Need some advice!

[Kalamazoo Doula]

Okay ladies,
Today I took my newly one year old daughter, Madolyn, to her 12 month check up. Unfortunaltly I got stuck with the nurse practicioner that I really don't like, she has a tendancy to talk down to me. I just want to look at her and say 'Hey, I do have two more at home, I have been through this before!"

Any ways, dd has not gained any weight in the past three months and the only thing the NP told me to do was to wean her! I had said that I thought that the APP stand point on breast feeding was to breast feed as long as possible. She had told me no, they only suggest breast feeding UP TO one year! HUH? I seriously thought it read, that they suggest AT LEAST one year. I could be wrong, but this really bugged me! I felt like crap leaving the office today!

I was just wondering if any of you ladies know of any good information that I could print and send to her to give her a better view of the breast feeding world!
Thanks

WHAT!!!! This makes me so mad! I am sorry you had to go through that. The AAP reccomends at least a year, and the WHO recommends AT LEAST 2 years!!

Every baby gains differently. You are providing you baby with the best nutrition available (your milk!!). If you are still concerned about your baby's weight gain, you should contact your local LLL. I go to mine here, and I know they have some good handouts on that. They will also supply you with MEDICAL evidence supporting continuing to nurse, for you to take back to your doctor.

AARRGGH!!! This just gets me! First of all, nursing ISN'T just about food (althought it is the best food there is for your baby, no matter if they are 1 month or 12 months), but it provides TONS of antibodies (such great immune system support!!) and there is the whole emotional aspect of the mother/child bond to take into account too!

Listen to your mother intuition. You are doing just great for your baby.

Just try to make sure that any solid foods that she eats are nutrient dense. I believe that Dr. Sears' The Baby Book talks about this in the food chapter.

You are doing a great job mothering you baby!

Love

[kelley piasecki]

Erin.....keep up what you're doing. She has her OWN opinion, from what it sounds like. If you want to nurse your baby longer, then you go girl!!! You are providing a great thing for your daughter....don't let this nurses opinion stand in your way.

[Babies_Bellies_Boobies]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalamazoo Doula Okay ladies, Today I took my newly one year old daughter, Madolyn, to her 12 month check up. Unfortunaltly I got stuck with the nurse practicioner that I really don't like, she has a tendancy to talk down to me. I just want to look at her and say 'Hey, I do have two more at home, I have been through this before!"

next visit (if you go back) demand to see someone else. reschedule the visit if you must. let the dr know why as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalamazoo Doula Any ways, dd has not gained any weight in the past three months and the only thing the NP told me to do was to wean her! I had said that I thought that the APP stand point on breast feeding was to breast feed as long as possible. She had told me no, they only suggest breast feeding UP TO one year! HUH? I seriously thought it read, that they suggest AT LEAST one year. I could be wrong, but this really bugged me! I felt like crap leaving the office today!

the np does not know what she is talking about. aap recommends a minumum of 1 year AND AS LONG AFTER AS YOU AND THE CHILD WISH. not to mention that the WHO recommends a minimum of 2 years.

quick question for you though- has lil one become a lot more active? has she gotten longer (taller)? some6timews little ones gain inches instead of pounds and it all balances out perfectly later. wjhat was her birthweight and what is her weight now? if she has approximately tripled her birthweight and is meeting developmental milestones, she is on target.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalamazoo Doula I was just wondering if any of you ladies know of any good information that I could print and send to her to give her a better view of the breast feeding world! Thanks

make sure that when you send them to her, you cc them to someone over her (maybe the head ped in the practice if he/she is bf friendly) so that she is held accountable to someone.

following np's advice would deprive your daughter in the following ways:
nutritionally, immunologically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially.

as a "health professional" she really should be held accountable and be responsible by staying current on ACCURATE information.

aap statement on breastfeeding : http://aappolicy.aappublications.org...ics;100/6/1035
"6. Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth.100 ...It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired.104 "


is there any value in breastfeeding after one year

references in support of katherin dettwyler's work

composition of milk (to prove that there are always nutrients) http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mi...mposition.html

article from the american journal of clinical nutrition: http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/43/4/495



http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns..._increase.html

[Babies_Bellies_Boobies]

Quote:

Originally Posted by earthymama Just try to make sure that any solid foods that she eats are nutrient dense. I believe that Dr. Sears' The Baby Book talks about this in the food chapter. You are doing a great job mothering you baby! Love

yup i'll second that. avocado is a great food for babies, because it is very high in the "good" fat.

