In a message dated 5/27/02 5:22:28 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> With regard to the fast gainers, all my kids gained at about 250g+ per week
> fro the first three to four months. Aftier this time, their growth was more
> to the 'norm'.

I had the same experience.  My 1st child was 20 pounds by 4 months, was
breastfed for just over 3 years, and is a thin 4 year old now.  My other two
children have followed a similar pattern so far.  I have read early large
weight gains can sometimes indicate future weight problems, but I haven't had
this problem with my children thus far.  Just seems my milk is VERY high in
fat.  In fact, when I leak on my shirts, I cannot get the milk stain out.  It
is like a grease spot, and if I don't use an oil and grease pre-treat before
I launder the stain won't come out.

I have always theorized that my children fatten up so much the first several
months because they have lots of space to spread the weight out in later.  My
husband is 6'3", and I am 5'10".  My 4 year old is taller than some 6 year
olds we know.  Just figured the extra bulk was for the extra height that
comes later with my kids.  This is just a personal theory of mine.  Does
anyone know of any scientific evidence to back this theory up?

I have read recently (I think in Breastfeeding Abstracts) that they did a
study in Africa and found that toddlers who were nursed from 2-3 years of age
were taller than their non-nursing counterparts BUT were not heavier.  I am
wondering if any studies have been done to look at whether "heavier" bf
babies turn out to be "taller" children?

Jessica Harrison Carlyon, MBA, CD, CLE

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