I have been in West Virginia for the past couple of days, and though you got
plenty of good answers about the vitamin D question for this muslim mother,
I have to add my voice.

The advice not to breastfeed is ridiculous.  Outside exposure and/or vitamin
supplements will do just fine to prevent rickets in this baby.  I do not
agree with Dr. Blutstein that the baby needs followup, if by that, he means
blood work and/or xrays, if the baby gets his 400 Units/day.

I think that under the circumstances you mention, we should make an
exception to the general rule that breastfed babies do not need vitamin D
supplements.  But as the others have said, the baby should, must,
breastfeed.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC