Why this happens
Sometimes older babies, who previously have been thriving, might unexpectedly stop keeping up with their normal growth pattern. This can occur for lots of reasons, including if we are struggling to balance milk feeds with introducing solids, if they are becoming more distracted during feeds or mealtimes, if they are unwell in some way, or maybe if our milk supply is being affected by changes to our hormones. There are so many possibilities that we need to explore.
Why it’s a problem
You felt that everything was going well for your baby, and then when their growth slows it comes as a surprise and feels really stressful. You might question your feeding goals, feel pressure to start pumping/expressing your milk, or you might worry about their intake of food at mealtimes. Our older babies can often pick up on our anxiety around these things, which can make things even more tricky.
How I can help you
Together, we’ll look at the whole situation for your baby. I’ll assess feeding (milk and solids), growth patterns, developmental changes, and your baby’s behaviour especially around feeding and sleep. I’ll help you analyse what is going on, explore options that align with your feeding goals and parenting values, and offer practical solutions that really work.
What I offer
• Detailed assessment of feeding and growth patterns
• Guidance on understanding weight gain and percentiles
• Techniques to optimise milk feeding and solids intake, without the stress
• Reassurance and perspective
• Plans tailored to your baby and their developmental stage and aligned with your parenting values