I so love my pediatrician

[peanut4us]

sara had a 24 week checkup/immunization appt yesterday. And we found out that in the last month she has only gained 7 ounces. The 6 weeks before that only 9 ounces. So she's gone from her birth weight percentile of 75% to now at 5.5 months 20%. SO she's on a steady decline. I was worried that he was going to say stop bfing.

I'm feeling very attached to bfing... especially since I went back to work, which is exactly the opposite of what I thought would happen. I pump at work and she nurses in the evening and through the night. Well, my doc said. She might just be a slow gainer. Don't worry about it now, but bring her in for a weight check in a month. As long as she's not losing weight and she's healthy, we're good. And he said, if I was willing to keep bfing past 6 months, to keep doing it. Because it is the best thing for her! I was so surprised. I've read so many of your experiences about your peds saying formula is the answer to weight problems.

He also suggested that she start having 2 solid meals a day (not as bf replacement, but as supplement, if she wants it). FYI she's major constipated even with oatmeal instead of rice cereal. So he suggested Earth's Best Barley cereal.

AND I told him I was worried about not pumping enough/her not eating enough while I am at work (I pump between 10-12 oz and she eats on average 12-14 oz). He said as long as I nurse her at least 3-4 times when i'm not at work that's great.

It's just nice to have a Dr. that is so pro-bfing. I also have a friend who does formula, btw, and he is very supportive of that too

[mama2be]

It is a wonderful feeling to have a DR that supports you that is for sure. congrats in finding that!!!! Sounds like you both are in great hands!!!

[Momof3Labs]

Colin is exclusively bf'd (plus solids since 6 months) and has been slipping down the curves for a while, but my ped is also very pro-bf'ing. What we've done is pay attention to the solids that Colin eats, and focus on higher fat solids (like cheese and whole milk yogurt). When I make him cereal, I use breastmilk or whole milk yogurt, not fruit or water. It has helped quite a bit - he's gaining much better now, though I don't know if he is climbing the curves (but I don't care about that)!

[houseof3boys]

I'm so jealous. I was just on the phone with DH complaining about Ryan's ped and how they need to have a lactation person on staff as important as breastfeeding is. It is a great and well respected practice but my last experience with them was an argument on why I needed a prescription called in for nystatin. I mean I actually had to explain that when thrush is present, BOTH parties need to be treated. You would think that with such a powerful recommendation by the AAP for breastfeeding for a year, the knowledge would be there. ARGH...sorry I am on a rant here.

My doctor is one of those that suggests formula. I am guessing Ryan weighs 12 pounds now (when we put him on the scale with us) but we don't have an appt for another month. I can only imagine the next discussion I have with that office about his slower than formula babies weight gain. I think I may need a new doctor!

I like Lori's way of using breastmilk for cereal and feeding high cal snacks. I will do that with Ryan at 5 or 6 months too.

Count yourself a lucky one for a pro BF-ing doc!