Greetings!  I've just finished an archive search and found a few
interesting posts, but could use some support and additional information
from my friends on Lactnet.  I am working with a Mom whose 7 month old son
has slowed his weight gain and is near the bottom of the growth chart.  He
was born at 5# 6oz.(36 weeks AGA) and gained well for the first 4 months.
At that time his weight gain started slowing.  He is 7 months old and
weighs 13# 11oz.  His Family Practice Doctor is concerned that he's only
gained 3 or 4 ounces in the last month.  He is tiny (so are his parents)
but looks good.  He is bright and social.  He doesn't sit yet, but
almost :).  His MD wants to admit him to the hospital to get a calorie
count!!!  Mom doesn't want that (can't blame her).  However, when we were
together today she put baby off when he obviously wanted to nurse, and used
a pacifier.  He is smart enough and old enough that he won't take formula
in a bottle. We tried cup feeding since the MD wants baby to take formula.
Baby wouldn't take formula that way, either.  Mom has tried pumping, but
only gets 1/2 oz. after feedings.  She feels like she's got to do something
fast to help this kid to gain weight.  I've suggested the obvious -- nurse
as often as baby wants, pump afterward, offer solids with lots of calories
and vitamins.  The Doc suggested butter, sour cream, etc.  I wonder if 7
months is too young for dairy of this sort.  I suggested sweet potato.

I'd appreciate any additional advice to pass on to this Mom. Are any of you
aware of any new information related to this problem?  TIA for your help.

Susan Reulbach Wirtjes RN IBCLC in Waterloo, Iowa
"What you permit, you promote."
mailto:[log in to unmask]

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html