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17 week old baby-dont know how much food to give her

  • 20-07-2013 7:24pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭


    Hiya everyone, I'm just wondering about how much a 17 week old baby food intake should be and how to wean. I'm totally confused and PHN is no help.
    Her bottle intake is atrocious at the moment that's why I want to start her on solids and she is old enough now.
    So she only drinks 3 bottles I don't know if its because of the heat or herself but if I give her anymore she throws it back up. Last week it was only 6oz but i got in the 4th bottle at times but I was worried so I upped the bottles to 8oz she drinks it no bother except I can't get in the 4th bottke:) since Tuesday I've been giving her baby cereal only in the morning and she loves it. I'm really worried that she's only taking 24oz a day she sleeps the night sometimes she wakes up but settles with a doddee. Can I give her more food as in spoonfeeds what to give her and any advice on the bottles which would be great.
    Advice would be greatly appreciated thank you x


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭annettea


    annettea wrote: »
    Hiya everyone, I'm just wondering about how much a 17 week old baby food intake should be and how to wean. I'm totally confused and PHN is no help.
    Her bottle intake is atrocious at the moment that's why I want to start her on solids and she is old enough now.
    So she only drinks 3 bottles I don't know if its because of the heat or herself but if I give her anymore she throws it back up. Last week it was only 6oz but i got in the 4th bottle at times but I was worried so I upped the bottles to 8oz she drinks it no bother except I can't get in the 4th bottke:) since Tuesday I've been giving her baby cereal only in the morning and she loves it. I'm really worried that she's only taking 24oz a day she sleeps the night sometimes she wakes up but settles with a doddee. Can I give her more food as in spoonfeeds what to give her and any advice on the bottles which would be great.
    Advice would be greatly appreciated thank you x

    Also she is on nutramigen(lactose free milk)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,731 ✭✭✭bp


    This is based on my experience only (and medical advice may be better) but if she isn't screaming for food she may be ok. My little one is 22 weeks and on four feeds a day with one meal of solids. Doesn't alway finish a bottle.

    Try offering boiled water (cooled) for the heat which may help.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,453 ✭✭✭ceadaoin.


    I would get some advice from your GP. There could be an underlying reason for her refusing bottles. 17 weeks seems a bit young for solids. Even when you start weaning, milk is still supposed to be a childs main source of nutrition for the first year. Is she still gaining weight?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,816 ✭✭✭Suucee


    As others have said op have a chat with gp. My daughter was a nightmare to drink bottles and never drank more than 24 or 25 oz and even that was a struggle. When i introduced solids she loved it and really thrived.
    I tried all types of bottles and milk but i think because she was colicky she had a bad association with them.
    She actually drank better from a beaker than a bottle.
    Have a chat with gp. But try not to worry. If they she is having plenty of wet and dirty nappies and sleeping ok she is obviously a happy baby.
    The worst thing i did was count the oz and stress about how little she drinks and compare her to others.
    Shes now 14.5 months in size 18-23 mnth clothes. Eats like a horse and drinks her milk (cows milk) from beaker.
    I wish i hadnt stressed out as much as once i calmed down it made life so much easier for both of us.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭annettea


    ceadaoin. wrote: »
    I would get some advice from your GP. There could be an underlying reason for her refusing bottles. 17 weeks seems a bit young for solids. Even when you start weaning, milk is still supposed to be a childs main source of nutrition for the first year. Is she still gaining weight?

    Hi I've been to gp over other things they were saying to introduce lactose back into the diet when weaning and to stop worrying so I said I'd talk to the phn cause I had to go for a check up and she was like go back to gp as they're dealing with it so no one is help but she has been weighed and they're happy with her weight. I'd feel like a twat going in again just to be told to stop worrying so I said I'd ask other mothers :) I'm giving her only cereal but your supposed to actually wean them at this age they're really supposed to be fully weaned by 6 months in Ireland. Its just 6 months is a worldwide guideline for countries that have poor food and water standards., that was told to me by a mum who heard off a doctor at yoga ha.
    Can I tell you her routine you might see where I'm going wrong.
    8or9-up cereal 8oz bottle
    2-8oz bottle
    7-8oz bottle
    8.30-bed..

    Water is in betweeni know there's long periods without a bottle but she won't take them or will puke it up cos tummy is full.. Thank u x


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  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,652 ✭✭✭CaraMay


    My son is on nutramigen and his bottles at that stage and even now are max 4 or 5 ozs. Reduce the amount of each bottle and give it more often. Has baby got reflux?

