Baby Weight Gain and Something Else...

First of all, I applaud you for not giving in to fear. As a mom one of the most important things you can do is stay level headed and not blow things out of proportion. Good job.

In answer to your 2nd question, Yes, it is perfectly normal to bleed that long and it can overlap your period especially if you aren't nursing.

I remember when my second daughter was born. I took her to the doctor and commented on what a little chub she was. The doctor just looked at me and said " I wish all I had to do was look at fat, healthy babies all day long." His point was well taken. If you have a baby who is gaining weight and thriving, that is such a blessing.

A 5 1/2 week old baby should be eating about 24 ounces in a 24 hour period. I would try to feed him about 4 ounces at a time and then stop and observe him. Don't confuse his desire to suck or even his fussiness for a lack of satisfaction or not being full. There are clues to look for to determine when a baby is full. Their little hands relax out of the tight fist, their tummy is round and tight. They start to look around or settle down.

If he is always fussy I would start by trying 3 things.

1. Make sure to give full feedings not just snack feedings. It's tempting to offer the bottle every time a baby fusses but when it's time to eat, he should be hungry and focused and take the full bottle, not just drink 2 ounces, wait an hour, 2 more ounces. I'm in no way insinuating you don't feed a hungry baby. Just telling you after having three babies of my own that snacking instead of eating, prevents the baby from getting good naps and when a baby is not sleeping enough, they stay fussy.

2. Frequently burp him during feedings and use a bottle that removes gas. Playtex Nursers with the plastic inserts are my favorite. If he is throwing up a lot it's a good chance you are over feeding him. If he throws up all the time no matter how much he eats, you may want to try a different formula. Our first daughter had horrible stomach issues and we went through about 4 different formulas before we found one that didn't upset her stomach. We've used a different formula for each of our babies because they are just all different. But the Playtex nursers work great to help with gas.

3. The last thing, and this relates to wanting to suck, is to offer a pacifier after 4 ounces. Some babies won't take a pacifier - my first two didn't, but if he will, just offer it to him and then observe. Is he sucking fast and furiously and stopping frequently to cry? He may still be hungry. Is he sucking contentedly and looking more relaxed and full? He probably just wants to suck.

I want to mention one more thing which may or may not apply to you and may not be a popular view. I've learned not to wake my babies up to eat. I know people tell you to wake them up and if he was failing to thrive I would agree but he is gaining plenty of weight. I've found with my babies that if I will just let them sleep as long as they want, they will wake up hungry and ready to take a full feeding. They also are much more cheerful and content over all because their body knows how much sleep they need and waking them up disrupts that sleep pattern. Again - not if they are losing weight, but if they are healthy and fine and sleeping - let them be.

I hope that helps. Praying peace over you and your little one.
A.

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Percentiles for weight are normed averages on a bell curve. He should have a hight percentile and a weight percentile, and as long as they are close in number, there is nothing wrong with being on the big end of the bell, he is still on the charts, which means that he is within normal limits. Unless he has a big gap between hight and weight or he was off the chart for one of those measures, he is fine. He is gaining within normal limits, and that is terrific!

Some babies just have a hard time knowing that they are full, and his system will mature soon and he will have a better sense of how much is enough. He may have a little gas, and still interprets every pain as hunger.

Does he either take a pacifier or suck his thumb or fingers? He may also just be in need of that kind of oral soothing, and if he only has the bottle to soothe with, he may just be looking for something to suck. If you do not want to introduce a pacifer, you migh try to give him a small bottle of water after you know that he has had enough formula and still seems to need more. That may satisfy him and keep him from vomiting the whole feeding. If giving water worries you, speak to your pediatricians nurse first.

I bet it will all settle down around the three month mark when most babies find a very comfortable spot in development. Newborns are sometimes uncomfortable and take a while to get used to who they are and there is a whole bunch of growth and development going on all at one time, the can just be kind of fussy at first. If you are still having these issues at the three month appointment, make sure that your doctor hears your concerns, that is what they are there for. Make a list, and tell the doctor you have some questions and concerns, then pull out the list, and check them off one by one to be sure that he knows that you have something to say. A good doctor will not ignore you, so if you have that experience again, and you are sure that the doctor knew that you had questions, you might think about whether this is the doctor for you.

