Small EBF babies

Hey! My LB (8 weeks) is just under 9th percentile. We noticed he wasn't gaining one week and decided to pump to get on top of it. Fortunately he's fine now. -So make sure the pump fits right, measure your nipples as pumps aren't a one size fits all. You can get kits and inserts for the flange. I got mine off Amazon. -Do a power pump (have a Google tonnes of info on that) -Double pumps are more effective than mobile ones. -Put something on your nipples to help them move through the pump easier, I just use my nipple balm. - I've started eating more oats and protein. I also got the hot mama milk supply tea from Amazon and drink a hell of a lot of water. -Try and time around feeds, like halfway through a nap so you've kind of replenished, but not effected his next feed. Hope that's helpful, there's some good stuff online too, but that's everything I've done to help increase my supply. We still have to top up with formula as my lil one is a greedy git, but I do pump what he should be having around 4-5 Oz.

Sorry this isn’t much help but I’m in a very similar position. 4.3kg at last appointment last week (9 weeks old) with a check up tomorrow to see how things are going. I contacted La Leche who are a breastfeeding support service and they were very knowledgeable and helpful regarding tips and tricks to try and encourage longer and more filling feeds like breast compressions and switch feeding and then looking into your diet including healthy fats and lots of protein to encourage fattier milk. I tried pumping and really struggled but going to give it another go depending on how tomorrow’s appointment goes. Will let you know if I get any other helpful info x

Hi! My LB is small, 0.4th percentile 😅 he was 4.1KG at 8+5 weeks. I exclusively pump, health visitors and GP aren't too concerned as both me and partner are on the small side. He did drop 2 percentiles between 2 and 6 weeks. If you're going to try pumping, I recommend a hospital grade pump, I use spectra S1 and find it amazing. I do use wearable when I go out though x

Thank you so much for the three of you replying. Just knowing I’m not the only one with a small baby is super encouraging and your advice is great. I’ve also contacted La Lèche League and going to a meeting next week. Best of luck with the appointment tomorrow Katherine. We put the “L” in “LO” 😂

Thank you so much. Haha we most certainly do! x

Yeah, lil ones are the cutest. It's great seeing them grow but I'm so gonna miss how small he is 😭 Forgot to also mention that I put warm compresses on while pumping now too and that also helps get the milk out! Hope your meeting goes well for both of you. You're all doing amazing 🖤

I get much more when i pump first thing in the morning as that’s when milk supply is the highest x

My little girl is tiny, 2nd centile. She was barely 4kg at 10 weeks! GPs aren't concerned and HVs are just monitoring via regular weigh-ins but we've been worried about my supply and she won't drink formula. We went to the osteopath who treated some movement restrictions in her head, neck and jaw and with that alongside some cluster feeding, she's been drinking much more for the last few days and I feel my supply is more than sufficient now! Let's see 🤞

@Nikki similar situation, my daughter is 2nd centile and was 3.7 kg at 8 weeks. Gp was not concerned, but i am due to weight. She is maintaining her growth curve, but i m thinking of getting feeding assessment donr for her.

Your local children's centre may have an infant feeding support team you could try, and I recommend an osteopath who treats infants as well. At the end of the day if she's tracking well, feeding regularly and is active/happy then maybe she's just supposed to be small!