    I am only reintroducing lactose now at 19 months. Not sure why they are pushing you to reintroduce it so quick.

    I personally would not be listening to a go or phn. I think you need advice from a paediatric consultant who also works in conjunction with a dietician.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭annettea


    Suucee wrote: »
    As others have said op have a chat with gp. My daughter was a nightmare to drink bottles and never drank more than 24 or 25 oz and even that was a struggle. When i introduced solids she loved it and really thrived.
    I tried all types of bottles and milk but i think because she was colicky she had a bad association with them.
    She actually drank better from a beaker than a bottle.
    Have a chat with gp. But try not to worry. If they she is having plenty of wet and dirty nappies and sleeping ok she is obviously a happy baby.
    The worst thing i did was count the oz and stress about how little she drinks and compare her to others.
    Shes now 14.5 months in size 18-23 mnth clothes. Eats like a horse and drinks her milk (cows milk) from beaker.
    I wish i hadnt stressed out as much as once i calmed down it made life so much easier for both of us.
    Like your daughter mine use to be in so much pain with wind, I hated feeding her ha. Did u bring her to the doc ? Maybe not a hungry baby or it could be the lactose free milk it tastes yuck but she's been on it since 8 weeks. But I gave her aptimal at 3 months maybe she got the taste for it xx thank you tho x


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 767 ✭✭✭Hobbitfeet


    annettea wrote: »
    I'm giving her only cereal but your supposed to actually wean them at this age they're really supposed to be fully weaned by 6 months in Ireland. Its just 6 months is a worldwide guideline for countries that have poor food and water standards., that was told to me by a mum who heard off a doctor at yoga ha.

    Water is in betweeni know there's long periods without a bottle but she won't take them or will puke it up cos tummy is full.. Thank u x

    This is not true that babies are supposed to be weaned in Ireland at that age. Weaning age guidelines are to do with the development and maturity of the stomach and gut, that's why introducing solids early may contribute to allergies etc. World health organisation guidelines are around 6 months for breast and bottle fed babies.
    Some babies may be ready for solids before 6 months, if your baby can stay in a sitting position unaided and hold their head steady.
    They can co-ordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so that they can look at the food, pick it up and put it in their mouth, all by themselves.They can swallow food and do not stick their tounge out when you put food in then they are

    You said that if you try to give her more bottle she throws it up as belly is full, I think that says it all she has enough, maybe her digestive system is a little slower but she gaining weight and drs aren't worried so I wouldn't worry. Unless she is doing all the bits mentioned above then I would hold off on solids.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭annettea


    Hobbitfeet wrote: »
    This is not true that babies are supposed to be weaned in Ireland at that age. Weaning age guidelines are to do with the development and maturity of the stomach and gut, that's why introducing solids early may contribute to allergies etc. World health organisation guidelines are around 6 months for breast and bottle fed babies.
    Some babies may be ready for solids before 6 months, if your baby can stay in a sitting position unaided and hold their head steady.
    They can co-ordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so that they can look at the food, pick it up and put it in their mouth, all by themselves.They can swallow food and do not stick their tounge out when you put food in then they are

    You said that if you try to give her more bottle she throws it up as belly is full, I think that says it all she has enough, maybe her digestive system is a little slower but she gaining weight and drs aren't worried so I wouldn't worry. Unless she is doing all the bits mentioned above then I would hold off on solids.

    The bottles have been like this for the last 3 weeks before the cereal that's why I want to wean her if you get me so I definatly know she's getting enough also she was having less ounces. But I haven't a clue about weaning . Missy has had a great interest in food for awhile we felt so bad eating in front of her looking at us and kind of chewing with her mouth, ha. The phn said fruit one week veg the next but how do u do it. Do u give fruit and vegetables the 2nd week. Or can u do brekkie lunch and dinner so confused .


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,215 ✭✭✭Gee_G


    annettea wrote: »
    The bottles have been like this for the last 3 weeks before the cereal that's why I want to wean her if you get me so I definatly know she's getting enough also she was having less ounces. But I haven't a clue about weaning . Missy has had a great interest in food for awhile we felt so bad eating in front of her looking at us and kind of chewing with her mouth, ha. The phn said fruit one week veg the next but how do u do it. Do u give fruit and vegetables the 2nd week. Or can u do brekkie lunch and dinner so confused .

