FTT=Failure to thrive, ie: baby's growth not meeting criteria on growth
chart, or dropping abruptly on growth chart.  May have organic or
non-organic causes.  As we are aware cause can be "too early solids"
interferring with baby's intake.  I tell parents that babies need calories
and the best source for calories in the first six mo. is milk.  I say this
to br and bot fdg moms.  You'd be amazed at the crazy beliefs people have
about feeding food.  It's really skewed, just like beliefs about BF vs bot
fdg.

Infant organic causes would be cardiac problems, inborn errors of
metabolism, UTI, frequent infections,  etc.
Mom factors would be insufficient br tissue, previous br. surgery, retained
placenta, BF mismanagement, mother/baby mismatch (sm.mouth, huge
nipple-etc.), rigid scheduling of feeds etc.
Non-organic causes are usually related to an emotional disturbance bet.
mom/baby, mom addicted, poverty, depression in mom, etc.
Some sources:
1. Lactation Consultant Series has excellent booklet "Inadequate weight
gain in BFing infants: Assessments and resolutions." by Demaris & Browne,
1990. (new to lactation people need to access this series).
2. Jan DeCoopman's book has excellent chapters on Slow weight gain.
"Breastfeeding Management for Health Care Professionals."
3. New "BF Answer Book", chapter 6.

Of course BF is frequently blamed as reason for FTT.  Easy to blame when
other factors need to be investigated.  Also some kids just pick 3% or 5%
and stick to their own personal curve.  And as long as they are
developmentally appropriate and growing at their own pace, that's OK.  Over
the years I've seen incredible health care interference that was very
inappropriate.  Everyone isn't exactly the same!  Babies are individuals.
Growth charts are based on thousands of babies, and statistics are fallible
(gasp). Sincerely, Pat in SNJ

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> Subject: LACTNET Digest - 29 Jun 1997
> Date: Monday, June 30, 1997 12:03 AM
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