[Babies_Bellies_Boobies]

Breastfeed a Toddler—Why on Earth?
Because more and more women are now breastfeeding their babies, more and more are also finding that they enjoy breastfeeding enough to want to continue longer than the usual few months they initially thought they would. UNICEF has long encouraged breastfeeding for two years and longer, and the American Academy of Pediatrics is now on record as encouraging mothers to nurse at least one year and as long after as both mother and baby desire. Even the Canadian Paediatric Society, in its latest feeding statement acknowledges that women may want to breastfeed for two years or longer and Health Canada has put out a statement similar to UNICEF’s. Breastfeeding to 3 and 4 years of age has been common in much of the world until recently in human history, and it is still common in many societies for toddlers to breastfeed.

Why should breastfeeding continue past six months?

Because mothers and babies often enjoy breastfeeding a lot. Why stop an enjoyable relationship? And continued breastfeeding is even good for the health and welfare of both the mother and child.

But it is said that breastmilk has no value after six months.

Perhaps this is said, but it is patently wrong. That anyone (including paediatricians) can say such a thing only shows how ignorant so many people in our society are about breastfeeding. Breastmilk is, after all, milk. Even after six months, it still contains protein, fat, and other nutritionally important and appropriate elements which babies and children need. Breastmilk still contains immunologic factors that help protect the baby. In fact, some immune factors in breastmilk that protect the baby against infection are present in greater amounts in the second year of life than in the first. This is, of course as it should be, since children older than a year are generally exposed to more sources of infection. Breastmilk still contains special growth factors that help the immune system to mature, and which help the brain, gut, and other organs to develop and mature.

It has been well shown that children in daycare who are still breastfeeding have far fewer and less severe infections than the children who are not breastfeeding. The mother thus loses less work time if she continues nursing her baby once she is back at her paid work.

It is interesting that formula company marketing pushes the use of formula (a very poor copy of the real thing) for a year, yet implies that breastmilk (from which the poor copy is made) is only worthwhile for 6 months or even less (“the best nutrition for newborns”). Too many health professionals have taken up the refrain.

I have heard that the immunologic factors in breastmilk prevent the baby from developing his own immunity if I breastfeed past six months.

This is untrue; in fact, this is absurd. It is unbelievable how so many people in our society twist around the advantages of breastfeeding and turn them into disadvantages. We give babies immunizations so that they are able to defend themselves against the real infection. Breastmilk also helps the baby to fight off infections. When the baby fights off these infections, he becomes immune. Naturally.

But I want my baby to become independent.

And breastfeeding makes the toddler dependent? Don’t believe it. The child who breastfeeds until he weans himself (usually from 2 to 4 years), is generally more independent, and, perhaps, more importantly, more secure in his independence. He has received comfort and security from the breast, until he is ready to make the step himself to stop. And when he makes that step himself, he knows he has achieved something, he knows he has moved ahead. It is a milestone in his life.

Often we push children to become "independent" too quickly. To sleep alone too soon, to wean from the breast too soon, to do without their parents too soon, to do everything too soon. Don’t push and the child will become independent soon enough. What’s the rush? Soon they will be leaving home. You want them to leave home at 14? If a need is met, it goes away. If a need is unmet (such as the need to breastfeed and be close to mom), it remains a need well into childhood and even the teenage years.

Of course, breastfeeding can, in some situations, be used to foster an over dependent relationship. But so can food and toilet training. The problem is not the breastfeeding. This is another issue.

What else?

Possibly the most important aspect of nursing a toddler is not the nutritional or immunologic benefits, important as they are. I believe the most important aspect of nursing a toddler is the special relationship between child and mother. Breastfeeding is a life-affirming act of love. This continues when the baby becomes a toddler. Anyone without prejudices, who has ever observed an older baby or toddler nursing can testify that there is something almost magical, something special, something far beyond food going on. A toddler will sometimes spontaneously, for no obvious reason, break into laughter while he is nursing. His delight in the breast goes far beyond a source of food. And if the mother allows herself, breastfeeding becomes a source of delight for her as well, far beyond the pleasure of providing food. Of course, it’s not always great, but what is? But when it is, it makes it all so worthwhile.

