my baby girl was born at 38 weeks, but weighed only 5.9 pounds, doc said everything was fine and that she is just a small baby..now at 4 months she is weighing only 12.5 pounds..she was exclusively breast fed..and for past past one month she has been getting 3 ounces of formula bed time. She doesnt nap more than 2 hours during the day. She sleeps at 7pm -7am and gets up for 3 times for a feed. During the day she feeds almost every 2 hours..
do you think she is not getting enogh and i shuld introduce more formula..she is always trying to put her hands into her mouth...
2007-03-12 10:08:20 · 9 answers · asked by newmom 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I have two young children. Our doctor told us that on average a child will double in weight during the first 6 months. As long as she is still gaining weight and following the growth chart that your doctor should be plotting for you, there is nothing to worry about. If she doesn't seem content, you may consider starting her on some rice cereal. If you have questions, call and talk to your doctor or their nurse. They understand what new parents go through and will be glad to reassure you and answer your questions.
2007-03-12 10:17:18 · answer #1 · answered by Cameron F 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As far as size she is right in line with the averages so don't worry. My boys were 14 weeks early and weigh 15 lbs at 8 months and are perfectly healthy. Every baby is different is what my Dr preaches to me every time I freak out about how big they are.
It does sound like you must be really tired feeding that often. I read a book called Babywise and the schedule it suggested was very helpful to get the boys to sleep more regularly. The interesting thing I found was once they were sleeping on a schedule they ate and behaved so much better.
At 4.5 months my boys (breastfeeding exclusively) ate 6 times a day (every 3 hours) getting up at 6 and going to bed at around 10.
Also this site is great for getting an idea of how much to feed and when to start solids:
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babyfeeding/1400680.html
I also use the site to ask most of my baby questions on their boards.
2007-03-12 18:13:19 · answer #2 · answered by Sean and Aaron's mom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shes teething, thats why shes chewing on her hands.
Shes already doubled her birth weight, shes doing great!
If I were you, I would eliminate the 3 oz/day of formula she is getting.
Anything other than breastmilk in a breastfed babies diet can interefere with the natural way they absorb nutrtients. It kinda throws things off balance, you know?
But, other than that... she sounds very normal... my son was taking shorter naps at that age and nursing more frequently at night...
ETA:
Please don't schedule her feedings... its best for her to feed on demand.
2007-03-12 17:30:34 · answer #3 · answered by Mommy to David 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she were hungry, she would tell you with that distinctive 'I'm hungry, mummy, feed me!' cry.
Her hands are in her mouth because she is learning about them- everything is going to inti her mouth at some point- nothing to do with hunger, it's just how babies learn about the world around them :)
2007-03-12 17:29:26 · answer #4 · answered by ♥Pamela♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont worry too much.
my nephew was only 3 pounds when he was born.
he had trouble growing due to his allergy to his formula.
but i think that it's good that you are at least trying to feed your baby. just make sure that you keep on a schedule so you dont lose track of her feedings.
my nephew had to be put on every hour ... it was hard but i think babies' stomachs need to get use to it and the stretch to obtain more feeding.
i think it's okay for babies to put their hand in their mouth.... but just check with the doctors incase.
take care!!
babies do bring so much smiles.
2007-03-12 17:33:30 · answer #5 · answered by ladybleu 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Umm hello of course she is putting everything in her mouth, she's a BABY. My toddler kept trying to eat burrs today at the park.
Ok at birth 5.9lbs is around the 5th percentile.
At 4 months 12.5lbs is around the the 25th percentile. That is a pretty decent gain, generally as long as they are staying on the same curve they are fine, she is increasing in percentiles which is excellent.
Breastfed growth chart:
http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/chart1.html
CDC growth chart:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/growthcharts/set1clinical/cj41c018.pdf
2007-03-12 17:22:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If your concerned about her weight gain have you pumped your breasts to see just how much you are really producing? But the general rule is if she's hungry feed her no matter how often it is babies dont know to over eat they just know to eat when hungry. Also if your dr hasnt mentioned nothing about her weight you shouldnt worry.
2007-03-12 17:18:52 · answer #7 · answered by texas_angel_wattitude 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
MYSTIC_E:
You're SO RIGHT. You said everything that I don't have the time to post.
Breastfeeding is meant to be easy...not full of doubts and supplements. If only these Mommas could *grasp* this concept and TRUST their bodies.
2007-03-12 18:35:03 · answer #8 · answered by Gr8fulmom 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some kids are just small... IF she is four months old try mixing a little cereal in with her formula.
2007-03-12 17:17:02 · answer #9 · answered by Chris B 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