Generally when I see a downtrend in weights after a normal growth pattern,
I start by asking what's changed, and I'd honestly say 3 out of 4 times (or
more often) it's that baby's nighttime sleeping/eating patterns have
changed for one reason or another (sleep training, return to work, other
unexplained weirdness).  In the absence of any obvious feeding issues, if
the assessment reveals that baby's transferring well with each feed, I
generally suggest more frequent feeds and f/u weigh-ins at the clinic or in
the home as the first line of defense. I've only been doing this for six
years, but most of the time in cases like this, the more frequent night
feeds bolster the supply and growth and get babies right back on track
within a couple weeks, or it will turn out that the child is in their
plateau phase already, and the pediatrician didn't recognize it as such.

We also keep in close contact with the doc on mom's behalf so they are
aware that 'something' is being done.  Moms often come in scared and
feeling powerless when they are given outdated advice like starting solids
early to 'help the baby's weight.'  Though they often question the
pediatrician's wisdom, they're deathly afraid of being seen as
'noncompliant' and feel backed into a corner about supplementing with
artificial milk or solids.  We try to give them back that power by buying
them time, giving them evidence-based information, and reminding them that
weight is not the only measure of health for anyone, and infants are no
exception.


Brandy J. Hansen, IBCLC
The Mobile LC - Breastfeeding help that comes to YOU!
309-319-6619
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http://facebook.com/mobilelactation

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