6 Month Check-Up

Monday, February 1, 2010

Kenley's six month appointment today did not go at all like I thought it would. As you can see in the picture below she weighted in at 11lbs 11.3ounces. Which means that basically she has gained no weight in two months. This puts her below the 0% on the percentile scale. This is type of thing is usually classified as Failure to Thrive. So basically if Kenley doesn't show a significant weight gain by next Monday she will have to be hospitalized and officially labeled as failure to thrive. The doctor told me that breastfeeding isn't working for Kenley and I need to completely switch her over to formula. I do not want to do this at all. It makes me so sad but obviously I want to do what is best for Kenley. At this point though I think that I will still continue to breastfeed her and then supplement with formula. If that doesn't help her gain weight this week then I will consider totally switching her over. There is also a tiny bit of a chance that the weight problem could be do to a heart problem so they are going to refer us to a pediatric cardiologist. Kenley had to have x-rays and blood work done today too. Here are some pictures of her getting her x-rays. It was so sad. The techs could not find Kenley's veins for the blood work so it took me holding her tight and 3 techs to try to get blood and even then they barely got any. She was stuck once in her left arm, twice in her right, and once in her heel. It was so pitiful. I didn't get any pictures of that ordeal, but here is a picture of her in her bandages.
She is still just such a happy baby, here she is chilling while we waitedI think that for future doctors visits I need to employ the buddy system. I am seriously going to get a reputation there! After the doctor told me about the weight problems, he was explaining to me the difference in formulas. In true Keri-at-the-doctors-office fashion, I started to get nauseous, dizzy, sweaty, and pale. I was no longer listening to what he was saying and I mumbled something about needing water. He made me sit down and had a corpsman bring me water and take my blood pressure. How embarrassing! I think that I am allergic to anything remotely medical. :)

I trust that God is in control. Kenley is His child. He will take care of us through this. May His will be done in and through our lives.

Your prayers are appreciated so much!

9 comments:

Amy said...

I think my gut just dropped. SO sorry you guys. At least she still looks her VERY happy baby self... and she really seems right on track for learning and development! Just a tiny thing is all! xoxo

CLR said...

Keri, We will pray for that sweet girl. Continue to trust our Mighty God. Kenley is beautiful!

joyceC said...

I hope this encourages you. When our youngest daughter was 4 months old she only weighed 10 pounds. My milk supply was not good. I was given the advice of feeding her goats milk. After much thought and research, we did and WOW did she thrive on that. 12 years later we have another baby. Jireh is doing very well and we also give him goats milk along with breastfeeding. So with that experience I would suggest goats milk. But if you do give it to your baby, don't tell the peds. They do not agree with it. Try and find a local farmer who will sell it to you on the side. Hope this helps you. I would not stress about this. TRUST THE LORD!
Kenley is a happy baby and looks good to us. She might just be taking after her mama and going to be small.

Bekah said...

Keri, Keri, Keri!! I have actually been where you are with Hannah. She was not gaining weight. We were at the doctor's office every two weeks for weight checks. We tried adding fat to her solid foods (adding butter, etc) saw a cardiologist to check metabolic rate and to check her heart! I was determined NOT to do formula. I held all of the doctors off until she hit 10 months where I switched her to soy milk and on soy milk she FINALLY doubled her birth weight. Here is what Hannah's doctor FAILED TO DO. Check the calorie count in your breast milk to see how much fat that is in it. Nursing moms (all moms in general) are too eager to get back in shape and to their normal pre-pregnancy bodies that they cut back way to much on their calories. Seriously, have them check your milk to see how much fat is in it!! If you don't have fatty milk, beef up on your fats for a couple weeks and you might see a difference.

Sorry this is so long, but I know how scary this all can be. You feel so guilty, but DON'T God has it under control!! Kenley is developing normal in EVERY OTHER AREA! Babies who fail to thrive are typically slower in normal development. I will be praying for you and Kenley!!

Unknown said...

Keri, Kenley is such a gorgeous baby,and looks so happy! If she wasn't thriving,she'd be pale,weak,listless,tired,and cranky.Maybe she burns her calories up fast due to a high metabolism. If your doctor hasn't done it already,he should check Kenley's thyroid levels.I will definitely keep you guys in my prayers. Like you said,Kenley is God's child,and He DOES have everything under control! <

Andy B. said...

We will be praying for you Ronkies. Kenly is God's and He will do what is best and for all your good because He loves you two.

Radmacher's R US said...

WOW!!! I cannot believe it! We are praying for you girl!! Kenly is gorgeous!!

Melissa said...

Wow. She doesn't look that small from here! She looks like a beautiful, happy, healthy baby. And I miss all of you guys so much, I wish I could be there to be your buddy.

Carol Blanchet said...

Keri,
I'm a friend of Brian's mom and I LOVE to visit your blog. My heart goes out to you right now. I know that hearing things that are unexpected from the doctor can be overwhelming. Since Kenley is 6months old - maybe you can try rice cereal or avocado (a wonderful first food!) Goat milk has 168 calories per 1 cup. That would be a good option in lieu of formula - NOT that I'm a doctor - just a mama of many. I'll be praying for your sweet family.
Carol Blanchet

 
FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATE BY DESIGNER BLOGS