    My phn and gp told me anytime from 16/17 weeks too. But she did say that baby would let you know when he was ready, at the time, I didn't know what they were talking about until it came to the time. He was the same watching every mouthful we took, clapping his lips together, but he was also starting to wake up at night so we started him at 17 weeks or thereabouts.

    I gave him the cereal/porridge for the first week or two, then I introduced a second small bowl of it after probably two weeks(from what I can remember)
    I then started to give him nice easy to eat fruits like pureed pear mixed with a little bit of the baby cereals as his second meal, then I just kind of took it from there. They say you should only introduce new foods every 3 days, so that if something isn't agreeing with baby, you can pinpoint it straight away and it lets their system get used to the different foods.

    You will know by your baby if they want more. Generally they will only eat what they want. Try spacing out the bottles and not giving them with her spoonfeed. Like a bottle when she wakes up and then give her cereal an hour or two after that and so on. And then maybe just the water with her spoonfeed.

    After the first few weeks it gets easier, she can then have lots of pureed fruit and veg and it will be like second nature to both of you :)

    Sorry about the essay :)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭annettea


    Gee_G wrote: »
    My phn and gp told me anytime from 16/17 weeks too. But she did say that baby would let you know when he was ready, at the time, I didn't know what they were talking about until it came to the time. He was the same watching every mouthful we took, clapping his lips together, but he was also starting to wake up at night so we started him at 17 weeks or thereabouts.

    I gave him the cereal/porridge for the first week or two, then I introduced a second small bowl of it after probably two weeks(from what I can remember)
    I then started to give him nice easy to eat fruits like pureed pear mixed with a little bit of the baby cereals as his second meal, then I just kind of took it from there. They say you should only introduce new foods every 3 days, so that if something isn't agreeing with baby, you can pinpoint it straight away and it lets their system get used to the different foods.

    You will know by your baby if they want more. Generally they will only eat what they want. Try spacing out the bottles and not giving them with her spoonfeed. Like a bottle when she wakes up and then give her cereal an hour or two after that and so on. And then maybe just the water with her spoonfeed.

    After the first few weeks it gets easier, she can then have lots of pureed fruit and veg and it will be like second nature to both of you :) r

    Sorry about the essay :)
    Think I needed the essay ha thank you, the 3 days sounds perfect cause at the moment lactose isn't agreeing with her that sounds great thank you .. I'll do that with the cereal also great x


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 507 ✭✭✭elly123


    Hey Anneatta, you should pick up a baby weaning book, they usually give a time table of what to give baby and rough times and have all the recipes. I got an old book from a friend but it is brilliant. I've started the little man on solids this week. Some porridge for first 3days then some pear purée the last two days. He is well able for the spoon and always wants more. Loves sitting in his high chair for his spoon feed. I Always give him water with his solids too. Even try if you could find anything on the net that might give you a rough idea of a time table.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭annettea


    elly123 wrote: »
    Hey Anneatta, you should pick up a baby weaning book, they usually give a time table of what to give baby and rough times and have all the recipes. I got an old book from a friend but it is brilliant. I've started the little man on solids this week. Some porridge for first 3days then some pear purée the last two days. He is well able for the spoon and always wants more. Loves sitting in his high chair for his spoon feed. I Always give him water with his solids too. Even try if you could find anything on the net that might give you a rough idea of a time table.

    The book sounds brilliant never thought of a book .. Thank you.. Time is going too fast wish time slowed down a bit x


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 767 ✭✭✭Hobbitfeet


    Gee_G wrote: »
    My phn and gp told me anytime from 16/17 weeks too. But she did say that baby would let you know when he was ready, at the time, I didn't know what they were talking about until it came to the time. He was the same watching every mouthful we took, clapping his lips together, but he was also starting to wake up at night so we started him at 17 weeks or thereabouts.

    It's such a shame when out phns gives out incorrect advise. The HSE, NHS and WHO all recommend starting around 6 months. Also all the the 'signs' you have listed are not true signs a baby is read for solids. I'll post a link from the NHS that gives really good clear points on what are true weaning signs and what is being mistaken as warning signs.
    Unfortunately I don't think our phns get much new training or if they do they don't implement it and that's why mothers are being given this really outdated info. All babies will be interested in dinner time, they are interested in everything and watch everything we do but that's not a sign they are ready for solids, neither is waking in the night. Around 4 mths most babies go through a sleep regression and this is why they wake.

