Hospital questioning my daughter weight????

Question

My daughter is 11 weeks old and weighs 9lbs 14oz. The Dr never showed any signs that it was a problem. She was born at 36weeks and weighed 6lbs 11oz and was 19.5 inches and is now 21 inches. The hospital is all of a sudden questioning her weight saying that I am not feeding her enough and it is probably because I am only 14. I am like hello if I didnt care then she wouldnt be here right now. She has been in there since Sunday and today on the phone is when they questioned it. What should I do?

She is in the hospital for RSV. She will be released on Saturday.

Nina- She is getting fed properly. She drinks 5oz every 4 hours. I ask my mom questions all the time and she helps out ALOT.

Answer 1

9 lbs 14 oz is a pretty good size for an 11 week old, especially a premie. That's about what my son weighed at that age and he was full term. As long as everything else is OK, I wouldn't worry. But by that I mean, is the baby growing consistantly? Does she feed well? Is she feeding often enough? Is she developing well? Sometimes doctors don't realize they are being insulting (not that that should excuse them)....speak up for yourself and follow your instincts.

Answer 2

Usually they have a lactation consultant come and see you but you could also ask some of the staff most would help you if theyre not too busy. You can breastfeed the child whenever you feel like although some babies who are under risk of infection can not feed for a certain number of time. I`m glad i`m answering your question because knowone ever told me this when i was expecting. The first time they are born babies can spend up to an hour on the breast. So make sure you get very comfortable. They usually become quicker feeders in time. Breastfeeding hurts in the begining although some people say it shouldnt hurt. They nip onto your nipple and it can cause bleeding and cracked nipples. It helps if the baby is latching on to the whole breast instead of just the nipple. You should not see a lot of areola the dark skin around your breasts. Make sure your baby is in a straight line position as it helps with the sucking. Some babies are born naturally good breastfeeders and mum doesnt have any problems but others may need a push. Don`t worry if you still have problems breastfeeding when you get home talk to your health visitor she will point you to the right place. There are also breastfeeding advice sessions at the children centres. You don`t have to wait til your baby is born. Just pop in it`s usualyy a drop in. you can watch other mothers with their babies getting advice and ask questions.

Answer 3

I can only imagine how freaked out you could be. Being a mom can be scary, expecially at such a young age! In my oppinion, your baby is a little on the small side...but like everyone else is saying each baby is different. I think if nothing else is wrong with her she'll be ok. I would just be sure to ask the doctors what you can do to help her gain weight, and stay by her side....You should be at the hospital with her as much as you possibly can. That will show the doctors that you very much care and are being a responsible mother. Because you're so young you have to expect that the doctors will look down on you and blame everything little thing on your age. Just be persistant and ask them as many questions as you need to. I think you'll be ok so just take a deep breath and don't be affraid to ask other monthers around you for help and or advise :)

Answer 4

My daughter only weighed 6 lbs 4 oz and was 21" long when she was born. She has been underweight according to thier charts ever since. I don't even think my daughter gained 3 lbs in the first two months.

Unfortunately because you are so young, your age is giong to work against you in this instance. Stick up for yourself and tell them you are doing everything you can for her that they tell you to do, and ask them for advice in what to do to help her gain weight. If you are breast feeding her, it might not be enough and you may have to supplement with formula.

Is she on a feeding schedule? Try feeding her about 2-3 oz every three hours or so. Write down how much she eats and when so you get a really good idea of how much she gets a day. The docs will be able to tell you how much she should be getting. I think its like 24 oz or so at that age.

The fact of the matter is, she could just be a light eater. If she is unhealthy because of lack of nutrients and food, then it might be that you will need to change what and how she is eating. Otherwise she could be like my daughter and just be skinny for a while. As long as she is HEALTHY, get her there and keep her there and she will be okay.

Keep calm, have an adult go in with to back you up, and have a meeting with the doctors about your baby. Write down all the questions you have for them and write down their answers so you have them later on.

Answer 5

You really need to switch doctors. That is a good weight for a 11 week old. My son is a year and they also told me he was underweight. He's 20lbs. But he has been like that since he was born. He weighed 6lbs 6.6 oz. And he was 2 weeks early. At 2 monthes he was only 7lbs 9 oz. and at 6 months he was only 14 lbs. Something like that. You have nothing to worry about i think!!

Answer 6

Breastfed or bottle fed? And what was her LOWEST weight and when was that -if known. And any other weights.

In any case its a little low if you average it out over 11 weeks (4.6oz per week). If you assume that around two weeks she was back up to her birth after the initial loss then she has gained 5.7 oz a week since. Which is normal 5-7oz a week is considered normal.

However I think you need an advocate to come to the hospital with you and talk to the administration about the horrible way they are treating you. It isn't right. If nobody in your family can/will help you then you might want to consider talking to a social worker.

Answer 7

That is a tad small but all babies are different. My son is 13 weeks old and at 9 weeks at his check up he weighed 13.5 pounds and was 23.5 inches. If YOU know that you are feeding her properly and taking care of her, that's all that matters. They are just looking out for your little girl because a lot of times girls at your age just don't know how to take care of their babies. But, you sound like a great mom, keep up the good work and I'm so glad you're taking good care of your baby!

Answer 8

Just listen to their advise as patiently as possible, and then ask your regular doctor about it. Let your doc know what the hospital said to you. She was obviously not born at a preemie weight, so you don't have to worry about her taking time to catch up. It could just be because babies born prematurely usually sleep more than those born closer to their due date, so she's just not eating as much as often. Maybe ask the people questioning you about this. Why is she in the hospital?

Answer 9

just to give you an idea, my son, who's 6 1/2 months is 25 inches long, and weights 14 lbs! We were at the doctor today.
Every baby is different, so dont fret. She will start growing in no time!

Answer 10

If you're being responsible and feeding her than don''t let their opinion on your age get you down. She might have not gained because she was sick. Just stick to it and things will be fine. Stay calm, the doctor's only what what's best for you baby. If she gets seriously underweight they'll put a feeding tube on her. Things will be okay. Just stay calm and make sure you're doing everything necessary. Good luck, I'm pulling for you.