It has been too many years for me to remember anything about your other question, but I would think that a call to your OB's nurse could answer your questions, and I bet that they would not mind one bit answering you, they certainly would rather talk to someone who did not need their help than to miss a call from someone who did! They can tell you exactly when you need to worry or if you need to be seen.

Enjoy your baby!
M.

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You'll notice as he gets older that there will be dr's appointments where he hasn't barely gained anything, then there are dr's appoints where he has gained a lot! After around 4 months (she was a preemie) my baby was in the high percentile for both height and weight, and at 18 months she still is! She looks like a lil' football player.
You can always try rice cereal, real watery in his bottle (mixed with the formula) to try to satisfy his appetitie. My ped just told me to feed on demand. Besides, don't worry about him being overweight right now. Sometimes the smallest babies end up being chubby adults, and the chubby babies end up being skinny adults. You just never know.
Yes it is possible to have started your period transitioning from the post partum bleed, but it can vary. Have you gone in to your 6 week appointment? If not I would definately schedule it, if you have call and ask the nurse if you should be seen again or not. Good Luck! =)

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It's not unreasonable for him to have gained so much weight, but you mght try to get him on a feeding schedule. It'll help him to be soothed by other methods besides food, because be knows when to expect his food. The book Babywise was very helpful for us. I also suggest a pacifier if your not using one yet. It sounds more like the need to suck than hungry if he's overeating.

Yes, you can ovulate while still having lochia then an immediate period. Have with all 3 of mine:) which of course means pregnancy is possible.

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1. I would have to say that is a lot of weight gain. But both of my kids were breastfed, so I don't know for sure if that is too much for a formula fed baby. Make sure you are really getting some good burps after he eats, even stopping him while he is eating to burp him if he is eating too fast. Gas bubbles could make him think he is hungry when he is really uncomfortable due to gas and not hunger pain. How many times a day does he eat? It might be helpful to put him on a feeding schedule so he is consistent and you know for sure he is getting enough to eat, without eating too much. At that age my babies were eating every 2.5-3 hours.
2. I bled for 6 weeks after my first, and for 4 weeks after my second. Breastfeeding was supposed to help stop the bleeding sooner by contracting the uterus back to normal size faster, or so I was told. Did you have your 6 week check yet? I would definitely ask your O.B. about the bleeding. It could be perfectly normal. Anyway, if you have any more questions, just send me a message. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have, without overreacting. ;) And congrats on becoming a mom!

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My friend's baby was about 10 lbs at 4 weeks so I don't think your son is gaining too much. It really depends on the baby. My son was born 1 oz. shy of 8 lbs. but he didn't gain very fast after that. My son is not a big eater and I can't force him to eat so he will never overeat. He stops if he is full.

I also read that formula fed babies do gain alot faster in the beginning than do breast fed babies.

I am not advocating to use the pacifier but maybe after the feeding you can give him the paci to suck on and see if that will soothe him? If you are not using a pacifier on your son that don't start now.

I bled for 8 weeks after I gave birth and at the end if was on and off too. Pretty annoying actually.

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My son gained 3 lbs a month for the first three months but he was breast fed so I really do not know how much he was getting. If your doctor ignored your question I would think about changing doctors. You are paying him, he is not doing you a favor by seeing your child. Tell him to take his hand off of the door knob because you have some concerns that you need to talk about. I breast fed both of my children so I do not know when you should start back on your period afterwards. Being a first time mother is hard and scary, stay calm and keep asking for help, this is a great place to get advice.

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My son was born at 7lbs 15 1/2oz. At two weeks he was 9 lb 13 oz, he had went to four hour apart feedings but then had regressed to every two hours and was taking 8 oz each time ad still seeming hungry. At two weeks, the doctor had me start him on rice cereal at his dinner feeding. At four weeks he weighed just shy of 12 pounds and by three months was 18 lbs 12 oz! He was in the 95 percentile or above! By six months he was at 20 lbs and 8 months he was hitting 22 lbs. Then he stayed there for several months because he started walking early and although he was eating alot he was working it back off. By kindergarten he was no longer chubby and has always been healthy. Don't sweat it! My daughter was smaller, didn't gain as much but by a year their weight was almost the same (15 years later of course).

