Breastfeeding & calorie intake

[pixie_woo]

Hi

Just back from weigh-in clinic & my 10 wk old LO has lost half ounce this week. I know its not a lot but I'm still concerned.
HV said I need to up my calories and stop excess exercise; no more belly dancing class or gym but I can still go for my daily walk. I'm not happy but I'll do it for the sake of my boys health.

LO has recently started sleeping through so we've dropped a feed (he still has 6 feeds during the day anyway), HV said if calorie upping doesn't work then I'll have to start waking for a feed in the night, oh no!

Has anyone been through anything similar and how did you get over it?

All experiences (good or bad) are gratefully received, thanks x

[tracymort]

I have a massive bugbear with weighing, it causes an awful lot of unecessary worry I have found . Babies are supposed to grow slowly, decreases the chance of obesity and heart disease later on, the chubby baby being healthy idea is a myth and is a result of formula, made from cows milk and cows bodies grow faster than brains! We are the opposite.
Do you know what charts you have in the red book? Do you have the new breastfed baby chart or the old one which contained formula fed babies in it's statistics? That can make a difference.
Personally with my children I have only weighed them to see if we need to get another car seat! I think doing it too often causes worry and should only be done if there are other causes for concern, like too many dry nappies or a drowsy inactive baby. Mother's instincts are pretty good if listened too. If you feel he's alert and doing well he probably is. Sometimes just weighing before or after a poo or feed can alter things. Perhaps the scales are different or have been moved and jogged. If it's a one off blip that could often account for this. But as the say watch the baby, no the clock, scales or calender! They are all different.

This website has some great advice regarding dieting/exercise and breastfeeding, in fact it's the best site for breastfeeding anyway. http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/mom-weig htloss.html

Have you called a trained counsellor at all? HV's don't always have the time to keep up to date with the latest advice with regards to breastfeeding and they may have some more ideas. Perhaps keeping baby on one breast longer before switching can help him get more of the higher calorie hind milk (milk like a hot tap, the longer it runs the higher the calories, take baby off to soon and all he gets is the "drink").
It's something you may wish to talk abo

[tracymort]

ut with a counsellor.

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
Tel. [phone]

The Breastfeeding Network
Tel. [phone]

La Leche League
Tel. [phone]

National Childbirth Trust
Tel. [phone]

[meltoadhall]

having had 3 and fed them all, I see no reason why you shouldnt carry on with the classes and gym, just make sure that you keep up your calorie intake and lots of fluids - dont ever wake up a baby in the night for a feed !! they know when they are hungry, your hv needs shooting!!
in a few weeks you'll start weaning anyway - unless your baby has a medical problem I wouldnt worry and dont panic over these weigh in classes - i didnt bother half the time lol
lots of wet nappies and the regular poos are a sign that baby is fine - not poos every time as breast babies absorb more, you know your baby and will know when there is something wrong.

[aims1202]

I was going to say pretty much what tracymort has said!
My mum is a health visitior but very different from most, she says that weighing babies all the time is not necessary and causes much more problems. she wishes other hv didnt do it so much.
Please dont worry about your baby loosing a little bit of weight and i would say try not to get him weighed again.
Just make sure you eat what your body tells you you need, when you are hungry eat, no need to check calories.
Apart from walking i wasnt doing any exercise but i lost quite a bit of weight when breastfeeding, but i was eating all the time. Also make sure you rest when you need to as this helps keep up supply.
As for waking baby up on the night for a feed that is ridiculous! That is excellent if hes sleeping through, well done you.
Your breast milk alone is just right for your baby until hes six months old and you will produce what he needs. it is true that the fatty milk comes after the thirst quenching milk so leaving him on each breast for longer is a good idea, you will know when hes getting this milk as he will suck differently. There is no need for formula top ups and no need to wean them early, even really hungry babies.
Please dont worry, if baby is thriving and you can tell this, he will be fine.

[pixie_woo]

Thanks ladies, your answers & support are really appreciated.

Just to let you know; I feed from one side per feed to ensure that he gets the fore- and hind-milk and never take him off before he naturally finishes.
He's healthy and bright and developing really well, I think I just panicked when I saw that he'd lost weight. Its difficult breastfeeding, there's nothing else to blame apart from me.

Thanks again x

[Bloss]

I am a mother of 3. No. 2 & 3 were twins. I agree with much of what has been said. Having breast fed twins I would just add one more point. I was given advice as to how to improve the 'substance' of my milk towards the end of the day and it made a big difference to the twins' weight gain - especially since they were small babies. I ate a snack including a dairy product such as cheese or milk at about 4 o'clock. I know not great for your calorie counting, but I found it gave me an energy boost and made a huge difference to the twins. I got to quite enjoy cheese and crackers or a milkshake. Worth a try if you are concerned. x

[aims1202]

It sounds like you are doing a great job! Its natural to worry especially when they are so small but you will know when there is something wrong. Trust your instincts, they are your best guide x