Concerns about My 3-Month-Old Daughter's Growth
This is my initial entry, so I apologize if I overlook any details. My pediatrician is nearing a diagnosis of failure to thrive for my daughter, but I want to ensure I have explored all possible avenues before they reach that conclusion. To begin with, let’s look at circumstances leading up to her birth: my baby consistently measured about a week behind her expected weight for her gestational age. My obstetrician expressed worries that she may not have been receiving adequate nutrients through the umbilical cord. Due to my condition of having a circumvallate placenta, my doctor recommended cervical preparation and induction to monitor the entire labor process closely. Fortunately, she experienced a significant weight gain just two weeks pre-delivery and was born weighing 9 pounds. After her birth: she successfully latched on with no complications, although I felt unwell and was not consuming enough food. Following our hospital stay, she experienced substantial weight loss, dropping roughly a pound and a half within two weeks. Around the same time, I faced kidney complications, including a sizable kidney stone that led to a UTI and a severe kidney infection. Since then, her weight gain has been extremely gradual. At three months, she has just surpassed ten pounds but shows a slight decrease in percentiles despite the overall weight increase. To help with her nourishment, we are trying to supplement with formula, but she does not seem to like it at all. The only time she is willing to drink it is when my eldest child is the one feeding her. On most days, she only consumes about four ounces of formula, and it seems to upset her stomach, leading to bouts of fussiness and cries. I'm uncertain if we should consider using a sensitive formula, as we have been giving her the same type of Similac that was provided in the hospital. Moreover, I have celiac disease, hypothyroidism, and postpartum anemia. I wonder if there is a possibility that I might be lacking in essential nutrients, contributing to her growth concerns. Despite this situation, she is meeting all her developmental milestones and is even excelling in some areas. I’m inclined to think that the issue resides with my breast milk rather than her overall health, and I should also note that a tongue tie was ruled out at birth. I would appreciate any insights or recommendations regarding this matter.
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 4:10:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your daughter's growth and feeding, especially considering the context of her birth and your health circumstances. Your observations about her weight gain, feeding preferences, and your own health conditions are very important. Let’s break down the key points and what you can do next.
Key Points:
- Your daughter experienced initial weight loss after birth but has recently shown gradual weight gain.
- You’re attempting to supplement with formula, but it seems to upset her stomach and she prefers being fed by your eldest child.
- Your health conditions, including celiac disease, hypothyroidism, and postpartum anemia, might influence your milk quality and quantity.
Explanation:
Developmental milestones are a good sign, indicating that your daughter might not have a serious underlying issue despite her gradual weight gain. Weight percentile decreases can be concerning but often improve as babies grow and adjust to feeding.
Breast milk is typically very nutritious, but if you're concerned about your dietary intake affecting your milk’s quality (given your celiac disease and other conditions), it's wise to explore this further. Baby’s fussiness after formula might indicate she’s sensitive to something in it or the way it's introduced.
Next Steps:
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Continue Monitoring Weight: Keep a weekly log of her weight and any feeding patterns or behaviors (like fussiness after certain feeds). This can help spot trends over time.
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Assess Your Diet: Focus on ensuring you're getting adequate nutrition. You might consider consulting a nutritionist who is familiar with celiac disease to ensure that you're meeting your body's and your daughter's needs. Checking your iodine and iron levels (given your hypothyroidism and anemia) can also be beneficial.
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Explore Formula Options: Since your daughter seems to prefer being fed by your eldest child and has issues with her current formula, it might be helpful to try a sensitive or hypoallergenic formula. Consult with your pediatrician about which types might be appropriate based on her symptoms.
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Alter Feeding Techniques: Since she responds positively when fed by your older child, see if you can replicate an environment that mimics that comfort with you. Keeping her calm and comfortable might improve her acceptance of the bottle.
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Stay in Touch with Your Pediatrician: Maintain open communication with your pediatrician; discuss your concerns about your milk supply and any recent changes in her behavior or feeding habits. They may suggest additional evaluations to address her growth and your diet.
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed in this situation, but you’re clearly dedicated to your daughter's wellbeing. Keep seeking solutions and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.
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