Long and lean and stubborn

Despite my best efforts, Maisie just isn't gaining the weight she should be. 

Well, despite me feeding Miss Maisie around the clock and despite what seemed like a growth spurt this week, Miss Maisie only gained an ounce in 2 weeks. She should be gaining an ounce every 1 to 2 days. So gaining an ounce every 2 weeks not so good at all.

She is long and lean and only 10 lbs. 12 oz. Our plan now is to supplement.

The doctor thinks that I have enough milk, but it might just not have enough calories for her. Since I have been feeding on demand and she has been sleeping well and she still isn't gaining, I think our doctor might be right. When Calan was 4 months, he didn't gain as much as he should have too, but I thought that was because I was pregnant with Maisie. At about 4.5 months, I was feeding Calan two formula bottles a day and probably breastfeeding him 3 times a day. By 5.5 months, I was full-time, formula feeding him.

The goal is to have Maisie drink at least 8 oz. of formula a day on top of my breast feeding. I also am to mix a little cereal into her formula to help with her reflux instead of increasing the dosage on her medicine. The formula and cereal will be heavier in her stomach so it will be less likely to come back up. So in theory, that should help with her reflux pain that she seems to be still having. I really, really, really hope it works.

I know that there are probably some hardcore breastfeeding mommas who probably would suggest something different, but I have decided to go with our doctor. I just can't keep trying different things. I need to go with the sure bet, which is formula. She will get the calories she needs from that without a doubt in my mind. Our little girl needs to gain weight and quickly and that is what is most important right now.

I do hope that I have enough will power to continue breastfeeding on top of bottle feeding. I gave up with Calan sooner that I feel like I should have and I don't want to have the same regret this time.

I have tried the last 2 feedings to give her a bottle and she is not taking it from me. She is being quite stubborn only wanting my breast, which is pretty common with breastfed babies. In the past she has taken bottles just fine from my husband and mother-in-law. She is stubborn, but she doesn't realize that she gets that from me. I am pretty sure I will win out. We go back to get her weight checked December 14. Praying for a chunky baby by then.

On top of her weight stuff, we are also going to get her eyes checked. She is showing some signs of have less eye control than she should. She focuses well, but when her eyes are relaxed they roll back. While most likely it is nothing, we are still going to get it checked. Her appointment isn't till January 5. So, maybe by then it will have corrected itself.