    Just think logically for a minute, if your baby is waking out of hunger or need for extra nutrients, do you think 1-2 tbls of baby rice or potato or carrot is going I give them a huge amount of calories or nutrients? It won't the calorie and nutrientional content is minimul. If you baby already has allergies at this early age it's even more of a reason to delay solids.

    My son started to get very unsettled at meal times around 5 months he still had not had any solids but was no longer happy to just sit and watch us eat, so I gave him some weaning spoons and a bowl to play with during our mealtimes and he was happy with this. So maybe you could try that.

    Here's the links do have a read they give lots of info
    http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/solid-foods-weaning.aspx

    http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/feeding-infants-toddlers/starting-solids/6-reasons-delay-introducing-solid-food

    Hope that helps :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭annettea


    Hobbitfeet wrote: »
    It's such a shame when out phns gives out incorrect advise. The HSE, NHS and WHO all recommend starting around 6 months. Also all the the 'signs' you have listed are not true signs a baby is read for solids. I'll post a link from the NHS that gives really good clear points on what are true weaning signs and what is being mistaken as warning signs.
    Unfortunately I don't think our phns get much new training or if they do they don't implement it and that's why mothers are being given this really outdated info. All babies will be interested in dinner time, they are interested in everything and watch everything we do but that's not a sign they are ready for solids, neither is waking in the night. Around 4 mths most babies go through a sleep regression and this is why they wake.

    Just think logically for a minute, if your baby is waking out of hunger or need for extra nutrients, do you think 1-2 tbls of baby rice or potato or carrot is going I give them a huge amount of calories or nutrients? It won't the calorie and nutrientional content is minimul. If you baby already has allergies at this early age it's even more of a reason to delay solids.

    My son started to get very unsettled at meal times around 5 months he still had not had any solids but was no longer happy to just sit and watch us eat, so I gave him some weaning spoons and a bowl to play with during our mealtimes and he was happy with this. So maybe you could try that.

    Here's the links do have a read they give lots of info
    http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/solid-foods-weaning.aspx

    http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/feeding-infants-toddlers/starting-solids/6-reasons-delay-introducing-solid-food

    Hope that helps :)

    Phns some are awful my one gives me different information or brushes me off, when breastfeeding she said they Dont need to be winded.. Always finds something to give out about..
    I read the articles she has most signs for weaning, shell take the spoon from me and put it in her mouth(could be beginners luck). Spitting out food is normal at the start though its in the leaflet.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 767 ✭✭✭Hobbitfeet


    Yep I've had some pretty awful 'advice' about breast feeding too, best to ignore it. Is she sitting up by herself? This is one of the most important and sure ways to show she's ready. Also the tongue will not come out even slightly when something is put in or near the mouth.
    In the end it's your own decision in when you start to give solids but from what you have posted about the throwing up bottles and allergy I would be holding off for a little while, your baba is only just 4 months old :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭annettea


    Hobbitfeet wrote: »
    Yep I've had some pretty awful 'advice' about breast feeding too, best to ignore it. Is she sitting up by herself? This is one of the most important and sure ways to show she's ready. Also the tongue will not come out even slightly when something is put in or near the mouth.
    In the end it's your own decision in when you start to give solids but from what you have posted about the throwing up bottles and allergy I would be holding off for a little while, your baba is only just 4 months old :)

    I know she feels older! :) how do I get more into her, she ate a nice bowl of cereal today yo be honest I Dont think she likes the lactose free milk but they told me to gradually introduce lactose when weaning . I might try the comfort hopefully she'll be OK.. She has great head control and can sit up but obviously not unaided she loves holding onto my hands and get up(not the same no) ha thank u x


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 767 ✭✭✭Hobbitfeet


    To be honest and don't take this the wrong way but there's nothing to worry about she's taking her bottles, she's gaining weight, hitting her milestones so there really is no need to worry and no need to be trying to get more into her. She has enough with what she has and she's developing fine with it so I'd just leave it the way it is. Your doing a great job and there's no need to worry, easier said than done I know :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,037 ✭✭✭yellow hen


    elly123 wrote: »
    Hey Anneatta, you should pick up a baby weaning book, they usually give a time table of what to give baby and rough times and have all the recipes. I got an old book from a friend but it is brilliant. I've started the little man on solids this week. Some porridge for first 3days then some pear purée the last two days. He is well able for the spoon and always wants more. Loves sitting in his high chair for his spoon feed. I Always give him water with his solids too. Even try if you could find anything on the net that might give you a rough idea of a time table.

