>A mother and baby regularly attend a breastfeeding support group that I run.
>Baby is now 4 months old and has gained a little weight every week, 
>sometimes one or two ounces and occassionally up to five ounces. He 
>has already been seen by GP and paediatrician as he was referred 
>through slow / low weight gain.
>
>Today at the regular baby weigh clinic she was told baby had only 
>put on one ounce this fortnight and she needs to go and see her GP 
>again.
>
>Mum was then asked " maybe it's something you are eating ?"  Mum 
>then replied that she can't think of anything strange that she is 
>doing and that she breast feeds whenever baby needs it, and that he 
>is passing urine and stools (yellow and soft ) frequently.
>
>My question is "Why would the Nursery Nurse at the clinic ask about mums diet?


Simple answer because there is normally no training in breastfeeding 
for UK nursery nurses, and she may have missed out on any 
breastfeeding training post-qualifications - clearly she does not 
understand that changing her diet would have no effect on the baby's 
weight gain.

>And what response / information can I give her to help her 
>understand the effect of mums diet on her milk ? "

There is some good basic stuff on maternal diet  at http://www.kellymom.com

A baby gaining as slowly as this baby really, really needs some 
proper intervention, though, from someone who understands about 
breastfeeding - he should not be left to drift like this. Very few 
babies are gaining as slowly as this *physiologically*.

Mandie, there should be an HCP in charge of the support group. 
Perhaps this person can make a referral for this mother.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc, tutor, UK
-- 

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