Feeling like a failure
Today Emmie had her appointment with the pediatric gastroenterologist. The GI doc asked a lot of questions, examined her and of course measured and weighed her.
While she went from 13 lbs 11 ounces to 14 lbs 2 ounces in the last three weeks, she's still not where she should be in terms of weight. Her weigh-in today placed her in the 5th percentile, which also got her the official label of Failure To Thrive. Except, the GI doc said, she appears to be thriving. So he is saying it's in name only at this point.
We also found out our pediatrician mis-measured her at her last appointment and her height is only in the 50th percentile, not greater than the 95th. So she's apparently not going to be doing shoe endorsements for Nike any time soon. She's just average, I guess.
We discussed the silent reflux, and he said he does not think she has it. He told us to stop the Zantac, as it probably wasn't doing anything. Although I am sure she will miss the spectacular grape taste twice each day, we discontinued it tonight.
He also wants to run a few tests, specifically blood, sweat, stool and urine in addition to an ultrasound of her stomach. He said he doesn't expect to find anything, but it's better to have them done.
His most interesting question came in reference to her suspected milk protein intolerance. When I told him I had cut out all dairy and soy, he said I also need to cut out nuts and shellfish. Apparently, the shrimp skewers with peanut sauce are off the menu from now on. But I digress. After we discussed my limited diet, he asked how committed I was to breastfeeding on a scale of 1-10. I of course said 10 and that I would do whatever I needed to do to make it to a year. He was supportive and said that was fine, he just wanted to let me know we could try a hypoallergenic formula if I didn't want to be so restricted.
For now, he wants us giving her three or four meals of solids a day, following up with breastfeeding. He also said to feed her on demand, no matter what time of day or night. His exact words were, "Let her eat."
So we're going to bust out the avocado and applesauce mixture that Jack enjoyed so much, I am going to whip out the boob at the slightest whif of interest and we'll be back for a follow-up in a month. Until then, we'll just be being over here, failing to thrive.
While she went from 13 lbs 11 ounces to 14 lbs 2 ounces in the last three weeks, she's still not where she should be in terms of weight. Her weigh-in today placed her in the 5th percentile, which also got her the official label of Failure To Thrive. Except, the GI doc said, she appears to be thriving. So he is saying it's in name only at this point.
We also found out our pediatrician mis-measured her at her last appointment and her height is only in the 50th percentile, not greater than the 95th. So she's apparently not going to be doing shoe endorsements for Nike any time soon. She's just average, I guess.
We discussed the silent reflux, and he said he does not think she has it. He told us to stop the Zantac, as it probably wasn't doing anything. Although I am sure she will miss the spectacular grape taste twice each day, we discontinued it tonight.
He also wants to run a few tests, specifically blood, sweat, stool and urine in addition to an ultrasound of her stomach. He said he doesn't expect to find anything, but it's better to have them done.
His most interesting question came in reference to her suspected milk protein intolerance. When I told him I had cut out all dairy and soy, he said I also need to cut out nuts and shellfish. Apparently, the shrimp skewers with peanut sauce are off the menu from now on. But I digress. After we discussed my limited diet, he asked how committed I was to breastfeeding on a scale of 1-10. I of course said 10 and that I would do whatever I needed to do to make it to a year. He was supportive and said that was fine, he just wanted to let me know we could try a hypoallergenic formula if I didn't want to be so restricted.
For now, he wants us giving her three or four meals of solids a day, following up with breastfeeding. He also said to feed her on demand, no matter what time of day or night. His exact words were, "Let her eat."
So we're going to bust out the avocado and applesauce mixture that Jack enjoyed so much, I am going to whip out the boob at the slightest whif of interest and we'll be back for a follow-up in a month. Until then, we'll just be being over here, failing to thrive.
Labels: Breastfeeding, Dairy-free, Emmie, Sicky
posted by Amy at
9:51 PM
7 Comments:
Oh, that sucks. I wish there were an easier answer like the silent reflux. Wasn't Jack a little peanut, too? And look what a healthy, big boy he has become! Emmie will be just fine. I'm sending lots of positive vibes your way. You're one committed breast-feeding mama to continue round-the-clock feeding!
This is a big fear of mine-- my almost 4 month old Jack is really skinny as well. I do not know if I am as committed to breastfeeding as you are-- I think I will go with supplements if we have a problem at his 4 month appointment. Good luck-- and your doctor is definitely right-- she sure is thriving :)
That is so stressful. Hang in there. it sounds like you're doing great, and she does seem exceptionally thriving from where I sit. Good luck.
I wish they had another phrase for it, FTT is so harsh and filled with judgment. She is definitely thriving, she looks perfect. It sounds like your are doing great, and Emmie is such a doll. Keep it up, and keep us posted.
I'm sorry to hear that, but she lokks very happy and healthy in her pictures. My sister in law has very small kids and it turned out that both of them had urinary reflux. But even after they treated that problem, her kids have always been in the 5th percentile or lower... and they are both perfectly fine. Try not to worry. Just because she's not textbook doesn't mean she's sickly. She might just have the "skinny" genes.
Oh, Amy. So been there, done that. At 27 months, Ethan tips the scales at a whopping 21.5 lbs. He has also met all of his developmental milestones, in spite of being a preemie. I will never forget the first time I saw the "Failure to Thrive" written on his chart. It's devestating as a mother (and such an awful term).
I'm sure Miss Emmie is perfect and healthy; she's just a peanut. A very cute peanut.
I'm with everyone else, FTT is only a medical term indicating she's not as pudgy as they think she should be. Look at your hubby! Hello-she 's perfectly fine. She is beautiful, healthy, cute, and the doc's and you will see, it's nothing to fret about.
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