My Lactation Consultant thinks I need a new Pediatrician…
I am extremely conflicted. LO is 6 weeks old tomorrow and is very small. He was born at 37 weeks with a very traumatic labor and delivery. To make a long story short, I labored for 30 hours after being induced due to preeclampsia. His heart rate was declining so I was forced to have an emergency c section. It was extremely difficult for both of us. He was born at 6lbs and 15oz, and by the time we left the hospital he had lost about 10% of his body weight. It took him 3 almost 4 weeks to get back to birth weight and by 5 weeks he was up to 7lb 2oz. I have seen my lactation specialist twice now, and his pediatrician 4 times. The last time we saw the pediatrician she said he looks great, she has no concerns, and he’s just growing a little slower than average but she is not worried about it. On the other hand the lactation consultant states he is way underweight and he’s not getting enough milk and my supply is too low. Due to his painful latch at the breast, he has mainly been getting bottles of breast milk. He has already had a tongue tie release but she wants him to have more of a release, that his insurance won’t cover. I’m just confused and conflicted and I don’t know who to believe in this situation. I’m inclined to listen to LO’s doctor, because I feed him on demand and sometimes even more. I pump at least 6 times a day, which is a lot on my body personally but my lactation consultant wants me to pump and try to get him to latch more. She seems to think my supply is too low but I make enough to feed him on demand plus some. We did a weighted feed today and he gained 3.5oz in 30 minutes of feeding. I know he’s small and I want him to grow properly, but I really can’t spending my whole day pumping and breastfeeding in between like it seems she wants me too.
Pediatrician is not concerned about his weight or his feeding schedule, lactation consultant says he’s very underweight and needs to eat more.
Pediatrician is not concerned about him pooping every other day, lactation consultant states that’s not normal and there is something wrong.
Pediatrician says he has a good suck and latch, lactation consultant says it’s very poor and wants him to have more surgery on his mouth.
I don’t know what to do. I feel like I’m doing something wrong. I really am trying so hard to make my LO happy and healthy but also take care of myself. Being a mom is HARD. He’s my first (and most likely only), I don’t know how moms do this with multiple LOs. Big shout out to you, you’re stronger than I am.
UPDATE - THANK YOU EVERYONE 🥹 I was really scared to post this but everyone has been so helpful and supportive and I feel validated in my feelings. I will definitely seek help from a second LC and see what they say. I would love to nurse him, but if I need to exclusively pump I would not be mad. I want him to have breast milk but fed is best and I trust my pediatrician to tell me if she has any concerns. Thank you again for all of the support and advice, I appreciate you more than you know.