Hello All,
First time post. So glad this forum is here, and I have some questions related to my recent doctor's appointment.
So my son is 4 months this week, and we went in for his appointment. He was gaining weight normally at his 1 month and 2 month appointment. However, he has stopped gaining weight at a normal pace.
Month 1 - 4.03kg/8.9lbs
Month 2 - 5.03kg/11.1lbs
Month 4 - 5.57kg/12.3lbs
His height and head circumference has continued to grow as normal, but they are worried about him only gaining a bit over a pound in two months. Now that I look back on it, I can see that he might have been hungry and not fussy.
I was thinking things were going well, but I was losing a lot of weight and exercising a lot, and am almost back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Perhaps I wasn't getting enough calories? Would this do it?
Also, I was hyperthyroid before, with Grave's Disease, but was tested postpartum, and 2 months after and have been fine. Just to be safe I went in today to get another test, but this might be fine as well. I do stay on top of checking my levels quite a bit, but maybe this time that is the issue.
In the meantime, what should I do? I am now supplementing about 200ml/7.1ounces of forumla a day, and he is eating it all as I can see he was very hungry. I make sure he eats this ONLY after he finishes the breast. Then I have started pumping 2X day after he feeds for an additional 15-20 minutes. Getting very little milk (like 25-50ml) but hopefully it helps increase.
What else can I do to try and fix this? I have these "more milk plus" vitamins I will start. I have also massaged before feeding. I am also getting a scale so I can track exactly how much he is drinking each meal, so I only supplement the needed amount.
Is it reasonable to think I can pump an extra 200ml a day and feed him that, or will that dimish my supply? I heard this will diminish it, but only for a couple days then it will come back. Should I even risk this when he is not gaining weight?
I am so confused, but I have an electric double pump, money for vitamins, and determination to try anything so please give me some tips. Also, what if I AM hyperthyroid? Will I have to stop, or can it be increased as well, even despite a condition like that?
Thank you all so much in advance. I really need the help.
Michelle