And if the child does become ill or does get hurt (and they do as they meet other children and become more daring), what easier way to comfort the child than breastfeeding? I remember nights in the emergency department when mothers would walk their ill, non-nursing babies or toddlers up and down the halls trying, often unsuccessfully, to console them, while the nursing mothers were sitting quietly with their comforted, if not necessarily happy, babies at the breast. The mother comforts the sick child with breastfeeding, and the child comforts the mother by breastfeeding.

Questions? (416) 813-5757 (option 3) or drjacknewman@sympatico.ca or my book Dr. Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding (called The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers in the USA)

Handout #21. Breastfeed a Toddler—Why on Earth?. January 2005

Written by Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC. © 2005

This handout may be copied and distributed without further permission,

on the condition that it is not used in any context in which the WHO code on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes is violated.

[Babies_Bellies_Boobies]

breastfeed a toddler- why?

"Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and you’re considering weaning?

The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that “breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired.”

If you and your baby are still enjoying the nursing experience, why not take a look at some of the advantages of nursing beyond that first year?

1) Immunological Benefits

Contrary to popular belief, mother’s milk does not have an expiration date!

Your baby continues to receive all the benefits of human milk for as long as he is nursing. In fact, your milk changes to meet your baby’s changing needs. For instance, did you know that the milk of a Mom whose baby delivers prematurely is different from that of one whose baby is full term? The milk of a Mom whose baby is older has more protein, fat and more lysozyme (which destroys E. coli and salmonella bacteria) than it did when her baby was younger.

Now that your toddler is, well… toddling about, he’s exposing himself to more germs. He’s mouthing everything in sight and it’s getting harder to keep his toys clean. And what about those bits of carpet fluff and who-knows-what-else he always seems to find and quickly consume?

The immunological benefits of breastmilk may be even more important now. When your toddler does get sick and refuses food, he may even revert to almost totally nursing again. If this happens temporarily, you can rest assured that he’s getting his nutritional needs met. If he’s vomiting or has diarrhea, breastmilk is far superior to keep him hydrated than the popular rehydration drinks.

In addition, breastfed children tolerate vaccination better and are less likely to have adverse reactions.

In the Journal of Human Lactation, September 1995, several studies are cited which show that exclusive breastfeeding may continue well into the second half of the first year with no detrimental effects, and many positive effects. If you have a picky toddler or one with food allergies, your breastmilk serves as “nutritional insurance” for him and peace of mind for you!

2) Nursing makes discipline easier

A toddler’s life is full of frustrations. Having to hear the word “No”, wanting to do things that your uncoordinated body can’t do, learning to communicate with Mom and Dad and learning to accept limits is hard on a little person!

Nursing is a way of quickly calming a toddler, and it makes every boo-boo better. At our house we refer to nursing as “Baby Prozac”. It’s also a way to ease the suffering of a child cutting molars.

Nursing is an effortless way to calm a toddler to sleep, making naptime and bedtime easier for everyone.

3) Extended nursing and Mom’s health

Breastfeeding helps lower Mom’s risk of certain cancers for several reasons. Firstly, the fewer times in a woman’s life she ovulates, the less her risk. For some women, their fertility doesn’t return until the end of breastfeeding. I’ve known Moms who went 2 years without a period because their tot was still nursing.

Secondly, breastfeeding lowers a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer, and the longer she nurses, the higher the benefit.

Breastfeeding showers a woman’s body with hormones that help make her a calmer, less stressed out, and more relaxed Mommy. I’ve talked with women who had to wean suddenly and they report that they were shocked at the change in their attitudes compared to when they were nursing!

I hope I’ve given you some food for thought. For more breastfeeding information, visit http://www.natural-moms.com/breastfeeding.html.

Carrie Lauth is a breastfeeding educator who publishes a newsletter full of tips and support for Moms doing things the natural way. Get your free copy at http://www.natural-moms.com"

[Babies_Bellies_Boobies]

what are the benefits of nursing my toddler from la leche league.

are you still doing that?

another one: http://www.pagewise.com/how-long-breastfeed-toddler.htm

[Babies_Bellies_Boobies]

let me know if you want more to print out

[Kalamazoo Doula]

Oh my, thank you so much for all the support! I knew in my heart that I'm making the correct dission for my daughter and me! I will definately be sending these to the NP! I don't want anyone else getting false information!

