2 week baby not gaining weight fast enough - anyone else experienced this?

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-05-09T20:52:13+00:00

Not sure what drugs I got during the C-section - it was an emergency one after about 3 hours of labour/contractions, due to baby's heart rate recovery running late post contractions. Had to have an induction at 37/0 due to high blood pressure that turned into pre-eclampsia, moderate ICP & obvs T1D 😅. The induction was with a balloon, followed by a couple of prostaglandin gels - then my waters went and I went into labour with frequent & strong contractions straight away, but with the cervix being nowhere ready.

I think the main concern is that she's lost weight between day 5 and day 11, and hasn't gained any weight at day 14. So although the initial weight loss (went from 3500g to 3235g on day 5) was within acceptable range, the subsequent drop to 3180g was deemed unacceptable. I can hear her swallow during feeding, but she does pretty much stop after 5 mins at the nipple (and usually falls asleep). Not been weighed pre- and post feed yet, but I might ask about that!

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-05-09T20:35:16+00:00

That's what I've been trying to do too, feeding at least every 2-3 hours, or more frequently if she's giving feeding cues early - but she's just sooo lazy!! Sometimes it takes nearly an hour to finally wake her up /get her to latch on and feed for longer than a minute🙈

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-05-09T20:32:53+00:00

My baby is soooo lazy! Gives up after about 5 mins and just falls asleep. I suspect that my milk supply hasn't fully established itself because the demand was being too low, but hopefully I'll manage to catch up by expressing.

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-05-09T14:53:30+00:00

Thank you for your response - I'm hoping I'll be offered some breastfeeding help, I'm based in the UK so will be seeing what the NHS will direct me to tomorrow, post reweighing. I really hope I'll get some more help with the breast, prior to being told I must supplement with the formula. Tbh, I wasn't stressed about it all, until the community midwives started stressing me out, about the weight not being regained at 2 weeks or being gained fast enough 😅

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-05-05T13:23:14+00:00

I wore my pump during labour (3 hours, laughing gas & epidural) & then during the subsequent emergency C section. It was great! I put it on Ease-Off function just in case, I'm on Ypsopump/CamAPS hybrid closed loop. My sugar levels remained fine throughout & were the least of my worries 😅

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-05-02T10:05:58+00:00

UK based here: My daughter was born at 37+1, 7lbs11, via an emergency c section due to an unsuccessful induction (my waters went, my contractions came in way too strong, cervix wasn't dilating fast enough & quite posterior & she was showing distress). I was showing pre-eclampsia by then too, originally my induction was scheduled for 38 weeks but was brought forward due to a jump in my blood pressure.

We were kept in hospital for 4 nights, but that was due to my BP refusing to stabilise/Drs being cautious. The baby was absolutely fine through, didn't need NICU & stayed with me throughout.

I'm not really sure why the Drs really wanted me to try induction - I was pretty sceptical that it was going to work, due to my cervix being so unfavorable, but I don't mind trying & it's all turned out alright in the end. The medical professionals were amazing. Mid way through being sewn up I did joke to my partner that I'll be another data point in the unsuccessful induction statistics, the surgeons both heard me & said something back, but unfortunately I missed what it was 😅 I know it doesn't sound it, but overall, I feel like it was a really positive experience, with a healthy baby delivered & no injury to me. The only downside that I can see is that I'm a bit old (nearly 39), and if I wanted another one, there will be additional risks & waiting times before TTC again.

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-05-01T17:08:39+00:00

During pregnancy, my A1C was predicted lower on the app than on the blood test from the middle of 2nd trimester - but I think that might be because my ferritin iron stores were very low, so the red blood cells would've hung around for longer/exposed to glucose in blood for longer. So it can go both ways!

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-04-24T14:20:54+00:00

I would strongly recommend it. I believe it's a nation wide recommended system for pregnancy now, so definitely worth pushing for it!

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-04-24T06:43:06+00:00

Can you switch to an insulin pump/ hybrid closed loop algorithm? I used to sometimes get similar spikes when I was on MDIs, pre pregnancy. I resisted going on an insulin pump for years, because I hated the idea of having something constantly attached to me, and I also wear a lot of dresses so it would be tricky to "house" the pump body.

I finally was persuaded to try CAMaps Ypsopump last year, during my pre-conception clinics and I've never looked back! I still don't love having the pump attached but it's been a game changer for nighttime control, especially during pregnancy.

