*Update in OP*Need help with DD not gaining weight hopefully some BTDT advice

[Kitten007]

Well I have some goods news and some confusing news.

DD is finally 13 lbs 13.5 oz!!!! In a month she gained 1 lbs 12.5oz and I am so very proud of her. This is the most she has gained in a long time. GI Doc was shocked and excited. I did talk to her about other formulas, but since DD is finally gaining good weight she doesn't want to switch DD just yet. I talked to her about DD not really wanting to eat a lot of baby food and she said that's fine as long as she keeps taking her formula which has more of what she needs to gain weight. She told me just to offer DD little bites of food every now and then just so she can practice eating. I asked about all her tests and everything is still negative/normal. She even tested the stool samples I brought in and luckily no more blood is present. She said for now to come back in 6 weeks and we may have to see a specialist if DD still isn't taking more baby food. Not sure what that can lead too, but I will push more baby food into her (if DD will just be hungry enough). So for now no real answers, just waiting and seeing. Thank you all for the prayers and support. I am just so excited about her weight gain!

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Hi ladies,

I haven't been able to login for awhile due to my little gorgeous DD needing some extra love and attention. I am hoping to find someone who has some advice and some BTDT experience. This is going to be long so I apologize.

DD was born weighing 7lbs 4 oz. At her 2 month appointment she weighed 9 lbs. At her 4 month appointment she only 9 lbs 8 oz. (This is when I stopped posting/checking in on the BBB.) This 4 month appointment was a rude awakening. We started having weekly weight checks and we started supplementing BF with formula. She had more liquidy, slimy, green stools which the doctor said wasn't a good sign. After two weeks DD was changed to no more BF (which broke my heart, but I had to do what was best for her) and strictly Similac Alimentum. We started seeing a GI specialist to see if there was some underlying problem. Luckily so far, all her test results have come back normal and no genetic disorders (we are still doing some testing). By 7 months (so just a few weeks ago) she finally weighed 12 lbs 1oz. I see her doctor in a few weeks, but I am still in limbo and hoping someone out there has gone through this and can give me some advice. I was told once that if she didn't gain they were going to hospitalize her and I was crushed. I have been pushing as much formula as she wants, when she wants (doc said this is very good).

Right now she is still being seen by the GI specialist and is considered a Failure To Thrive baby. Please someone give me some advice. I have been so stressed taking care of her feeling like I have failed her and my hands are so completely tied that I wish I could make her a nice big chunky baby. Like I said we are still in limbo and it sucks.

Please help me keep praying for her. We were told we could lose her if her body stops gaining weight and so far we have been getting her to gain the minimum, but I just need some good vibes for her to just gain, gain, gain. It's been a sucky few months and hard. Sorry I haven't been on much lately. I enjoy being here and feeling at home.

[misshollygolightly]

no help, but lots of hugs!

at her 6 mo (really 6.5 mo) check up today DD was weighing in quite low (4th percentile), but has no history of problems, is hitting milestones, and seems to be following the same growth pattern her big bro took. ped suggested upping her solids and including lots of healthy fats (avocado, etc.). is your dd on solids yet? how does she tolerate them? have the drs tested her hormone levels? is she doing well otherwise (milestones, etc)?

sending PPT your way!

[nmosur]

Like PP asked, what about other milestones. Is she hitting them?? How does she look to you - is she active, smiling and seem energetic to you?? DD was also diagnosed as Failure to Thrive when she was about 5 percent on the weight chart. She is "thriving" now. Don't stress yourself especially when it is time for her to eat. Take it easy and make it a pleasant experience. Watching her older siblings eat and eating with them might help too. Have you started her on solids as yet?? How about seeing a nutritionist.

Lots of hugs!

[Kitten007]

no help, but lots of hugs!

at her 6 mo (really 6.5 mo) check up today DD was weighing in quite low (4th percentile), but has no history of problems, is hitting milestones, and seems to be following the same growth pattern her big bro took. ped suggested upping her solids and including lots of healthy fats (avocado, etc.). is your dd on solids yet? how does she tolerate them? have the drs tested her hormone levels? is she doing well otherwise (milestones, etc)?

sending PPT your way!

