So we had our 2 month checkup today (Ela is actually 9 weeks, though) and she weighed in at 13 lbs 3 oz. The pediatrician pulled out her growth chart and said that Ela is nearing the 95th percentile and warned us that babies who reach the 95th percentile have a greater risk of obesity as adults. She then kind of quizzed me a bit on hunger cues and reiterated the 5 S's of baby soothing, as if I'm assuming that every cry means she's hungry and shoving a breast in the baby's mouth every time she makes a peep (which, for the record, I'm not.)
I mentioned that I'd heard that breastfed babies tend to gain more during the first few months than their formula-fed counterparts, but then level off and gain less from around 4 months to a year. When I said that she kind of backed off a bit, but still urged me to try other methods of soothing before offering the breast. Ela was born at 7 lbs 12 oz, so that has her at about a 9oz gain per week, which is a bit higher than what I've seen recommended for weekly weight gain, but not terribly so.
Anyhow, I know that I'm doing the right thing by feeding Ela on cue and listening to my instincts, but still as a first-time mom I kind of felt a bit terrible after the appointment. I hate to admit it, but I've even felt a bit guilty every time I fed her tonight, which I know is nuts but I can't help it. And as if to spite the pediatrician, Ela has been eating every 90 minutes or so all night. She'd WAIL when we tried to distract her with the pacifier and then latch on like a starving baby as soon as I offered the breast.
I mentioned that I'd heard that breastfed babies tend to gain more during the first few months than their formula-fed counterparts, but then level off and gain less from around 4 months to a year. When I said that she kind of backed off a bit, but still urged me to try other methods of soothing before offering the breast. Ela was born at 7 lbs 12 oz, so that has her at about a 9oz gain per week, which is a bit higher than what I've seen recommended for weekly weight gain, but not terribly so.
Anyhow, I know that I'm doing the right thing by feeding Ela on cue and listening to my instincts, but still as a first-time mom I kind of felt a bit terrible after the appointment. I hate to admit it, but I've even felt a bit guilty every time I fed her tonight, which I know is nuts but I can't help it. And as if to spite the pediatrician, Ela has been eating every 90 minutes or so all night. She'd WAIL when we tried to distract her with the pacifier and then latch on like a starving baby as soon as I offered the breast.
That is ridiculous.
Just keep in mind that a lot of people will tell you that you are wrong. You should be doing it this way or that way. But you will know in your heart what is right. And you can do your own research and form your own opinions and ideals. It can be tough sometimes. I was lectured in the NICU after my daughter suffered a brain injury during our homebirth. You don't feel any lower than that, ever. But you have to plug on, knowing you are doing the best you can for your kids. 
