[PeregrinsMom]

Hi,
I don't have time to post here much, just a couple times, but I figured you gals have experienced this before, unfortunately.

Basically DS went for his 18 mo. well check and he's the same weight as he was at 15mo. He's 22lbs 14 oz. He increased in height to 33 inches (he's 95th percentile for height) and his head is growing fine when they measured that.
It wasn't my usual Dr. He's always been fine when I tell him DS eats VERY little solids and still nurses often, but at the same time he's always gained some weight. I was/am concerned, I want him to stay healthy of course.
They did a hemoglobin/anemia blood test and he's fine, completely normal, so she couldn't recommend iron supplements or vitamins.

I really got riled up because she suggested limiting his sessions to get him to eat more. I really don't want to go that route. I asked her how many patients she's had who BFd this long and she said none, never!!! I was both appalled and shocked that it's that rare around here! I told her I really found it hard to take someone's advice if they don't see ENers and I really am bothered by the growth charts because they don't take into account the differences in BFd babies.

Needless to say when I have to go back for a weigh-in in a month I am seeing my old ped.

Thanks for reading, just needed to vent a little.

 

[loving-my-babies]

Yes, I was going to recommend you see another ped. I am a big believer that whoever is going to be looking after your child's health has to be supportive of what you believe in, that way, both of you will be looking the same way and the doc's advice won't interfere with what is important to you (breastfeeding)

You ds is still very young and needs bm just as much as before. I don't think it's necessary to push the solids, if he's ready, you can, but if he's not, I would just make sure he is gaining weight.

 

[G-Dawg]

That sounds normal o me. My kids seem to go thru a phase where they grow tall, but don't gain any weight. My little boy actually lost weight during a growth sput. We always just compare it to drawing a picture of a fat little baby on a rubber band! LOL Then stretch it top to bottom.

If everything else is good, and you feel your little one is getting enough mama milk, I wouldn't worry.

 

[PeregrinsMom]

Thanks, yes, I feel the same way. I know if he really was hungry he'd eat solids and I know he's getting the best from me right now. And most definitely he needs it nutrition-wise and on an emotional level.

He's definitely getting enough mama milk! That is a cute anology with the rubber band!

 

[Momtwice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeregrinsMom I told her I really found it hard to take someone's advice if they don't see ENers

So very, very proud of you for saying that to her.
She should be applauding you for still nursing. I know I am!

 

[Messy Nessie]

Paula-

Are you still in the 'burgh? If things continue to not go so well, I am sure that I can refer you to an EBF friendly ped or family physician. LMK, okay?

 

[TiredX2]

DD gained no weight from 10 to 15 months (she started walking at 10) and my midwife freaked out. DDs ped meanwhile said there was NO problem. Weight is actually one of the last indicators to look at for failure to thrive/growth issues (head growth and height being much more impt).

Sounds like you did great!

for you and DS

 

[Meiri]

DS used to stretch, then put on weight, then stretch, then get rounder again. It was Very noticeable with him. It's been less so with DD, more of a steady all round growth with her..

We quietly cheered at the check up where DS broke the less than a pound per inch of height "barrier".

Kids don't all grow the same. I bet in a month he'll be back in the gain part of the cycle.

Good for you for standing your ground with the ped like that!

I argued the terminology of discussing nursing at one year and beyond with the new ped at the practice we go to. Don't know that it did much good, but she's supportive of nursing, just needs to phrase things better IMO. We agreed on everything else--especially when discussing another doc I had the misfortune to have to deal with back when DS was 4, and she's had the misfortune to have to deal with recently.

 

[stirringleaf]

only it was WIC that got me all riled up. they even scared me! thanks to these boards though, i remembered what i already knew , which is that at that age they stop gaining very fast and what you are expereincing is totally normal, like the other posters said. what i dont get is that it isnt just BF'ed kids who stop gaining at that age, its supposedly all toddlers, once they start toddling! anyway my Ped calmed me down and said the WIC people were crazy

sounds like your ped is too. also, when i went back to WIC and reported what the ped said, i had a different worker who said " well if you wnat him to gain, just nurse MORE becasue the fat in breastmilk is so incredibly high."

i felt so stupid for beleiving the other worker who had me briefly convinced breastmilk was acting as a "filler" preventing him from gaining! dont beleive anyone who tells you you need to nurse less! this is rediculous logic!

 

[Mommy To Baby Roni]

Well, I hope it makes you feel better to know that my DD is 19mos and hasn't gained anything, other than maybe 1/2lb, since her first b-day. She's getting taller and skinier, still able to wear 12mos clothes. She's happy & healthy and her ped, at the 18mos appt, didn't even mention her weight, size or need to do tests (and this is a very reputable ped). I do give her liquid vitamins, baby acidophilus & omega oils. DD is extremely energetic. I'm trying all day long to get her to eat. Some days she eats all day, other days she picks. Her bf schedule has NOTHING to do with her consumption of solids and I am grateful I kept nursing. I at least have the consolation that she is getting a supplemenation of bm.

I wouldn't be concerned, as long as your babe is energetic & happy, and woudn't even bother with next month's weight check. Just go out & buy a digital scale.

WTG with following your instincts!

 

[~Megan~]

You are right! He's just fine. Ask her next time what would she recommend if he was only on solids? More fatty milk?

I'm so lucky not to have that problem. My FP is nursing her preschooler!