I just love Dr. Newman, I really love this hand out, I really appreciate it!

To answer the question about my dd weight: when she was born she weighed 8lbs 9 oz. (my smallest baby). she was 21.5" long. She is now only about 18lbs. 13.5 oz. which is only the 10-25%. Her height is 29.5" which is the 50-75%. Head circ is 18.24" which is 75-90%. At 9 months she weighed 18lbs. 1 oz. and was 28" long. and head was 17.5" big. She is definatley not a chubbo, but it is not like you can see her ribs either. Granted, she could probably eat more healthy fats, and I'll see if she likes avacado, which I have heard is good for them. She has not tripled her birth weight, but what I have learned when I had my first baby, who was 9lbs. is that larger babies usually don't have to triple their birth weight. My first son was formula fed, and has always been in the 75-100% and he did not triple his birth weight, he got close, but did not hit the mark. He was 23lbs. 10oz. at 12 months and 30.3" (he is my baby moose!LOL) My second son, who is my first breastfeed baby, had the same weight 'issues' as my dd. My milk must not be that fatty, which is ironic because I'm very over weight myself. My best friend, who's baby is only three month younger, looks like a marshmellow, and her mom is pretty healthy weight wise. I joke that she must have crisco in her milk!

I don't know if it is a supple issue. My dd never seemed to be deprieved, even when she was just exclusivly bf. I never had an issue of letting down during unopprotune times, so I have not had to wear bf pads since my dd was about 10 days old. My friend that I mentioned above, still wears bf pads, and still soaks them. She can hit someone across the room with her milk, and I don't think I could if I tried. Who knows. My 2nd ds had the same 'issues' at 12 months, and this was at a completly different practice. I just had him dring whole milk at meals, and fatty yogurt and pudding for snacks. I started to stop bf him before his meals, so he could fill up on the solid foods, which then he only started to bf twice a day, when he got up in the morning and when he went to bed. He unfortunatly refused to drink from a cup, and did not want to take the time to bf during the day, so in fear of him dehydrating, I weaned him at 15 months. His teeth were an issue to! OK, I got

But any ways, I'll be getting the info and sending it! And I will still be bf my dd! It was a good thing that I did not listen to that quack, because I found out today that my dd got her first ear infection (which they were so surprised that she went a whole year without one, hmm, the breast could not of had anything to do with this LOL) But she has refused to eat alot of solid foods for the past two days, sticking with only soft foods like yogurt. If I stopped the bf, she would be so tramatized, considering this is her first time being sick! It is a double ear infection too! My poor baby!

Okay, sorry so long! I got to get out more! LOL

[1stimestar]

I would send her the AAP recomendations with the "at least one year..." part highlighted. I would sweetly tell her that I was concerned with her giving her patients false information and hoped she didn't get in trouble for that...lol.

[Babies_Bellies_Boobies]

more ???s. was it the exact same scale?

i wonder when it was calibrated last.

does she look healthy, meeting developmental milestones etc

[Babies_Bellies_Boobies]

you can also try breast compression to get more of the hindmilk out while nursing. lmk if you need info on that.

[Bree]

I had to see an OB/GYN last week at my midwives office (b/c she was gone) & he asked me why I was still bf my 13 mo old dd. I told him that dd & I enjoy it and that it's good for her. YOU KNOW WHAT HE SAID?!?!?!?!? "Usually only women in third world countries like Africa bf for over a year because they don't have enough food to feed their babies. You do have food, right?" Can you belive that? Where did he get his info??????????

[Babies_Bellies_Boobies]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bree I had to see an OB/GYN last week at my midwives office (b/c she was gone) & he asked me why I was still bf my 13 mo old dd. I told him that dd & I enjoy it and that it's good for her. YOU KNOW WHAT HE SAID?!?!?!?!? "Usually only women in third world countries like Africa bf for over a year because they don't have enough food to feed their babies. You do have food, right?" Can you belive that?

i would so definately not see that moron again. if you do decide to see him again, have a nice info packet ready for him, and tell him that he'd be wise to read it and educate himself on it, for the sake of his clients, if nothing else.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bree Where did he get his info??????????

ask him which formula company he received his nutrition training from