    Hi Annettea, I had no idea you're little one was in lactose free formula. We just started ours on it about a week ago. Not to interfere with advice you've already gotten from your gp but I found nutramigen pretty grim stuff and baby wasn't mad about it. Gp told me to try SMa lactose free and he's much much better on that. Could you chat to gp about maybe trying that? Like elly we're also on solids and he loves them but they're still v small portions and he's on all his regular bottles.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,215 ✭✭✭Gee_G


    annettea wrote: »
    Phns some are awful my one gives me different information or brushes me off, when breastfeeding she said they Dont need to be winded.. Always finds something to give out about..
    I read the articles she has most signs for weaning, shell take the spoon from me and put it in her mouth(could be beginners luck). Spitting out food is normal at the start though its in the leaflet.

    Its such a pity your phn is not helpful to you, I find mine fantastic and extremely helpful.
    Also, it was her and two female doctors in the practice I go to that told me anytime from 16/17 weeks is fine to start weaning, so, I don't know.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 767 ✭✭✭Hobbitfeet


    Gee_G wrote: »
    Its such a pity your phn is not helpful to you, I find mine fantastic and extremely helpful.
    Also, it was her and two female doctors in the practice I go to that told me anytime from 16/17 weeks is fine to start weaning, so, I don't know.

    This annoys me so much, there is a huge amount of research showing the dangers of introducing solids too early.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,519 ✭✭✭Oral Slang


    Babies are supposed to be weaned as near to 6 months as possible. The info being given out by doctors & phns is old & outdated. Definitely much better for the babies gut to hold off as long as possible. We started at exactly 6 months & am aiming to do the same with the next one.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,215 ✭✭✭Gee_G


    Hobbitfeet wrote: »
    This annoys me so much, there is a huge amount of research showing the dangers of introducing solids too early.

    That wasn't a dig at you! :)
    If it is bad for the babies why most medical professionals are saying its fine is beyond me!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,519 ✭✭✭Oral Slang


    Gee_G wrote: »
    That wasn't a dig at you! :)
    If it is bad for the babies why most medical professionals are saying its fine is beyond me!

    Apparently they're all working off very old guidelines. As far as I know new guidelines were issued, but either people aren't going with them, or else they didn't get them. All the allergy issues etc. that people bandy about saying that solids have to introduced much earlier than 6 months to prevent allergies, have been discredited. Introducing solids at 6 months or later is especially important for exclusively breastfed babies, as they have a virgin (open) gut until that stage which has only had breastmilk up until then & is full of antibodies etc., This doesn't close up until around 6 months, hence why you should wait til then. Formula fed babies have obviously been fed with something other than breastmilk up until this time, so their gut is no longer virginal.

    It's the same as the weight charts. There used to be 1 for breastfed & 1 for bottlefed babies, but a lot of the PHN's were just using the bottlefed ones, hence causing consternation to breatfeeding mothers about why their babies weren't heavy enough. New charts were distributed last year, but when my little one was weighed last time they were still using the old one. When I questioned it, they said, oh yeah I think we got that, but don't use it!!! The new ones are based around breastfed babies, as a lot of formula fed babies are being overfed, leading to childhood obesity.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 767 ✭✭✭Hobbitfeet


    Gee_G wrote: »
    That wasn't a dig at you! :)
    If it is bad for the babies why most medical professionals are saying its fine is beyond me!

    Didn't take it like that at all :) and I hope I don't offend anyone either.
    It is beyond me too but it seems to be a big problem here in Ireland. I have friends living in the north, uk, Sweden, Norway, Germany and Australia and all of them got the advice that starting solids was dangerous and 4 months is too young. So I don't know why the HCPs in Ireland go against such a strong body of research and continue to recommend starting solids at 4 months and even before.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,037 ✭✭✭yellow hen


    We started our lil man on solids at 15 weeks as he had terrible reflux. Phn actually encouraged it and, desperate to help him, I caved. I bitterly regret it and would never go it again. I'm not saying I'd have held out until 6 months but I would have probably gone until 20 or so. I'm sort of annoyed at phn for encouraging a first time vulnerable mum to do the wrong thing.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 767 ✭✭✭Hobbitfeet


    Yellowhen what's done is done so don't feel bad you took the advice of a health professional, someone who is supposed to be specialised in infant care and they gave you bad advice, not your fault at all. You can just take it from here and make sure your lo gets a good diet from now on, please don't feel bad.

