As a regular reader of lactnet, my time as come to ask my first
     question. However, I should first introduce myself. I work as a
     research associate for our Health Centre's Maternal Newborn and Women's
     Health Program and my clinical background is in labor and delivery. I
     have just written my IBCLC exam and am patiently awaiting my results.
     Most importantly though, I have two chilren Avery 4 1/2 yrs. and Nathan
     17mos (who I breasfeed). Now onto my question. I received a call this
     morning from a women who has been attempting for the past month to
     introduce cereal to her 7 mos. old daughter. The mom dilutes the cereal
     (rice) with breastmilk and has only been able to give her daughter a
     small amount. Following each attempt, the infant promptly throws up.
     This mom has tried several cereal brands to see if this is the problem
     and she has the same result each time. We talked about the infants
     response being possibly to the texture of the cereal, not liking it, an
     allergic response, or even a physiological reason. The mom is new to
     the city (Halifax, NS) and until she is able to see a physician (Fri.)
     I suggested she continue to breastfeed and skip the cereal. Her
     daughter is doing great with breastmilk so the mom felt comfortable
     with this suggestion. So, now for my question. What advice do you
     suggest I share with with this mom? Did I leave anything out? We even
     talked about skipping the cereal and starting with other foods.
     However, until she knows the reason for throwing up, she would rather
     wait. This mom was anxious for me to post this queston to you all. So,
     we both await your responses and advice.

     Erna Snelgrove-Clarke RN, MN, IBCLC(c)
     IWK-Grace Health Centre
     Halifax, NS, Canada
     [log in to unmask]


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