Piper Three Weeks Old

Piper is three weeks old today. In some ways it seems like she has been around much longer than that. Piper had a weight check-up yesterday and found out that she had only gained a little over two ounces in a week. Since she onlygained two ounces this made Mom and Dr. Booth realize that Piper just isn't getting enough breast milk which is why she is dehydrated and not having more frequent bowel movements. Basically Mom has come to the conclusion (and Dr. Booth agreed) that she just doesn't produce enough milk especially since she has been feeding Piper way more than 12 times a day and can't even pump an ounce at each sitting. Mom and Dr. Booth agreed that Piper should still continue to breastfeed but that she needs to get 6 to 8 ounces of formula a day to make sure she is gaining 4 to 7 ounces a week. Of course Mom is sad that she isn't going to be able to exclusively breastfeed Piper like she had hoped. However, Mom has been through this before with Pennington and knows that making sure your child gets fed is the most important thing. Piper seems to be happier getting formula. Mom and Dad have noticed that she doesn't seem to cry as much. The plan going forward is to have Mom continue to breastfeed as long as Piper continues to enjoy it. Piper has another weight check-up next Tuesday to see if 6 to 8 ounces a day is the right amount.

Below is a recent photo of Piper.