[alexysmommy]

this doesnt sound right to me...i took ds to the ped today, he is FTT from reflux, 100% breastfed. He is finally starting to gain weight...the ped prescribed vitamins for him (poly-sol) I asked her why he needed them i thought everything he needed was in the breastmilk...she told me not as much as whats in formula and he has to take them. I thought maybe she was worried since he throws up so much, but no she says she prescribes them for all bf babies. I didnt get it filled...do bf babies need extra vitamins?

 

[kissum]

NO they do not. He doesn't need them, I think the vitamins are another way for peds to subtly encourage formula.

 

[mamak05]

I second the "no" - there are some great websites out there on breatfeeding and baby's nutrition. Have you checked La Leche' site?

Also here's another one http://www.kellymom.com/index.html
Under the Nutrition - Vitamins - Does my baby need vitamins section, you will find:

"Vitamin and mineral supplements are not necessary for the average healthy, full-term breastfed baby during the first year. Breastmilk is all that your baby needs for at least the first six months of life. Studies have shown that vitamins, fluoride, iron, water, juice, formula and solid foods are rarely beneficial to healthy breastfed babies during the first six months, and some can even be harmful. There are certain cases where a vitamin supplement may be needed for a breastfed baby during the first year, but these cases are the exception, not the rule (see below for specifics).

The American Academy of Pediatrics (Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk) states:

No supplements (water, glucose water, formula, and so forth) should be given to breastfeeding newborns unless a medical indication exists... Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth.

AAP recommendations on specific vitamins are noted below.

Some very premature babies (weighing less than 1500 grams/3.3 pounds) may need extra vitamins and minerals, which can be added to their mother's milk before being given to the baby.

Following is more specific information on baby's needs for certain vitamins and minerals. "

Trust your instincts... and just curious, how much do you like your ped?

 

[mamak05]

also, keep in mind that the vitamins and minerals in breastmilk are WAY more easily absorbed than the vitamins and minerals in formula

 

[Dido]

I agree that Poly Vi Sol is probably not necessary but in regards to the excerpt from Kellymom - that is a statement about the "healthy, full-term baby." Note the OP's baby is FTT.

 

[alexysmommy]

shes new, this was the first and probably last time we saw her.

yes, he is FTT, which makes me think maybe i should give him something after all.

 

[Ammaarah]

If he is FTT from reflux, you may not want to introduce anything new to his gut. I am sorry you are dealing with this!

Babies are born with great nutritional stores. Just make sure he's getting some sunshine so he gets his Vitamin D.

Have you talked with some of the other moms to reflux babies? (((HUGS)))

 

[Dido]

You might want to post again with "reflux" or "failure to thrive" in your subject heading so that mamas who have experience with those issues will be likely to read your post and respond.

 

[Momtwice]

Reflux can be caused by a sensitivity to food in baby or mom's diet. So the last thing I would do is add something new into the mix that the baby might be sensitive to (especially vitamins which are not necessary in my opinion, breast milk if full of wonderful vitamins, see the kellymom link above)

You can also find info about reflux at kellymom
http://www.kellymom.com

As for the FTT: are you in touch with a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC)?

Some babies might need them, but the advice from the ped that all bf babies need vitamins is terrible. I would consider finding a new pediatrician for a second opinion. I would not trust someone who said that, when it comes to feeding advice!

 

[Momtwice]

Spitting up and Reflux in the Breastfed Baby (the direct link)
http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/reflux.html