AboutDr Graham Smith Expertise I am accredited in general paediatrics and paediatric nephrology and and am happy to answer questions on both topics.
It is not possible or safe to assess acutely sick children through this medium. Such children should be taken to their own doctor, where a full history can be taken and an examination carried out.
Experience I have been a consultant paediatrician and paediatric nephrologist for 13 years. I have been involved in paediatrics for 22 years.
Organizations Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
British Association for Paediatric Nephrology
European Society for Paediatric Nephrology
International Pediatric Nephrology Association
Publications Archives of Disease in Childhood
British Medical Journal
Pediatric Nephrology
Current Paediatrics
Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation
Nephrology and Urology
Education/Credentials MA (Cantab)
MB BS (London)
MRCP
FRCPCH
Expert: Dr Graham Smith Date: 5/10/2008 Subject: baby weight
Question My son is 18 weeks old. His birth weight was 3.5 kg (in the 50 percentile) but four weeks ago his weight dropped to the 25 percentile and last week his weight was under the 25 percentile curve, which shows he is gradually going down. My midwife is not very concerned and she has suggested to start giving him formula milk as well as breast milk. He now weights 6.36 kg. Is it possible that my milk has a low calorific content or that I don't produce enough milk? Should I speak to his doctor about it? Is this drop in weight a common thing? Thank you
Answer Babies do not always gain weight along the same centile at which they were born. The problem with supplementing feeds with formula is that it may further reduce breast milk production. It may be worth talking to your doctor. I cannot make a full assessment over the internet.
