Feeding advice for skinny BF 9 months-old.

[Jeanmom]

Dear all,

My daughter just turned 9 months-old a week ago and had her doctor visit. She is on the skinny side and weighs only 15lbs15ozs at 9 months. Her weight dropped from 50th percentile at 4 months to 10th percentile right now. She is active, happy and very verbal; yet, her doctor was a little concerned about her weight gain. She recommended cutting back breastfeeding a little and feeding her more solid instead. Isn?t it true that breastmilk remains as the main source of nutrient of baby?s diet before 12 months?

Daughter still has 4 nursing sessions every day and is on solid 3 times a day. Should I give her solid before breastfeeding or it doesn?t matter?

How many nursing sessions should a 9 months-old have?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Koan]

I think as long as she is gaining weight, happy and active then don't change anything. BF babies, as far as I am aware, gain weight at different rates, so sometimes she may gain a lot quickly, other times her weight may increase slowly over a longer period. I think you're right, breast milk should be her main source of nutrients and solids, at this point, are all extra, to be offered after BM.

 

[wasabibunny]

please don't worry and have a look at this breastfed girls chart: http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/growth/chart3.html
Many HK doctors are probably unfamiliar with the growth patterns of BF babies (they tend to be a lot leaner than formula babies after 6 months). You baby girls is not underweight for a BF baby and as long as she is meeting her developmental milestones you are doing well!!! Don't let doctors scare you... some don't have all the update info.

 

[Jeanmom]

Thanks wasabibunny. I haven't been on board for a while and now we are facing another set of challenges. Daughter is still on the skinny side and I've already accepted it. As long as she is happy and active, I feel good about it.

Thanks again.

 

[JandIinHK]

i would recommend giving solids first and trying to seperate milk from solids. BF babies don't tend to be as happy to move onto solids.

my 8 month is down to 3 bf a day.

annabel karmel is a good book for giving balanced diet.

remember breast milk doesn't have as much iron etc in it as formula, so after 6 months, when a babies natural iron runs out, you need to be careful.

7.30 - cereal with milk/or creamy baby cereal
8.30 - bf (4mins)
12.15 - meet & veg, yogurt and/or fruit (water from cup)
3pm - bf (15-20mins)
5.30 - carbs/starchy veg e.g. lentils, potato, cauliflower cheese, fruit & rice (water from cup)
6.45 - bf (30-40mins)

ultimately if your baby is happy and sleeping properly, you should trust your instincts.

Hope this helps.