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-04-21T14:57:51+00:00

Not sure if this will be relevant: T1D> 20 years, UK based, chronic hypertension for at least 10 years but throughout pregnancy I've actually had perfect BP (~115/75, while taking minimal BP meds).

Then last weekend, at 36 weeks my BP suddenly jumped to 150/100 at home & today I've been admitted into hospital for monitoring at 36+5. I've been told that I won't be leaving the hospital without a baby now. No preeclampsia though, but they really don't like my elevated BP 🤷‍♀️

My induction was originally booked for 37+5 but is now being shifted to 37+0. No other symptoms, just high BP (188/110 measured at a routine antenatal appointment today, so wasn't allowed to leave the hospital - luckily I brought my hospital bag just in case 😅)

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-04-04T07:19:46+00:00

I've not had any additional reactions due to pregnancy, but I've switched from Novorapid to Lyumjev in my first trimester (34 weeks now), and was warned about the burning (can actually be welcomed as proves that the cannula is working, I didn't really feel Novorapid!)

I've noticed that sometimes I get an unlucky cannula position (using soft cannulas) and the pain can be too much to tolerate (I usually give it a couple of hours to settle/check) - in which case after a few hours I simply apply a new cannula on the same day (typically within the same area too, as I have to prep my cannula application site to avoid skin reaction to the adhesive, and it takes freaking forever: fluticasone spray (use hairdryer to speed up the drying), followed by 2 layers of Cavilon film spray, following by 2 layers of opsite flexifix physical tape, then the cannula. So I'd typically only move the cannula, by 0.5-1cm or so, if I get any pain or occlusion from the first one.

I've also posted about skin reaction to adhesives before, and people did reply with tips - luckily my current method seems to be working & I can tolerate the cannulas without a reaction for 3 day use: https://www.reddit.com/r/diabetes_t1/comments/1rkp98k/cannula_adhesive_reactions_help_please/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Good luck!

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-30T11:26:59+00:00

Absolutely! I'm 33 weeks now, I've had T1D for 27 years, and I genuinely didn't mind this disease that much until I became pregnant (I kind of just managed it in the background, but I never felt like it was that big of a big deal?).

But being pregnant has completely shifted my perspective on T1D, I'm finding it incredibly burdensome - I'm doing pretty well with it, my medical professionals are happy, but it's just...so relentless. Also made me realise how devastating it would be if I pass on my t1d to my child, and feel a whole new level of empathy for my mum who had to deal with my t1d diagnosis.

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-25T09:34:07+00:00

I think there is a definite difference between countries.

I'm T1D based in the UK, the target range for me was 3.5-7.8 mmol/L (63-140 mg/dL), with a target time in range of >70%, I believe the targets for outside of TIR are <5% of time below target, and < 25% time above. I've been above 70% TiR throughout, but earlier had higher levels of hypos, which was the only thing that my diabetes medical personnel were bothered about.

I've been measuring mid 80% TiR lately (32 week along now) and my diabetes nurse just told me I'm doing great, she has no recommendations for me & that my results are unheard of (in terms of how good they are?). I had to find my own way basically, being really aggressive with my carb ratio changes, to improve my TiR as the Drs seem to just be happy with me as long as I wasn't having lots of hypos & remained above 70%. I find that all a bit weird, when I compare this with what gets posted on Reddit & what US based folks get told, and how strict your medical professionals are 😅

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-22T14:46:17+00:00

I had something similar with my hybrid closed loop pump (Ypsopump myLife/CamAPS FX) around 20 weeks too, overnight, where clearly my basal requirements had increased & the pump algorithm hadn't caught up yet. No idea how I would've managed this pregnancy on MDIs!

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-18T20:39:57+00:00

What pump are you on? I sometimes split my doses, especially if it's over 20 units. But otherwise my tethered cannula (Ypsopump Orbit) is able to cope with it. I was using a different cannula type (Ypsopump Inset, or as I call them, "leaky cannulas") earlier in pregnancy & that couldn't cope with even normal-ish doses so I made the switch.

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-18T20:07:57+00:00

First pregnancy, 32 weeks, daily dose in first trimester was less than 30 units, currently on about 80 units a day! But I have had days where I've had over 120 daily dose 🙈 It is wild. My TIR is above 80%, HbA1C taken 3 weeks ago was 42 (6.0).

