Parenting Forums

Posted: 29 August 2005 at 3:22pm | IP Logged

I got a telling off from my nurse last week cos Tom dipped a couple of centiles on his weight chart.  I feel so guilty because she said that I weaned him too early.  He only had a couple of spoonfuls of farleys, but it still got me down so I stopped.

I've now cut down breastfeeding him during the day and have him on cow and gate formula.  I've done this because he is a hungry baby and was wearing me out!  He would throw his head back and scream after a feed. I thought it was wind at first, but then I would offer him formula and he would gulped a whole bottle down!!

I've never known a baby to eat so much.  Is this normal? Tom's 4 months old today, and I'm sure he's doubled in size overnight!!

Posted: 29 August 2005 at 3:53pm | IP Logged

bf babies do not usually follow the centile charts the same way ff babies do.  your baby sounds like he is having a growth spurt, and if i remember rightly, the 4 month growth spurt is by far the worst. ashton fed every hour for almost 2 weeks at this time and i was completely worn out. but after that, suddenly everything went back to normal.

if you want my advice, i would say, stop the formula cos the reason babies feed so much during a growth spurt is to increase your supply so it can maintain them better. if you offer formula, your supply will start to decrease.

i know growth spurts are hard work, especially the 4 month one (it had me in tears a few times!), but just stick it out. it will only be like this for 2 weeks tops!

much love

xxx

Posted: 29 August 2005 at 6:53pm | IP Logged

I wouldn't worry too much Zoe, Ollie also dropped a centile whilst I was ill and feeding him.  This week he had gone back up again.  Ollie is now on 3 meals a day and thriving at 5mths 1wk old.  If the formula works for you both and your happy go for it.  The 4mth growth spurt is hard work and Ollie's coincided with me being very ill so the gp advised me to put Ollie on solids as every time I gave him any formula he just threw up.

The nurse has no right to tell you off so don't listen to her.  You were doing the best for little Tom.

Posted: 29 August 2005 at 6:58pm | IP Logged

Sorry to hear that zo..but arn,t the centiles just guide lines not all babys are the same..no wonder so many mums worry..but then it doesnt help with what some hv, doctors tell you either. do what works for you both.

HelenC

Posted: 29 August 2005 at 9:12pm | IP Logged

I only ever go and see hv if i have to for the necessary check ups.  I learned after my first to go by my motherly instincts cos none of my babies read that same manual that the hvs seem to read.

Do whats right for you and your baby and say stuff you to that nurse!!

Posted: 11 September 2005 at 11:53am | IP Logged

Thanx alot ladies.

Just to let you know that Tom has now go up another centile and is on the 50th one.  My little porker weighs 16lb and 8oz!  HV is v. happy, and didn't criticise my mothering skills or (lack of) as expected.

Feel happier now!