    I would really encourage you to make an offical compliant about this phn and her advice it's really shocking and she will keep giving this bad advice to new mums unless you report it. You can report it through the HSE your say service on the HSE website http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/yourhealthservice/feedback/Complaint/
    It only takes a minute but will really make a difference to other mums who see this phn :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,037 ✭✭✭yellow hen


    Hobbitfeet wrote: »
    Yellowhen what's done is done so don't feel bad you took the advice of a health professional, someone who is supposed to be specialised in infant care and they gave you bad advice, not your fault at all. You can just take it from here and make sure your lo gets a good diet from now on, please don't feel bad.

    I would really encourage you to make an offical compliant about this phn and her advice it's really shocking and she will keep giving this bad advice to new mums unless you report it. You can report it through the HSE your say service on the HSE website http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/yourhealthservice/feedback/Complaint/
    It only takes a minute but will really make a difference to other mums who see this phn :)

    Thanks hobbit feet.
    While I'm at it I'll also complain about them incorrectly weighing my son TWICE and for telling me to give him weatabix at 4months old!! (In this instance I ignored their advice!)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 767 ✭✭✭Hobbitfeet


    Include everything :) do you have the name of the phn who said to start solids? Make sure you give the name :)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,037 ✭✭✭yellow hen


    Hobbitfeet wrote: »
    Include everything :) do you have the name of the phn who said to start solids? Make sure you give the name :)

    I know all their first names (I've seen five to date!) but not surnames. Wouldn't be hard to find out though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,519 ✭✭✭Oral Slang


    yellow hen wrote: »
    Thanks hobbit feet.
    While I'm at it I'll also complain about them incorrectly weighing my son TWICE and for telling me to give him weatabix at 4months old!! (In this instance I ignored their advice!)

    What dreadful advice - no gluten until 6 months... Ridiculous advice being given by so many phn's, its shocking that they're still spouting such bad advice.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭annettea


    Since were giving out about phns how I get a 2nd opinion .. Or a gp or how do I get her seen by a paediatrician cause no one has diagnosed her with lactose intolerance they keep telling me to change her back to lactose milk cause she cant be on nutragimin for long as its for colic but I know for a fact there's something wrong as today she only had 2 bottles of comfort milk, is passing lots of wind, was crying there until now her bedtime is 8.30 I'm scared for her nappy in the morning. Obv I'm not going to give her anymore, but if I bring her to go, hell tell me not to worry try again next month said it to phn and she was like well your gp is dealing with it...
    im well confused about this 4-6 months weaning there's food jars out there for 4 months also recipes in SuperValu for 4 months, they really should get rid of them..
    Yellow hen I've heard of babies been weaned at 15 weeks with reflux ,obviously were going to take health care professionals advice cos at the end of the day we think they're god and know everything ha! Why is your little man on lactose free ? Any change ? I might give the sma one a try is it more expensive? Is he 20 weeks now or 21.. Where's our babies gone :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,037 ✭✭✭yellow hen


    Oh Annette, I feel for you with the crying baby. My lil man had chronic wind every night and was constipated on top of it. We tried so many things and in the end our go suggested he might be lactose sensitive (intolerance would present itself with bad diarrhoea and a rash etc). She recommended the SMS lactose free as its quite light and like aptimil first milk or breast milk. It's €6.25 a tin which is about half the size of a regular formula tin. We have seen a marked improvement since he started it. If she's already on nutramigen and doesn't like it, I'd give it a go. If you do decide to wean her, take it slowly in case she can't digest the solids properly. Let us know how you get on.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 767 ✭✭✭Hobbitfeet


    Oh annetta i really feel for you. It's not easy when the HCPs around you are no help.
    Why don't you look for a new gp? You can make appointments to see a gp to discuss whether or not you would like to be a patient and discuss your babies problems. Find one that you like before deciding. It can be expensive though if you don't have medial card or insurance.

