I am pretty sure that every new mom is concerned about how much food their baby is getting and if it is "enough." It is hard to tell through breastfeeding how much food is actually getting in there and that just makes it harder. For Stephen, there are good days and there are not so good days at nursing. There are times when he just wants to suck the life out of me and then there are times that he just wants to hang out there and cries when I take him off, while I'm thinking to myself, "I need to take a shower." Thinking about it, the same thing happens with adults...there are times that I'm really hungry and days where I'm just not that hungry; there's no reason to think that the same thing doesn't happen with children.
Today, I went on the CDC website and looked at the growth chart for boys ages 0-36 months, and he is doing fine. At 3 weeks, 5 days, he was 8 pounds, 6 ounces, in the 25th percentile. Considering I have had challenges nursing for the first week at least, this is normal. It's good to reassure myself that he is not going to be undernourished and that he is just fine.
2 years ago
5 comments:
If he can already read the Wall Street Journal, I think he's doing great. Just trying to stay little and cute as long as possible.
Shelby, according to your baby book, it took you 7 weeks to gain 17 ounces and about 8 months to double your birth weight, which most babies do by 6 months. I met Imelda's new grandson on Sunday. He was an 9-pounder at birth. Now at 5 months, he weighs 21 pounds and seems too heavy to move much. I think you're both doing fine and I can't wait to see you on Friday. Your Grandmother Marie always cutioned against feeding children so much that they would create fat cells that would last a long time. I don't know the scientific basis of her belief, but I heeded her advice and am very proud that you're all slim and lovely. Love, Mom
Shelby, it took Sean over a year to double his birth weight. He was skinny all his life as a child. Between 5th grade and 6th grade, he grew 2 inches and gained 2 pounds. Obviously that was with an abundance of healthy food available to him everyday. and he didn't even have bad eating habits. So if Stephen is slow to gain, it won't surprise me. He seems a lot like his daddy to me. You are doing great! Keep it up. I know it is hard to let him eat whenever he wants. Hang in there. I'm sure he loves you for being there for him. You are creating a closeness and a bond that will last a lifetime. It's not just about the food. I'm with Lilli, I'm glad he is little and cute. Love Nancy
Shelby, congratulations on your son's birth. I know from experience that even the most well-meaning pediatricians can go on red-alert if your baby isn't gaining the requisite 1/2 ounce per day, but so many babies don't achieve this 'target.' Based on the grandmas' comments, it sounds like Stephen has skinny baby genes, which I do really think play a role. Breastfeeding is often so hard until 6-7 weeks - hang in there until then, and I would bet you'll see his gain pick up.
Lil forwarded me your blog. What wonderful pics of little Stephan!
What I recall from our pediatrician in SF -- that most growth charts are from studies in the 50s, based in Indiana (strong northern European decent) and are not necessarily representative for the current US population. And, that it is more important for a child to "follow a curve" on the chart, whatever that may be.
Growth charts are just what they are - averages. Though, as your latest post states, it is interesting to think about them as a diagonostic tool for intervention and to try to understand what statistics they are based upon (formula or breastfeeding).
I agree with Sarah -- this age is a difficult time, but it will get easier. I encourage you to hang in there, it's worth it.
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