The Weight on my Mind

When Jacob was born almost 11 months ago to the day, he was 8lbs 13 oz. He was, to say the least, a nice size baby boy! I chose to breastfeed him and he latched like a champ. I was one lucky Mama.  It is not uncommon for babies to lose weight after birth as the mother is waiting for her milk to come in. Jacob lost  a little weight while in the hospital which was not a big deal because he gained it back and then some by his two week check up.

Jacob 2 weeks old

He continued to steadily gain weight until his six month appointment when he had gained only one ounce in two months.

Almost six months - picture courtesy of Moments Forever photography
check them out here

I was not too concerned because I knew he never complained of being hungry after feedings and he was still frequently waking up at night to nurse.  I also had not introduced solids yet because I am a firm believer that a baby's belly just isn't ready for that until they are six months old. The doctor gave me an appointment to have a weight check in a month.

A month went by and I was confident he had gained weight. I had introduced solids into his diet and nursed him more frequently; I did just what the doctor advised. So when he gained 4 oz, I was excited, but the doc was not as impressed. :(

We had to come back in another month. I was so discouraged. I didn't understand why my little boy was not gaining enough weight to satisfy the doctor. I began to increase his solid intake and make my own baby food.  I decided not go back a month later because I was afraid of the scale. I decided if I had  more time until his nine month check up he would definintly put on some pounds and the doc would get off my back.

Jacob's nine month check up rolled around and to my dismay he only gained a pound. He hadn't even doubled his birth weight yet. The doc was not pleased so he referred me to a specialist at a Children's Hospital.  Up until yesterday I was very apprehensive about going to the specialist because I really didn't think anything was developmentally wrong with my son. He is a happy baby and loved to eat.

9 month old Happy boy, who would think there is anything wrong?

Yesterday I went to the specialist at the feeding clinic. I saw a pediatrician, occupational therapist, and a dietitian. They could not detect anything visibly wrong with him either. They watched me feed him and saw that he has no issues with eating. I was advised to put him on a high fat diet. The pedi ordered some blood work to make sure everything on the inside was functioning properly, and a scan of his belly. We are going back to the specialist in a month. Until then I will follow their instructions and keep praying my little man puts on some weight so this nightmare can be over.

I  feel like his failure to put on the right amount of weight is my fault, at times because breast milk is his primary source of nutrition and I am usually the one who chooses what he eats for solids. I was hoping for a positive outcome at the specialist office. Now, I am more worried than I was before. 

I will keep you posted on what happens with Jacob, but for now please pray for him to gain weight and for this all to be over.  

Have any of you had similar issues with your children or know someone who has? Please share them with us. 

Cheers,

Katey