    Let us know how you get on :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭annettea


    yellow hen wrote: »
    Oh Annette, I feel for you with the crying baby. My lil man had chronic wind every night and was constipated on top of it. We tried so many things and in the end our go suggested he might be lactose sensitive (intolerance would present itself with bad diarrhoea and a rash etc). She recommended the SMS lactose free as its quite light and like aptimil first milk or breast milk. It's €6.25 a tin which is about half the size of a regular formula tin. We have seen a marked improvement since he started it. If she's already on nutramigen and doesn't like it, I'd give it a go. If you do decide to wean her, take it slowly in case she can't digest the solids properly. Let us know how you get on.
    I might sound like a bad mum but before she was 8 weeks she had runny nappies I thought she was weeing on top of dirty nappy but I told them when I changed her back to lactose milk at 3 months she had runny nappies he said wait till u wean and gradually introduce,
    Sma lf is a lot cheaper than nutamigen, is 11.25 .. Have u been on it long? I remember giving Katelyn nutragimen at 8 weeks the 4th day she slept and slept that never happened before that! Is his reflux still there? Just remember it won't be always like this :) x I really can't imagine what you were going through for this long! It must have been hard, hope u have lots of support x


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭annettea


    Hobbitfeet wrote: »
    Oh annetta i really feel for you. It's not easy when the HCPs around you are no help.
    Why don't you look for a new gp? You can make appointments to see a gp to discuss whether or not you would like to be a patient and discuss your babies problems. Find one that you like before deciding. It can be expensive though if you don't have medial card or insurance.

    Let us know how you get on :)

    Oh This is worse again, I'm living in a new town found this gp as a reccomendation online. He is very good and really easy to talk to! just I Dont think he knows about what I'm going through. He is supposed to be the best. He says I worry too much .I could go with my gut really and just give her a lactose free diet..


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,652 ✭✭✭CaraMay


    Isn't the lactose free milk just cows milk with lactose extracted / eliminated. If so, is baby not too young for cows milk. Dietician told me not to bother with that at 16 months mark. I suggest you stick with the nutramigen, don't chop.and change and introduce easy foods slowly.

    My son is on nutramigen for 15 months now. Throw money at this problem. Go straight to a good paediatrician.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,519 ✭✭✭Oral Slang


    If you don't want to change GP & feel you may want to hold off on solids for another few weeks, then just nod & agree with doctor/phn and do your own thing. There just doesn't seem to be any follow on training for them, they were trained one way & that's the only way they know. My doctor said to me when my little one was 17 weeks, sure you could start her on baby rice now. I said no, I'll wait til she's 6 months. Next visit he asked was she on solids, again I said no, she'll get them at 6 months. At the health centre breastfeeding group I heard a phn advising someone they could start solids now the baby was 17/18 weeks, but thankfully I had investigated the matter thoroughly & am also in a few great online groups so was able to decided myself on the best approach.

    I also did baby led weaning and 6 months is key to this. You can possibly start a week or 2 early, but things like tongue thrust which you mentioned earlier (baby pushing food out of their mouth), should be totally gone, as that's a sign that your baby isn't ready for food. They should be sitting up unaided, or almost & be grabbing food off your plate and actually getting into their mouth, not just grabbing like its a toy. I know some people that have waited til 7 & 8 months to give their babies solids, so there really isn't a rush.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,339 ✭✭✭How Strange


    I brought A for her 3 Montg develop check today a d the phn started talking about weaning. She stressed that as a breastfeeding mother I wait until 6 months but she said for formula babies it's 17 weeks. Then she started talking about spoons of baby rice at 6 months and how everything still had to be puréed and I wasn't to skip the purees as the baby would just spit the food out because she'd never have had lumps so wouldn't know what to do with them.

    Suffice to say I just sat there, nodded my head and made the right noises but I'll be doing blw this time around too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,519 ✭✭✭Oral Slang


    I brought A for her 3 Montg develop check today a d the phn started talking about weaning. She stressed that as a breastfeeding mother I wait until 6 months but she said for formula babies it's 17 weeks. Then she started talking about spoons of baby rice at 6 months and how everything still had to be puréed and I wasn't to skip the purees as the baby would just spit the food out because she'd never have had lumps so wouldn't know what to do with them.

    Suffice to say I just sat there, nodded my head and made the right noises but I'll be doing blw this time around too.

