Need prayers for Meri...

    • Gold Top Dog

    Need prayers for Meri...

    We had her 4 month checkup today. She's growing in length really well, but her weight is a little under what her doctor would like. I'm not sure I totally agree with her since she's using a generic growth chart with no distinction between formula and breastfed babies. Breastfed babies tend to grow faster in the first 3 months and then grow slower from then onward, which would explain why she dropped down on the chart this time from her last appt at 2 months. She wants me to supplement with formula/breastmilk bottle, but I'm not sure its really that necessary. I don't have any problem with formula, its perfectly fine, but many times once you start to supplement it really can effect your supply. So anyhow, that's not even really why I need your prayers, but it is something i need to think about. What I really need your prayers on is that the doctor found an indentation in her lower back that she wants her to get checked out via u/s to make sure her spine is closed properly. And that she wants it done right away(which frankly worries me that she's feeling so urgent about it). Not to mention that my husband had an undiagnosed mild case of spina bifida as a baby(it wasn't caught until much later when they couldn't figure out why he wasn't walking). He eventually did walk, but it took almost 2 years to do it. He crawled like crazy though. Anyhow, we have an appt at the hospital tomorrow morning at 11am. So we could really use your prayers that it turns out to be nothing but and overly cautious doctor! Thanks so much. And I'll update you guys when I find out anything!

    • Gold Top Dog

     My heart stopped when I read the subject line!  Good thoughts that everything with Meri turns out perfectly. 

    • Gold Top Dog

    oh my...you have ALL our good vibes and thoughts for your baby girl. ((hugs))

    • Gold Top Dog

    Emily - I know how frightening this must be for you and I will definitely keep you and Meri in my thoughts and prayers. I'm just sure she's going to be fine, but we'll all worry together until we hear something.

    • Gold Top Dog

    Oh Emily, I will be praying like crazy for you, DH, and Meri.  I am sure the doc is just be overcautious, but that's a good thing!  We will definitely be thinking about you.

    Regarding the breastmilk/formula thing.  If you are worried about your supply, you can still pump a little.  The Medela Harmony non-electric pump works really well especially if you aren't pumping full-time. 

    http://www.target.com/Medela-Harmony-Manual-Breastpump/dp/B0006HBS1M/sr=1-1/qid=1196805212/ref=sr_1_1/602-3282582-4124620?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3AHarmony%20Breast%20Pump&page=1

    Riley's weight gain really slowed down after the first 3 months.  She was 7+lbs at birth and at her 6 month appt was only 16+lbs, which really surprised me.  Doc said that its common for breastfed babies to be a little leaner sometimes since they decide when they are done eating when they pull away, vs. given a bottle of x oz.  Don't worry about that.

    • Gold Top Dog

    Sending good thoughts & prayers your way. 

    • Gold Top Dog
    OOOOh beautiful meri, you are in mine and my chizilla's prayers!
    • Gold Top Dog
    Oh, absolutely! As for the supplementation thing, my gut reaction is NOT to do it. The doctor is going off a generic chart like you said. As long as Meri is alert, eating and pooping well and developing I do not think she needs supplementation. She might just be a little girl! Here's a growth chart specifically for breastfed girls. How does Meri look when you use this one? http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/chart3.html How to increase baby's weight gain when breastfeeding: http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/weight-gain_increase.html Also here is some good info for the supplementation debate. http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/enough-milk.html#supplements
    • Gold Top Dog

     You've definitely got my prayers!  Your husband overcame his, so that at least is a good sign that things will be fine for her also.  It is a good thing when doctors want to follow up on any suspicions. 

    • Gold Top Dog

    Oh Emily, so many good vibes from me & da boyz!

    • Gold Top Dog

    Emily, good thoughts coming your way from me and Max.  I think it's good that the doctor wants to check and be sure rather than having a "let's wait and see" attitude.  As for her growth, I wouldn't worry much about that.  It's true that breast fed babies follow a different growth pattern - mainly because they stop eating on their own when they feel they've had enough. If she's peeing/pooping OK and otherwise seems healthy and happy, everything is probably fine. There's no law of biology that says all babies of a certain age have to be the same weight and length.

    Joyce

    • Gold Top Dog

     Oh my gosh!  Nearly had a heart attack when I saw the thread title.  You most definitely have our thoughts and prayers.  Its good that your doctor isn't taking any chances.

    As for the supplementation, I'm with Gina, go with your gut. 

    • Gold Top Dog

     Good thoughts from Will and me too.  William recommends a big purple balloon for any problem Smile

    • Gold Top Dog

    Good vibes coming from here too.  I agree, better to be cautious and find out now than to wait and find out later.  Keep us posted.

    • Gold Top Dog

    "Normal" vibes coming from here.  Please keep us posted