As for your other question, it really can vary. Check w/ you doctor.

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If you are exclusively breastfeeding, any bleeding in the first 48 (or 50? or 56?) days postpartum is considered lochia and not menstruation. Even if you stopped bleeding and started up again. Many women have a bleeding episode around 6 weeks postpartum that is hormonal and not associated with ovulation.

this is the case for me. I chart my temps so I know that I am not ovulating, but I have a "period" about 6 weeks postpartum and then nothing else for the next 6-12 months as I'm breastfeeding. \\

ETA: Sorry, I just saw that you're formula feeding. In that case it's possible your periods have started back up. the average return of fertility for non-breastfeeding mothers can be around 1-3 months.

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Sweetie - yes, babies get really big really fast especially formula fed babies. And if he is hungry, feed him! Do not worry about him getting fat etc until he is older. My premie put on a ton of weight and my full term baby couldn't keep weight on. Oh, and that's not throw up but burp up. Throw up is projectile so make sure you are burping him every time you feed, cuz those bubbles are irritating. Babies find their environment through their mouth so your baby gnawing on his hand is perfectly natural and does not mean he is hungry, he's just tasting it and he obviously likes it and it keeps him occupied.

Now for the bleeding, chances are you have your period. It can happen within a few weeks after your baby is born especially if you are not breast feeding so if it is heavy and you have cramping like you normally would at that time, then it is probably your period. However, if anything starts to smell foul, excessive clotting etc then see a doctor. Also, as you are now ovulating, be careful unless you are planning babies to be close together.

Enjoy your baby
L.

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I'm not sure about the weight gain, but it doesn't sound too far off. I'm wondering if the formula is right for him. My dd had trouble with a few different formulas, until we found the AR formula from Infamil. Maybe he doesn't tolerate the one you are using. Just a thought...

As far as the bleeding after birth, it can still be the lochia as that can take 6+ weeks to stop. If you are worried contact your ob/gyn.

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your baby is likely perfectly fine, and eating what he needs:) He will have ups and downs, but as long as he remains in the same percentages, I would not worry. As far as the bleeding, I almost always (5 kids now) start my period again right at 5.5-6 weeks. But it did feel like I had finally stopped bleeding, only to start again. like a day or two in between!! Esp because you arent nursing, which I dont either, so its fairly normal in my world. Have a great time with you little man..there is no greater joy!

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is he throwing up or spitting up? All babies spit up. some drastically and some not. My peditritian said even a tablespoon of formula can look like a lot! He is probably not overeating. Just has gas. I would be sure to burb him in the middle of his feeding and at the end. It may not help but it might. spitting up is nothing to worry about. If he is like heaving and gagging and really throwing up that would be something to ask your dr about right away!

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My son did that, so what i did was give him rice cereal and he kept it down, his body was trying to tell me he needed something with more substance. I .know many of you don't believe in feeding your baby's that little, but mine were on rice cereal at 6 weeks to help them sleep through the night. He's 26 now and is an mma fighter. as for the weight gain. if he is healthy and happy don't worry, if there was a problem I'm sure the ped would have said something. J.

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Two of mine gained weight that fast. My 4 month old looks like a 9 month old and he was born a month early. I breastfeed so I don't have to worry about him over eating or getting sick. You may want to watch how much you feed him and use a pacifier if you feel he's getting too much formula. My children would act that same way (all five of them) like they're starving all the time, but I think they are just tired etc.

I also bled for about 6 weeks or so with all of mine. Mine would come and go towards the end.

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about your son, you might make sure he is sitting upright when being fed and that he stays propped up (his infant car seat is a good spot) after he has eaten for at least 30 minutes after eating. It sounds like he could have reflux. I'm not worried about the weight gain as long as he doesn't seem to be having problems breathing and he is having good bowel movements and doesn't seem to have any abdominal pain or distension. (his belly would be hard and round). As far as your bleeding, you could be having a period especially since you aren't breastfeeding. If the cramps get worse or the bleeding gets worse or you start passing clots definately see your doctor. Have you had your postpartum exam? If not DO NOT skip this exam as it is very important for your dr. to make sure that you are healing properly.