She is slowly eating solids. She wants more formula which they said is better for her since she needs the protein. She takes her Similac 6oz bottles 5x a day. We try to get in food when we can, but she seems too full. She rarely ever spits up and if she does it is a very small amount. She seems to take solids okay, but still gets those greasy/slimy stools that the docs don't like. She has been ahead of her milestones which is why the docs are confused. They said babies with her severe symptoms should be spitting up all the time, lethargic, not eating well, and way behind on milestones. She laughs, plays with her brothers, is trying to crawl (gets up on hands and knees with back straight), talks, very very alert baby, into everything, overall she seems fine. She is a stumper. She has barely kept herself on the growth charts (0.6% for weight and 6% for height), but just looking at her she is right on track. That's why we are in limbo. She seems fine, but she's not.

[KpbS]

Have they mentioned switching her formula to an amino acid based formula like Neocate or Elecare? Babies with MSPI (milk/soy/protein intolerance) can have these GI symptoms that do not resolve on hypoallergenic formulas (like Alimentum and Nutramigen).

Have the drs. recommended adding oil the solids that she eats? That is another common tactic to help ftt babies.

Another thought, have they tested her for CF? I know you mentioned some genetic testing but this can also cause similar symptoms.

Hang in there! Her intake sounds great! You are doing a fantastic job, mama!!! I know it is so, so hard. I'll be praying for her and sending you lots of :hug:

[arivecchi]

No helpful advice, but I am so sorry you are going through this! :hug: I've missed you around here!

[mommytoC]

I have been so stressed taking care of her feeling like I have failed her and my hands are so completely tied that I wish I could make her a nice big chunky baby.

You should be proud of how well you've done in the past few months (if your DD were my patient, I would be very proud of you :)). Your DD went from the
5th percentile for weight at 2 months to well below the 2nd percentile at 4 months. At 7 months, she's still below the 2nd percentile, but has made some progress toward the curve. From your description, she's eating great, so she'll definitely catch up...it just takes time. (FWIW, she's on the weight for length curve now, at the 2nd percentile - does her doctor show you this one too?) She won't be chunky, but then, neither of my DC were either; hopefully, though, she'll grow and continue to develop well!

[Kitten007]

Have they mentioned switching her formula to an amino acid based formula like Neocate or Elecare? Babies with MSPI (milk/soy/protein intolerance) can have these GI symptoms that do not resolve on hypoallergenic formulas (like Alimentum and Nutramigen).

Have the drs. recommended adding oil the solids that she eats? That is another common tactic to help ftt babies.

Another thought, have they tested her for CF? I know you mentioned some genetic testing but this can also cause similar symptoms.

Hang in there! Her intake sounds great! You are doing a fantastic job, mama!!! I know it is so, so hard. I'll be praying for her and sending you lots of :hug:

They haven't mentioned switching formulas yet. We will see at her next checkup. They did suggest adding EVO to her foods (if only she would eat more solids). Happy to say they did test for CF right away and that came back normal, thank god!

[Kitten007]

Hang in there! Her intake sounds great! You are doing a fantastic job, mama!!! I know it is so, so hard. I'll be praying for her and sending you lots of :hug:


no help, but lots of hugs!
sending PPT your way!


Lots of hugs!


No helpful advice, but I am so sorry you are going through this! :hug: I've missed you around here!

See this is why I have missed all of you!!! I LOVE THE BBB!!!!

I am over here crying because this mean so much to me.

It's been a rough couple of months toting my boys with me to all the appointments little DD has had. We have been back and forth and as a mother I can only do so much and the rest is out of my hands. That's the part that sucks. I would do anything to make my precious DD better and that's why it hurts and it's been a hard few months. I can't tell you how many doctor's appointments I have cried at because of feeling like I have failed her and then crying because she finally is gaining weight! Thank you so much for the love and support. Hopefully with all you making suggestions and helping me, I can talk to the doctor about some of these things you all are bringing up. I pray to God she is on the road to being healthier and hoping God doesn't put more speed bumps in our path to her recovery. I hope it was just an intolerance and she is slowly, but surely getting over it.

[KpbS]

They haven't mentioned switching formulas yet. We will see at her next checkup. They did suggest adding EVO to her foods (if only she would eat more solids). Happy to say they did test for CF right away and that came back normal, thank god!