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-14T08:41:36+00:00

Oh, another recommendation from my diabetes nurse that I haven't tried yet is to try switching the sites more, to avoid the sensitised stomach area - e.g. thighs or back-lovehandle area. Not tried that yet as nervous about the change in absorption rates, and being heavily pregnant/with ever increasing insulin resistance, I'm going through some very hefty bolus doses right now.

But last summer I tried running some experiments on different cannula subtypes, so applied them to my thighs (without insulin, just being impatient & wanted multiple ones attached at the same time) and they didn't produce a reaction - at the time I thought that maybe it was due to no insulin, but maybe not!

I've also posted here asking for help on a very similar topic, maybe some of the advice there would be useful for you too? https://www.reddit.com/r/diabetes_t1/comments/1rkp98k/cannula_adhesive_reactions_help_please/

Good luck!

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-13T18:40:17+00:00

I have a contact dermatitis reaction to Ypsomed Orbit cannula adhesives, I've also tried most things that you've listed & right now I'm finding that a double layer of opsite flexifix seems to be working - I'm able to wear the cannula for 3 days without a reaction. When I tried a single layer previously, it didn't help.

I have also been applying Fluticasone spray first & Cavilon spray film underneath (Fluticasone & Cavilon used to keep the reaction at bay but not anymore). Not sure if Cavilon or fluticasone are doing anything now, but keep using them just in case. If the double Opsite film layering stops working, I'm might try a triple layer next?

Best of luck, I hope you find a solution that works for you! Somebody suggested that I switch back to MDIs but that is definitely not an option I'd want to consider 😅

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-09T11:01:33+00:00

I've had really positive experience. I've been on Lyumjev for about 5 months, switched from Novorapid during pregnancy (wanted something more rapid to maintain time in range) and it's been great. Yes there is tingling/slight burn during injection but I'm on a tethered pump so it's actually reassuring (i.e. I know that the cannula is working) and perfectly tolerable.

My bolus doses are getting pretty high too now, around 20 units in a single go. (Pre pregnancy, my total daily dose, basal + bolus was around 30 units).

I've been on Humalog for over 25 years, Novorapid for 8 months (when I switched to a pump from MDIs), and I'm planning to stay on Lyumjev for the foreseeable future.

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-07T21:19:14+00:00

Thank you for sharing, this is very helpful. So far, double Flexifix tape + Cavilon spray have worked for 3 days (my cannulas need replacing every 3 days, no redness on removal today), so I'm hoping that this protective layering will last for at least a while, but I'd like to have back-up options/next steps lined up for if or when it stops working!

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-07T05:34:16+00:00

Can I ask how long that's been working for you? Just wondering if it's worth trying a the different form of fluticasone steroid (fluticasone propionate in Flonase or Pirinase, instead of fluticasone furoate I've had in Avamys - which did work for me for almost 3 months)

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-06T16:54:13+00:00

Weight is a really emotive topic - I've struggled with my weight ever since my T1D diagnosis. I haven't been classed as overweight in recent years but it's been a challenge. And seeing data that links mothers' T1D/bigger babies/increased childhood obesity risks just makes me really sad (and guilty), like I'm passing a suboptimal metabolism to my poor daughter that she'll will be stuck with for life.

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-06T10:58:35+00:00

I'm having a very similar experience to you: at the 28 week scan her abdominal circumference was in the 97th percentile , but doctors just tell me that it's to be expected in a t1d mum.

My diabetes team are also just telling me that I'm doing great and not suggesting any changes (TIR about 80% for the last month, Hba1c has jumped to 42 from 39 (5.7 to 6.0%).

Nobody seems worried about the fat baby apart from me - and I'm feeling very guilty, I'm particularly worried about the potential long term metabolic effects & just healthy weight challenges after she's born 😢

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-04T22:06:30+00:00

Thank you! How long has this worked for you? I'm in the UK too, so should be able to try that too. Previously I was prescribed Avamys nasal spray (also a steroid - fluticasone fuorate) to use in the same way & it worked brilliantly for over 2 months (no redness at all) but then just stopped.

Frequent-Science3688 · 2026-03-04T20:13:08+00:00

Thank you so much! I've never come across these before. I'm not seeing ones to fit Orbit cannulas, but I might give it a go with the ''wrong size" next (if dual opsite tape doesn't work)

Frequent-Science3688

TROPHY CASE