I went back to work on February 17th. This is the same day our new nanny started full-time. She had previously worked two half day Saturdays with me at home. On February 6th., my son was six weeks old and weighed 9lbs., 4 oz. The baby was formula fed from birth. On 4/2, at almost 14 weeks, my son weighed in at the doctor's office at 14lbs, 8 ounces. The doctor noticed the gain, and although did not express concern, we discussed his eating habits. The problem I have is, on weekends, I don't notice that he's taking that much to have made such a gain. My son has his last feeding of the day around six,before I get home. I have time with him and put him down around 11, planning for an 11 o'clock feed. He takes the 11 o'clock, but not with any gusto. He wakes in the morning at 4 or 5 and eats and then I leave at 7 in the morning, so the nanny handles his feedings roughly form 730-630. Now, as a new mother and first time nanny employer, I am nervous that the nanny is adding something to the formula. To talk to the mothers in my area, they suggest she could by adding extra formula, sugar, honey, etc. She is from the Caribbean and I have no reason to suspect this. In fact, I don't feel I could ask, because it would sound accusatory. On the other side, I think maybe I just feel insecure because my son after the initial drop in weight after birth, didn't really gain that much. His birth weight was 7 lbs. 14 oz. I don't want to be one of those mom's, but now I'm eyeballing the sugar canister, even though I know she drinks sugared coffee all day. The nanny came with good references, they were verified and as far as I see, my son is well take care of. I also feel like some of the mothers I got to know on maternity leave are intentionally trying to feed my insecurity and want me to doubt the nanny. Has anyone experienced anything like this?
3 comments:
Babies grow quick and yes, drop weight initially after birth. You absolutely should be asking what he is eating and if she adds aything besides water.
At his age, he should also be getting some baby cereal in his milk andin a couple of more weeks, adding stage 1 baby foods. What size clothing is he in? Ask the fathers mother how big he was when he was a baby and ask your mom. Some babies grow faster than others and put on more mass. The medical guidelines are just that, guides.
Back to the nanny...its imparetive, IMO and experience, that no sweetners be added to his meals. The longer you go without giving them sweets, the more they arent interested in it later. Theres no reason for it either. Ask...you are the parent and this is your child. She should also be keepinga detailed log book of all feedings, baths and what was used in baths, naps and any off diaper issues, when a new food is introduced, what exactly they are eating including brand, etc. This is important in case there are any issues...allergies, illness, etc. Having a log helps doctors understand what is going on.
Dont feel shy about asking. Its part of raising a child together.
Um, no. He shouldn't be getting baby cereal in his milk unless he has severe reflux or is in the single-digit percentiles for weight. You'll need to get with the times.
NEVER give a child under a year old honey. It can poison your child.
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