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No need to worry about the baby's weight. Both of my kids 2.5 yrs an 4.5 months are always in the 95 percentile for weight and height.
My son was 8.6 at birth, 14 lbs at 8 weeks, 18 lbs at 4 months and so on. He is 2.5 now at about 32 lbs.They definalely slim down a lot when they become mobile. My daughter now was 8.9 birth, 15 lbs at 8 wks, and 19 at 4 months. I asked th doc if i shoud worry about her being so fat.... he laughed and said enjoy all the rolls --they go away as you know with your son. Babies can't overeat..... it's true my daughter now is still eating btw 32-40 oz a day, still not interested in cereal yet... but now she eats less and is way more mobile!!
Just enjoy the rolls, I do and know that fat babies are happy babies.
Congrats

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The weight gain seems fine. My son was always off the charts, he was 13lbs at 3 months. It is possible you are feeding him too much, so maybe try other ways to soothe him before giving him a bottle such as: changing positions, rocking, lie on back and bring legs up, just in case it is gas. Just trust your instincts, no one knows your baby as well as you do. Best of health to you!

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Regarding the weight gain, my second child was very similar. She was breastfed but always seemed starved (trust me, I was producing plenty of milk!) and I was feeding her practically every 1 1/2 hours and at least once a day she would completely throw up as soon as she finished because she was eating too fast! At her 3 month well visit the doctor said I should attempt to put a little more time between feedings because she has put on too much weight in a short time. Hah! easy for her to say! And she was a fat baby, no doubt about it, and even when she starting eating solids she had a very healthy appetite. But over time her appetite balanced out and she is at a very "normal" weight for an 11 year old.

So my point is to know your child. Some parents are in denial about what constitutes a fat/obese child . . . they just don't see it and keep fueling the problem. But that needs to be balanced with just knowing your child is healthy and strong and just has a good appetite. Chances are your son's appetite will balance out with time. Just continue to observe him and if you're really worried that he's putting on too much weight then try again speaking to your doctor.

Ok, my first born weighed 11lbs and 1 oz at birth. He stayed it in 96% in both height and weight. Yes babies to gain rather quickly, by leaps and bounds. I really don't think there is anything to worry about as far as his weight.

Don't force feed him (your probably not). If he frequently throws up, he may have reflux. Keep a chart of how much he eats and an estimate of how much he throws up. Your doctor can help determine whether you are over feeding or if its reflux.

I bleed after the birth of my last baby for 6 to 8 weeks. It varied between heavy and light. If you become dizzy or lightheaded, you need to contact your OBGYN otherwise, I think you will be fine and it should let up soon.

as long as your baby is not eating more than 32 oz a day he is not eating to much so is pry gaining at a rate that is normal for him. as for the bleeding I bled for about 4 1/2 weeks but it can go on for 6 wks as long as you are not passing clots bigger than a quarter you should be fine.

I can't remember exactly how much weight my son gained by 5 1/2 weeks, but I do remember that he gained 2 lbs. in the first 10 days, so that sounds about right to me. My son was long and lanky and hungry. The vomiting concerns me. Make sure that he also gets water (my son was breast-fed) which may help satiate his hunger. Babies are very get at regulating their own weight naturally.

I know that I was unusually, but I bled for 6 weeks to the day with my first child.

Never feel like you are giving tmi!!! I bleed for over 6 weeks before mine stopped. I wouldnt worry about the eating either. He is still very young and hasnt got a routine down yet on how eating and life in general is! :)

My kiddo gained weight like that too, but the reason she couldn't be satisfied is because she had reflux, and the eating soothed her esophagus, so keep an eye out for that. If he's spitting up a lot or seems to be insatiable or seems to be in pain, then I'd call your doc. Otherwise, he's probably just a big boy! =)

As for the bleeding, I don't really remember about that (selective memory, I think, lol), so I can't help you, but you've gotten lots of great responses. Good luck, and try not to worry too much (I know, pretty impossible). =)