Here are my .02 in line with Barbara Wilson-Clay's observation about babies
who--started on solids--often stop growing as previously.

I have had numerous mothers in my practice whose previously exclusively
breastfed babies were started on solids (per MD instructions at 4-6 mo) who
thereafter ceased gaining weight.  Careful history revealed that athe
timing of the foods (before breastfeeding--so the baby would take it!) and
their volume (a whole jar or two) AND the type of foods (carrots, and other
fruits and veggies) were the culprit.  I looked at the caloric content of
the foods given in the jars represented.  Example: one 2 1/2 oz of baby
carrots has only 25 calories (equivalent of 10 cal/oz).  I ask you: is this
the same as breastmilk of the same volume? Of course not!  But, after
filling the baby's tummy with that volume of carrots, few of these babies
were inclined to nurse as long or as often as before.

Result: lower caloric intake, and subsequent reduction in rate of gain (or
LOSS!).

Why these simple questions: what, when, how often, how much solids are
being given and how does this relate to previous breastfeeding pattern, are
not asked by others I still cannot fathom.

Off the soapbox.  Next?

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"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly
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Kathleen G. Auerbach,PhD, IBCLC (Ferndale, WA USA) [log in to unmask]
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