HomeAnswersPediatricsfailure to thriveWhy does my baby fail to thrive though he is completely breastfed?

Though my baby is exclusively breastfed, why does he fail to thrive?

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Though my baby is exclusively breastfed, why does he fail to thrive?

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At March 9, 2017
Reviewed AtAugust 16, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My baby was born at 37 weeks due to growth restriction. His weight was 5 lbs 3 oz. He was in NICU for seven days due to low blood sugar. He is 7 months old and weight 11 lbs 6 oz. He had reflux issues and lip and tongue tie. It was fixed at two months. The reflux was fine after 5 months of age. Initially, he was also constipated for around three months. We started solids at 6.5 months of age, and it made his constipation much worse. He had a barium enema to rule out Hirschsprung, and he was not able to get all the barium out. He is not pooping and refusing any food. He freaks out when I try to nurse him. Doctors are saying it as milk protein allergy, but I do not believe so. What else could be causing constipation and failure to thrive in a breastfed baby? Please help my baby.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please note that the weight gain of your baby is fine. Normally birth weight doubles by the age of 6 months, which I think it has. As for 7-1/2 months of age, the weight is only a very little bit lesser probably because of reflux issues. Also, babies pass stools either 10 to 15 times a day or once in two to three days, so I do not think there is constipation. I feel that if the baby had any major problems, then the child will not be able to become double of birth weight by seven months of age. According to me, the child is having a fair amount of weight gain, which is slightly on the lower side probably due to the reflux which will go away eventually with age. Also, you can give Multivitamins and Calcium supplements to help the baby. Also, give mashed foods along with breast milk to the baby.

For further information consult a pediatrician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/paediatrician

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim
Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim

Pediatrics

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