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Date: | Wed, 18 Nov 1998 09:52:06 AST |
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I'm writing today looking for some support and feedback. I've been
working with a breastfeeding mom who has recently come with concerns
regarding her daughters weight gain. Or maybe I should say come with
her physicians concerns over her daughters weight gain. With her
permission, I'll share the story with you.
This toddler is now 18 months, 17lbs, 30 1 1/4 in. and is <3rd
percentile for head circumference. (This has been the pattern since
birth). Her birth weight was 4lbs. 10 oz. Today she is healthly, not
wasted and developmentally normal. She eats small portions of table
foods (x3 daily with family) and has snacks inbetween. She generally
breastfeeds 4-8x's/24 hrs (including night feeds) plus numerous
breastfeeding snacks. I would say that her intake is 80% breastmilk
and 20% solids. She plays with her other siblings and is sleeping on
average 9-11hrs daily. The other siblings in this family were all
small, just not quite as tiny as this little girl. Prior to this visit
with their physician the parents were not at all concerned about her
growth and development. They have now been told that she (the
daughter) will be followed up in two months regarding her weight.
I think I've given you the pertinent details. What things should this
mother be looking for with her daughter? Do you think there is any
reason for concern? What advice can I give her regarding her
physicians concerns.
Thanks in advance for your help. I think that this is just a tiny
little girl and she is otherwise healthy. But unfortunately, the
family physician has now planted a seed of doubt and I would like to
be able to help prepare these parents to deal with the physicians
concerns. (especially when changing her breastfeeding habits is not an
option!)
Erna Snelgrove Clarke RN, MN, IBCLC
Halifax, NS. Canada
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