Allison:
If I read your post correctly, this baby gained ((16 oz -5.5 oz = 10.5 oz) + 1.8 oz)= 12.3 oz in 5 days. If that is the case, this baby is now growing at a spectacular rate - more than 2 ounces a day since he was 2 weeks of age. Was the baby exclusively fed from the breast during this 5 day interval?

If the baby got off to a slow start or lost a lot of weight initially, that might explain why the baby was 12.5 oz below birth weight at 2 weeks which would be of concern -- and then there was a rapid jump up as the baby was able to take advantage of the moms' supply.  On the other hand, it is possible one of the measurements was off.

I would definitely do a pre and postfeeding weight check on this baby and see how much the baby is drinking and verify whether or not the baby is still gaining at > 2 oz per day.  If the baby is really gaining that rapidly he is likely to jump up the charts very quickly and put the pediatrician's concerns to rest so this mom could be spared pumping and the baby could be spared the formula.

Best, Susan Burger.

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