Two Weeks!
Yesterday, we celebrated Oliver’s two week check-up, where we learned he was finally gaining weight! Compared to his sister at two weeks, Oliver is still three ounces shy of his original 7 lbs 12 oz birth weight.
Based on his sudden weight gain, things are improving with Ollie’s feedings. Granted they still aren’t solid, but we are getting there. On Friday, his weight had stalled at 7 lbs 2.5 oz, so the pediatrician suggested I supplement his feedings. She also said he looked really good and she was not concerned that he was a failure to thrive baby. I asked her what concerns to look for since we were entering the weekend.
Then when the Guilford County Home Health nurse came that afternoon, we also discussed the pros and cons of supplementing. I told her that I did not want to supplement. I thought he was doing better each day and his numbers of pees and poops were increasing daily. I explained that I was concerned supplementing would be a hard cycle to break once I started. So she was very supportive and said that ultimately he was my baby and I should do what I felt was best. She also said some babies struggle to gain until the third week or so. It is hard to say what clicks in their system.
So we kept on with our regular practice and on Monday, I went to the pediatric surgeon. Oliver was 7 lbs 6 oz. I was so relieved. I didn’t want to explain to anyone why I didn’t supplement and then have him not improve. I knew it was a risk.
The surgeon said Oliver’s tongue was normal. I was upset, because I did not agree with him. And in fact, the pediatrician the next day said she saw that his tongue was tight. But she agreed that it would stretch and that cutting their tongue is really something only pursued by lactation consultants. I guess it has fallen out of favor. But he weighed 7 lbs 9 oz after a night of nursing. So he continues to improve. Other than baby acne, Oliver looks great.
Bottom line: We saw three medical professionals. Two out of three identified the problem. My prescription was time and patience. Sigh. I’m super tired and last night did not go well. But we will continue to just do what we do.
I will say that I’m glad I didn’t supplement his feedings. I didn’t have the forethought to realize that I would have had no idea why he gained the weight. Would it have naturally happened (which it did!) or was it the bottle? So I’m glad I went with my gut. And the nurse at my ped’s practice agreed and said she was glad I didn’t either. I think that mainly comes from being a second-time mom and not being nearly as frantic. Maybe I’m just more exhausted. Hard to say.
Here’s hoping for an improved latch soon.
