Hello,
     I have a friend who's 1 yr old son was diagnosed with failure to thrive
when from 8 mo until present he has gained no weight, though his head
circumference, and length remain on the growth chart.  His developmental mile
stones are appropriate and he is active and vital.  His medical history is
complicated with food allergy and asthma which is upper respiratory infection
induced.  He is still breastfed twice a day though the mom is pregnant because
she knows this is a good nutritional supplement and the only milk he gets.
The baby gained weight during this 4 mo period but with every illness would
have a new set back and lose again with the illness.  I told her that perhaps
she should seek out a new pediatrician who can perhaps better support her and
her babies needs.  So far her child has seen a gastroenterologist and now a
pediatric nutritionist to advise on how to plump this kid up.  He has been
tested for every metabolic, and malabsorption abnormality including cystic
fibrosis.  The parents were quite small and skinny in their infancy and
childhood and even now slim and short of stature as adults, the mom is 4'11".
     Can anyone recommend a pediatrician or FP in the Cleveland/Akron, Ohio
area that is breastfeeding friendly and good at evaluating growth and
development in a breastfed baby?  I think this may be normal growth in a
breastfed baby that has suffered some setback from recurrent illness.  Also,
it could be constitutional delay just due to the fact that the parents were
small too.  I wish for someone like Dr. Jay Gordon or Dr. Jack Newman who has
much experience with breastfed babies and lactating mothers.
     Please respond with a name and location so they can look up the phone
number and address or e-mail me privately with the info if you have phone
number and address.  This mom is especially anxcious for the health and
welfare of the future baby to be born in May 98 since she wants to start with
a fresh influence on her childrens health.
                                                                CPT Cynthia S.
Marske DO
                                                                 Internal
Medicine
                                                                 Ft Irwin CA