    They really don't have a clue. How is anyone supposed to know what do do with lumps until they try them. Why delay the inevitable. I know people that didn't try lumps til 9/10/12 months & had the exact same issues as people had when trying at 6 months - baby gagging etc. We only had it for about 2 weeks & then she learned what she was supposed to do. I know a girl that pureed for months & now her little fella who's 21 months gets sick everytime she gives him lumps.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,644 ✭✭✭✭lazygal


    Had the same advice. We did blw and have had zero issues. I know parents still spoonfeeding 15 month olds because they can't bear lumpy foods. Our LO hasn't had any problems and eats whatever is put before her. I don't know why the processed baby rice rubbish is all they can suggest, surely other options should be discussed.
    Will be doing blw with number two.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,652 ✭✭✭CaraMay


    I personally would not substitute advice from online forums for medical advice.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 767 ✭✭✭Hobbitfeet


    CaraMay wrote: »
    I personally would not substitute advice from online forums for medical advice.

    I'd be questioning the bad and totally incorrect advice even if its from a medical professional. I would also go and research or learn more about any advice given on Internet forums before I took it :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,519 ✭✭✭Oral Slang


    CaraMay wrote: »
    I personally would not substitute advice from online forums for medical advice.

    I wouldn't either, but I wouldn't take blatantly outdated & inaccurate advice from doctors & phns either. I'd do my own research, which thankfully I did & realised that the best way forward to was to grin & nod when they spout wrong information.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,652 ✭✭✭CaraMay


    Strange logic given that the research you are reading is most likely from medical professionals as well. So you are taking the view of a small number of medical professionals over the majority of experienced medical professionals while justifying your decisions on the basis of internet discussions...

    Each to their own.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,893 ✭✭✭Hannibal Smith


    In 2009 I was told by phn and gp not to wean till 6 months. So much so I felt bad weaning at 5 months

    In 2011 I was told by phn and gp that the new information was that bottle fed babies can be weaned at 16 weeks if the signs were there that the child was ready.

    So the information does change and isn't out dated. ..not from my sources anyhow.

    Every baby is different and you cant apply a blanket rule. My first was fine without for 5 months. ..my second was chompingat the table and was weaned at 17 wweeks. ..he was finishing every bottle and would never go 2.5/3 hours without a feed. People on here were telling me it was a growth spurt, he wasn't ready, my gp was wrong. But I knew myself he was ready and once weaning was established we never looked back.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,519 ✭✭✭Oral Slang


    CaraMay wrote: »
    Strange logic given that the research you are reading is most likely from medical professionals as well. So you are taking the view of a small number of medical professionals over the majority of experienced medical professionals while justifying your decisions on the basis of internet discussions...

    Each to their own.

    I've been told by both paediatricians & PHN's that the information given out by a lot of others is incorrect & has been revised, but that they're not taking it on board or not being passed on the information. As you can see below, the HSE are recommending in & around 6 months, so therefore that should prove that is the official line they all should be giving, not outdated information. One of the main reasons to delay solids that a babies gut simply is not ready. You may think that all was fine, but problems can manifest themselves as the child gets older or even into adulthood, so why take the chance.

    http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/B/Babies,-weaning/

    http://kellymom.com/nutrition/starting-solids/delay-solids/

    http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/25/too-early-solid-food-could-lead-to-problems-for-babies/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,037 ✭✭✭yellow hen


    Annettea, how are you getting on now?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭annettea


    Hi everyone :) thank you all for your advice, I went into the chemist and talked to a pharmacist this is going to sound ridiculous but he was a lot more help than the phn. I said about the bottles and he looked at her and told me there is nothing to worry about, he said her arms and legs and face are chubby so she's getting enough. He told me about the sma lf is no good as if she had an allergy nutramagin would be best, and he knows its expensive. I think I should get a discount with all the tins I buy ha!
    Im also going to keep weaning her as she seems to enjoy it and since she's a bottle fed baby its supposed to be fine after 17 weeks breastfed babies must get more nutrients from the milk. I know they did research but can I say this I'm sure we were all weaned at 4 months and I'm sure were OK. (Dont give out) I'm totally not going to give gluten before 6 months cos I noticed a lot of people are celiac.. I'll give them that. But they keep changing things next year they could say not to wean till 8 months. Than were all doomed haha..
    Also thank u for your advice on how to wean, greatly appreciated
    Yellow hen how u getting on with the new milk?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,339 ✭✭✭How Strange


    I swear by pharmacists and I'd always go to one before I'd go to the doctor if I've got a small query with the kids or myself. We've got a fantastic one beside us.


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