[ragdoll]

My 28 mo little girl is still nursing quite often...every couple hours daily and at least twice at night. We noticed a while back that she has little breasts. Dh was wondering if it might have a connection with #1 my diet (I'm vegan...and I do consume soy) and #2 my hormone level. She did have really swollen breasts as a newborn, even some secretions. Has anyone else experienced this? Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[Cullens_Girl]

My 20 month old has little-man-boobs.

It's from the breastfeeding. Extra estrogen I think is what my ped said in the beginning.

 

[mendocino]

Wierdly, I read in the Washington Post there is a study that links Tea Tree and Lavender oils to gynecomastia in boys. I have NO idea whether to believe it but I stopped bathing my son in Tea Tree and Lavender Baby Bath - just in case.

Has anyone else heard of this?

Back on topic, I'm vegan, too - and cut soy out of my diet as much as conveniently possible but do feed my son tofu. I wouldn't think the phytoestrogen level in moderate soy concumption would be enough to cause boobies. I thought the main concern was exclusive infant consumption in soy formula. ?? Anyone?

 

[Leilalu]

Well, soy has plant estrogens. I think any regular consumption of soy, especially at that age where solid diet is minimal, could be enough to trigger SOMETHING. Especially if you are vegan and consuming soy as well.

I drank soy, regretfully, during both pregnancies. Both kids appear fine, but I quit all soy at 5 months with Siah. I have never felt better. it also gave him colic.

So there is alot to be saiid for not consuming soy with young children. It is a hot debate here though

When dd was born she had"witch's milk". She also had a small period. She seems to be doing fine now though.

 

[ragdoll]

Wierdly, I read in the Washington Post there is a study that links Tea Tree and Lavender oils to gynecomastia in boys.

Thats really interesting. I'm going to read more about it but it seems to be a valid concern.

The estrogen level in soy combined with my own hormones I'm passing on...

That's kind of where I was coming from. I've heard so many freaky horror stories about the dreaded soy....

: ....I make my own soymilk and our tofu anyway, the processed, non-organic stuff is what I stay away from. As always I just want to do what is best for my kiddos and everywhere I look there is always so much conflicting information. I think I pay extra close attention to what goes in (and comes out of -lol) my kids because they have vegan diet.

: or maybe i'm just uber food obsessed.

Thanks for the info!

 

[lunasmommy]

The swollen breast area and secretions at birth are normal, it just his body reacting to your hormones.

I'm

: on the rest.