My question to the group ... We expect some delay in development (fine and gross motor in premature babies, but is there a delay in their ability to digest solids as well? situation: An infant born at 31 weeks gestation with a birth weight of 3 lbs. 1 oz. is now 4 months of age. Baby has been exclusively breast milk fed since discharge and exclusively breastfed for the last month. Baby now weighs 10 lbs +. Friday the baby became fussy at some of the feedings .... "popping off and on". (overactive let-down is not occurring) Mom took baby in for weight check. things were fine. Monday fussing had increased to almost every feeding Mom took baby to pediatrician for a check up, thinking she may have an ear infection .. no signs of infection, no sign of illness and baby had gained 6 oz. since Friday. Mom's question to me is the baby ready for cereal? Mom states baby has good head control, has just begun getting fingers in mouth, spits out a pacifier. I did tell the mom that the recommendation is solids beginning at 6 months for breastfed babies, but her family and friends are telling her that breastmilk is not satisfying! We discussed many possible reasons for baby fussing ... only way to communicate that they want to be held, rocked, etc. that she doesn't like the taste of the new bubble bath mom started using last week, wants to suck but doesn't want milk, has a tummy ache, didn't like going to grandma's, possibility of mom's menses returning ( mom says no she has PCOS and took Clomid to become pregnant) medication (none), just cause!, etc. But her question still was will her need for solids be delayed since she was premature!! I appreciate any kind words! thanks, camille foretich ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html