Is your next appt with your ped or ped gi? I am surprised the ped gi hasn't mentioned switching to an AA formula. Definitely ask about switching--ask for any samples they might have in office. Also, I remember when my DD was having so much trouble early on, my ped said we could make her formula extra concentrated to help with gaining. More hugs :grouphug:

[Tondi G]

It sounds as if she is on the right track at this point. I was thinking maybe you should ask about adding an extra fortifier to the formula to up the protein and fat. I know they make it for preemies who have trouble gaining.

just saw this "human milk fortifier" http://www.prolacta.com/fortifier.php

here is the Similac version

http://www.abbottstore.com/similac+reg/similac-r-human-milk-fortifier-09-g-packet-50-pack/invt/54598p50?srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=30-21910646-2

I would try to push avocado since it is rich in healthy fats. Add the oil to her food if she will eat it.

Question... are you petite? I know there are GI things going on but is it possible that your little one is just a little girl on top of everything else?

Have you considered trying to get some probiotics into her? If she is having digestive issues it could be very helpful. http://ecologyhealthcenter.net/node/522

http://www.udoerasmus.com/products/probiotics_infants_en.htm

if you need it to be Dairy free then go with this powder

http://www.iherb.com/Natren-Bifido-Factor-1-75-oz-49-6-g-Ice/4701?at=0

this one says it is dairy free as well

http://www.iherb.com/Garden-of-Life-RAW-Probiotics-Kids-3-4-oz-96-g-Ice/27369?at=0

You are doing an excellent job mama!!!! Hang in there .... she's growing and it will get better! HUGS

[larig]

It's soooo hard, and I'm so sorry you and DD are going through this. DS was a fail to thrive kiddo too. I had production issues, so supplementing solved our problems. I wish I had some good advice, but I can't offer anything other than an understanding hug and big PTs.

[jgenie]

:hug: P & PT for your DD. You're a great mom - hang in there!!

[mommytoC]

It sounds as if she is on the right track at this point. I was thinking maybe you should ask about adding an extra fortifier to the formula to up the protein and fat. I know they make it for preemies who have trouble gaining.

just saw this "human milk fortifier" http://www.prolacta.com/fortifier.php

here is the Similac version

http://www.abbottstore.com/similac+reg/similac-r-human-milk-fortifier-09-g-packet-50-pack/invt/54598p50?srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=30-21910646-2

I would try to push avocado since it is rich in healthy fats. Add the oil to her food if she will eat it.

Question... are you petite? I know there are GI things going on but is it possible that your little one is just a little girl on top of everything else?

Have you considered trying to get some probiotics into her? If she is having digestive issues it could be very helpful. http://ecologyhealthcenter.net/node/522

http://www.udoerasmus.com/products/probiotics_infants_en.htm

if you need it to be Dairy free then go with this powder

http://www.iherb.com/Natren-Bifido-Factor-1-75-oz-49-6-g-Ice/4701?at=0

this one says it is dairy free as well

http://www.iherb.com/Garden-of-Life-RAW-Probiotics-Kids-3-4-oz-96-g-Ice/27369?at=0

You are doing an excellent job mama!!!! Hang in there .... she's growing and it will get better! HUGS

Human milk fortifier wouldn't be appropriate for your baby (at this point), even if she were still breast milk fed. It's tailored to provide the very high levels of protein, calcium/phosphorus, vitamins and minerals (rapidly) growing premature babies need during the first few months of life. For term babies (or older ones), doctors could increase caloric intake (if needed) by adding formula powder to breast milk, or changing the formula recipe to make it 24 (instead of 20) kilocalories/oz.

The rest of Tondi G's suggestions, though, would be just fine!

FWIW, green (and even slimy!) stools can be normal for babies on Alimentum formula, so I'd discuss with your pediatric GI doctor whether this is a concern.

[misshollygolightly]

Is she more interested in finger foods/self feeding/mesh feeder? Some kids prefer the thicker textures and independence of self feeding solids, Maybe try formula in a cup rather than bottle? Or have a sibling help offer her foods? The novelty might = more consumption. I was also thinking probiotics and/or switching formulas might help. Green slimy stools sort of sounds like what happens when babies are on antibiotics, so (in my unscientific guess!) probiotics might help! Good luck and let us know!

[AnnieW625]

Both of my girls were pretty slow weight gainers, but hit 15 lbs by 6 months. DD1 didn't hit 10lbs until she was 2 mos. old. I think I would try different formula like neonate. We were this close to having to use it with DD2. Bananas are also great so I would try those and avocado. Best wishes.

