I really need advice and other peoples opinion

Hiya, dd is 18 weeks now and is ebf. She was 4lb 14oz at birth and on time, but small. Everytime i get her weighed the hv starts moaning about her weight, and basically said one time to stop :boob:

They said to top her up with formula last thing at night to get her to put weight on, so tried it and she was sick and up all night with a sore tummy. Took her to doctors and found out she has a milk intolerance, which ds also has (he is 4) So formula out the question plus i dont want her having it.

Now since she was 4 weeks old she has slept through for 14 hours but for the past 5-6 weeks now she is wakening 4-5 times during the night.

So took her to get weighed today and she is 10lb 2oz so put on 7oz in 2 weeks. Hv again said to give formul, i said no it doesnt agree with her. I mentioned about her wakening so often during the night for a feed, (and she does feed) and the reply i got was to not feed her She said thats its a habit that she has got into and not feed her but ignore her.

Surely if she is wakening for a feed then she must be hungry???

During the day she feeds every 3-4 hours or sometimes more often.

What does everyone else think? Is the hv right?

Me personally, I would tell your HV to shove it and only go to get her weighed every so often. What growth charts have you got in your red book, are they formula or breast fed baby ones?

I still feed my LO at night. She probably doesn't "need" it but I trust her to tellme when she wants to eat or drink so I see no reason not todo so at night.

babies do most of their growing at night, so i would definately follow babies lead.

I would say from your babies birth weight and progress, you have a 'petite' baby - mine is the opposite, but they come in all shapes and sizes!

As long as baby doesnt lose weight or stay static for too long, carry on as you are :aww:

and i agree with Beanie - tell your HV where to stick it and get baby weighed less often unless you feel its nesseccary. Do you have a breastfeeding group nearby or babycafe? you could get baby weighed there and get supportive advice.

Also, do you include oats in your diet? It can help with milk supply ad i find Corey seems much more settled when i eat oats daily.

Totaly agree with Kay and Beanie!

Tell her to stick it! your doing a wonderful job!

Make sure you have breastfed babies chart int he book and not the formula one.

Most feeding is done at night as Kay says.

Find a local support group, it will really help you and you will get accurate and correct advice.

I agree eat oats, porrige is great and helps with supply.

xx :aww:

Hi, thanks alot. the chart in the red book is for bottlefed babies, she did fall down abit but she was poorly and hardly eating. As for oats, i hate porridge, and not sure what else has oats in other than flapjacks and i hate them too.

Ive just started eating oatcakes - they are lovely, just like savoury crackers.
I also get various cereal bars made of oats, and if i get sick of porridge i have granola for breakfast (can get it with choc or fruit in lol!)

Otherwise you can buy oaty biscuits (hobnobs etc), or bake your own!
https://breastbuddies.forumotion.com/breastfeeding-and-nutrition-f24/supply-boosting-cookiechoc-chip-and-butterscotch-t627.htm?highlight=supplky+cookie

i totally agree with the girls. i take what hv's say with a pinch of salt. I'd personally just follow your baby's lead. And i think 7oz gain in 2 week is brilliant :aww:

7oz in 2 weeks is really good. Your baby was tiny anyway... she would have been on the lowest centile, so she is never going to be an average size baby... let alone an average bottle baby. I honestly don't know what it is with the medical professions obsession with babies gaining loads of weight in a short time???

Booby babies just don't.

As for the feeding at night... I wake up thirsty at night and I am pretty sure that lil miss does the same, which is why I have and continue to do so, feed her in the night. Your LO isn't in a habit, its not really till they are 6 months when they no longer require food at night... and your LO is a long way off that yet.

I would report her for pushing formula TBH.

Emily is always below what other babies weigh,and im always told shes underweight give her more food less milk & def no milk at night. I ignore them get her weighed every now and again but not to often otherwise you become obsessed with their weight. As long as baby is alert & happy and your getting wet nappies everything is fine.Emily is over 10 months and weighs just 17lb but is a livewire all day (and half the night) shes very active walking etc....Do what you think is best for YOUR baby & im sure your both be happy.