Thin 10 Month Old

I can't stand it when doctors give you this type of advise! Remember that breastmilk is the best source of nutrition. I had my previous pediatrician tell me the same type of thing - trying to get me to give more formula than to nurse. Well to say the least I ended up switching practices. My daughter has always been low in weight usually around the 5-10%. Don't fell pressured by your doctor. Around the 10 month mark is when kids really start moving either with crawling or walking - and it is not unusual to see a child's weight % go down. I would focus on getting your son to eat more solid types of food besides what you are giving him now. Things we tried was toast with butter, fresh fruits and veggies cut up, baby yogurt, cherrios, and even more table food items such as sweet potatoes, chicken, and pasta.

I would continue nursing as you see fit and are comfortable with. Your son can get the same calories that formula would give him through solid foods. Don't worry about the percentile - that is compared on a chart to formula feed babies anyways and it is not accurate for breastfed babies. I think you are doing great!

Dear Beata,

I would listen to what your doctor says. He is the one with the medical degree. It does not mean that breastfeeding is not best, or that your milk is insufficient, it just means that YOUR baby may need more. I raised both of my kids on formula and as some moms in the past have referred to it as second rate nutrition that is not at all true. I have cared for hundreds of babies at my childcare center and although a majority of them are breastfed I couldn't sit there and point out the breastfed children from the formula fed children. They equally get sick, have ear infections, virus, colds, one is not brighter then the other. I have had many breastfed babies who have had the same situation where they were not gaining and moms had to supplement and their babies have thrived. It really upsets me that mothers who choose to give formula especially AT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS REQUEST are put in a position of feeling guilty when it could be detrimental for them not to listen. Putting your child at risk at the advise of well intended mommies is not the best advice I would give. I would continue to breastfeed and supplement as your doctor ordered and see how your baby does. Remember each baby is different, some require more then others. Although I do agree that doctors are not perfect, and sometimes we have to go with our gut, I think this is a common practice for medical professionals. Good luck!!!

Beata,

Let me ask you one thing, Is she happy? A child who is hungry and needs something will not be a happy child. If she is happy the refer to the saying if it isn't broken don't fix it.

Breast milk is the best for kids, go with it if it is working. Both of my kids were breast fed til 14 months old they never got formula they ate when they were hungry and they were and are healthy. Doctors are not a perfect fit for eveyone. If this doctor does not fit LEAVE. There is not enough space for me to explain my experiance, but he seems to be the kind who does not understand all about breastfeeding and breast milk.

Nature has mad us the perfect food for our kids and you are already using it. You are doing a great job, and 50% is fine the time to be worried is when her hieght is in the 90% or higher and her weight is in the 10% or less. Those #'s are too far apart, but that is not your case. I would get another opinion.

Good luck.

Formula is not better than breastmilk! Don't stop nursing unless you WANT to. But maybe start to add in finger foods, and other yummy things like whole milk yogurt and cheese, buttered toast, etc.

There are lots of ways to "fatten up" your breastmilk, too. Call a lactation consultant for advice! And seriously, your doc is old school...

Beata,
I think nothing concerns us mothers more than the health of our children. If you are still breastfeeding, don't stop and give him formula. He is fine if he is in the 50th percentile. That was more than my breastfed daughter who was only in the 20th! She is thin and beautiful. My ped. said that the problem isn't with underweight babies, it is with overweight babies, so don't worry about yours. His weight gain should be slowing up by now anyway. My 2 yr.old daughter was constantly sick or feverish when she started teething up until she stopped too. She has not been sick since and she is lively and energetic. Just wait until the 2nd year when they don't want to eat a thing at all!

Melissa is absolutely correct! Your ped must have very limited knowledge of breastfed babies. It is correct that he is basing the percentile on a formula fed chart. Formula fed babies bulk up and are often overweight because of the high fat content used in formula. Its made from cow's milk, which is designed for a cow...not a human! Baby cow's need to fatten up quickly. Breastfed babies have balanced nutrition that is appropriate for humans. The correct charts can be found here.
http://www.who.int/childgrowth/standards/cht_wfa_boys_p_6...
Remember that this is in kg, so the conversion would be done here:
http://www.convertunits.com/from/kg/to/lb
Example: A 9 month old who weighs in the 50th percentile would be 8kg or 17.5 lbs.

Formula is not the answer. Keep nursing, let him nurse as much as he wants. Breastmilk can and will sustain him and it is enough...no baby NEEDS formula. And who said being below 50% is an issue anyway? Some babies are just average...do they have to be HUGE to be considered "healthy?"

You also have to keep in mind (as Melissa also said) that babies will lose somewhere between their 9 month and 12 month visit. This is perfectly normal as they are more active and getting more distracted while eating. My ped was not at all concerned when my baby lost weight and dropped his percentile...she said if he didnt begin gaining by his 15 month, then we'd have to talk. But guess what? He gained by then and all was fine.

I'm sorry if I seem a little snappy. It isnt you...I just get heated when doc's give out crappy breastfeeding advice. Do you know in medical school they arent required to take a lactation course? There is an optional 1 HOUR course...OPTIONAL! Yet they think they are qualified to help nursing Moms...too much bad info out there. And let me tell ya...I'm a breastfeeding counselor. So when I give classes to expecting parents (and this is just covering the basics to get them started) it takes almost 3 times as long as their "optional" course! Phooey! See an IBCLC if you want breastfeeding advice. Not a ped!

Good luck to you. You are doing the right thing. Trust yourself to nourish and provide for your baby! If you need any assistance (boosting supply or other breastfeeding issues) please feel free to contact me. If you are truly concerned about his weight, try giving him some healthy high fat foods. Things like avacado, olive oil, etc... Or you can just eat them yourself! Eggs (for you, not him yet), Ben and Jerry's ice cream, (not exactly healthy, but sure is yummy!) Hang in there Momma...you're doing great!