[MommytoEliana]

So sorry you're going through this! We went through something similar thought not as severe with DD1 when she was an infant. My milk production was almost nothing at first so we started supplementing at 3 weeks when we realized this (what a horrible wake-up call that was!), but even after my milk supply was reestablished and she was eating well, she simply gained very little weight until about 6 months. When we started her on solids the doctor suggested adding a tablespoon of EVO to her cereal (sounds like you are already doing that). Once she started eating solids well she really chunked up, going from 5% to 25% to 75% or so within a couple of months. But, she'd been growing in length the whole time too, and, like your DD, met her milestones well.

Do you know what you and your DH's growth was like as infants? Some friends have a son who is always on the very bottom of the charts, and there has been a lot of concern over the last few years about his growth. (He was on Pediasure for years, and it really did nothing to help him gain weight.) But they finally found his parents' growth charts, and lo and behold, they were pretty much exactly the same in their early years. Sometimes it really is genetic.

Good luck with the journey, and post in for support whenever you can!

[cntrymoon2]

Is your next appt with your ped or ped gi? I am surprised the ped gi hasn't mentioned switching to an AA formula. Definitely ask about switching--ask for any samples they might have in office. Also, I remember when my DD was having so much trouble early on, my ped said we could make her formula extra concentrated to help with gaining. More hugs :grouphug:

:yeahthat: Extra strength formula and switching to Neocate are my first thoughts. And, definitely ask for samples!!

[Kitten007]

Sorry I am slow at replying, but for some reason she cried a lot this weekend and never got a break. I am going to talk the GI Specialist at her Friday appointment to see if we should consider the more specialized formulas.

We had tried to add more calories (more powder to water ratio), but the powder Similac Alimentum was still giving her the runny, slimy stools that they didn't like. We tried the Ready-To-Feed and her stools firmed up a bit, but still aren't perfect. So the extra calorie formula went out the window. Then we talked to the nutritionist to see if we could add the fortifier, but they were also suspecting that she might also have a corn allergy (since the powder formula is made with corn syrup and the liquid is made with sugar). So again that idea went out the window.

They also told me that with little ones they really can't test for allergies since it would be inaccurate. Is this true?

I guess the best bet is the more specialized formulas, EVO in her food, and just keeping up with feeding her and waiting.

Thank you all for helping ease my mind that something is wrong with her. It seems from all your experiences that it is just a waiting game and eventually her body will do the right thing.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! :heartbeat:

[Tondi G]

Sorry I am slow at replying, but for some reason she cried a lot this weekend and never got a break. I am going to talk the GI Specialist at her Friday appointment to see if we should consider the more specialized formulas.

We had tried to add more calories (more powder to water ratio), but the powder Similac Alimentum was still giving her the runny, slimy stools that they didn't like. We tried the Ready-To-Feed and her stools firmed up a bit, but still aren't perfect. So the extra calorie formula went out the window. Then we talked to the nutritionist to see if we could add the fortifier, but they were also suspecting that she might also have a corn allergy (since the powder formula is made with corn syrup and the liquid is made with sugar). So again that idea went out the window.

They also told me that with little ones they really can't test for allergies since it would be inaccurate. Is this true?

I guess the best bet is the more specialized formulas, EVO in her food, and just keeping up with feeding her and waiting.

Thank you all for helping ease my mind that something is wrong with her. It seems from all your experiences that it is just a waiting game and eventually her body will do the right thing.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! :heartbeat:

this is one formula powder that is not made with corn syrup. My neighbor is really into nutrition and she had issues with her BFd baby not gaining. Turned out because of her IBS her breast milk had very little fat in it (her ped said her pumped milk looked like non fat milk ... no cream layer at all). She was told to move to formula and he hated the fact that most were made with corn syrup. She ended up using this brand. They make a soy formula and a lactose free as well.

http://www.naturesone.com/dairy-dha/

not saying this would solve your problem but I figured I would mention it since you said they thought it might be an issue with corn.

[LexyLou]

No advice, just hugs!

I'm sure this is beyond stressful for you. It sounds like she's thriving in every other way but weight and height! It is a stumper.

We're your sons on the smaller side as babies or is this just happening with her? Are you a smaller person?

Hopefully you guys will figure it out soon.

[Kitten007]

Update in OP.

[arivecchi]

Congrats on the weight gain! Hope she keeps it up!

[KpbS]

Her weight gain is wonderful!! Great news! You are doing a super job :cheerleader1:

[carolinamama]

Glad to hear that you had a good visit. What a relief that must have been. Hang in there! You are doing a great job, mama.

[mikala]

Congrats on the weight gain! I hope this trend continues!