Re: breastfeeding and not gaining weight

June 19, 2001

> I have a 16 week old exclusively breastfeed daughter. In the last 3 weeks

> she has managed to loose 5 oz rather than gain weight. She's only was only

> little to start with, but had followed the 9 % line.

> She is very unkeen on daytime naps and would quite happily breastfeed all

> day. She has a real line in end of the world hysterics if you put her down

> and she still wants to feed.

Hi Sue,

I'm not a b/f counsellor either, but we have babies the same age so here's

my two penny worth:-

Firstly I'd forget weighing her - does she look like she's thriving?

Reaching her milestones? Glowing with health? Yes? Then don't worry!!

Every babies growth curve is different - as long as she looks well and you

feel she's okay then everything's fine - small weight gains/losses mean

nothing )

Also, I'd let her feed as much as she wants. It doesn't matter if you're on

the computer or doing something else does it? Have you got a sling? They

make it very easy to feed whilst you get on with other things. If she's

constantly sucking all day I would've though she's getting plenty of rich

hindmilk - I know if Alfie's been on me for ages the milk becomes almost

treacle like. Very very thick and creamy.

She might always be a very avid nurser- that's not to say she's not getting

enough. Alfie's not much of a comfort sucker, but Verity would be on me

every time I sat down right up until she weaned at 28 months!

Hope that helps!

Hannah, 27

Mum to Bethany 7, Lawrence 5 1/2, Verity 3, Alfie 4 months

Visit me on the web at :-

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