on some fattier foods though.

As an aside on the formula issue-I know why you don't really want to give him formula, it killed me to have to supplement the first weeks of LD's life. Now that he's on solids if I had to give him formula I'd look at it as a supplement, just like the solid foods are. But I'd view it as a last resort too. Try the change in solids and see if it helps. Sounds like he's just an on the go guy!!

Kate (This Place is Now a Home) said...

I think you're totally right -- give the boy some fatty foods!

That said, formula isn't necessarily the enemy we all think it is when we are breastfeeding. Just food for thought.

Amanda said...

Oh Christy, I had the same thing happen a month ago when we took Gabrielle to the cardiologist. They "talked" about giving me formula to take home but when I looked so dismayed, they backed off. I totally feel like you do, that formula is a failure when it comes to the breastfeeding mother. I don't know if this is a reality, but I hope that he stays healthy and well. Totally true, you were sick, he is very active, and you have a genetic disposition for skinniness. I had to go with my instincts with Gabrielle too, she looked healthy and was gaining weight so I opted not to use any formula and see if she gains weight. I know the growth charts are good for something, but if Blaine is creating his own curve, then I don't know if I'd worry about it. If his development is right where it should be, then to me, that's a good sign. Sending support!