Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the biological norm, but for years, and sometimes still today, infant growth curves used by doctors have been compared to charts based on formula fed babies. Article by Barbara Behrmann.

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We went for my son’s pediatrician appointment a couple of weeks ago. It was just another well child visit to see how he’s growing and all. I was not prepared to hear that he had gained about three pounds (apparently he’s gaining weight 3X faster than average!). I was a little alarmed at this. The pediatrician believes that I have an oversupply and overactive let-down.

The doctor told me that my son is getting too much and to limit his feedings. I said “ok”…after all, doesn’t doctor know best? However, when I got home I realized, hey, didn’t everything I’ve ever read say NEVER to limit a breastfed baby’s feedings as their bodies know what they need?

I did a little more research and my suspicions were confirmed. I could find NO supporting evidence that limiting and scheduling a breastfed baby’s feedings is ever a good idea. I hate going against his doctor but my *mommy sense* tells me to continue feeding him on demand. In fact, my dad sent me this article which states that one of the biggest mistakes parents make is trying to feed their newborn on a schedule.

So where is the disconnect here? I really like my baby’s doctor, but they gave such old fashioned and wrong advice. There is no evidence to support that gaining this weight in a newborn is unhealthy. In fact, research shows that breastfed babies simply gain weight faster, but end up trimmer later in life. My baby doesn’t throw his meals up, just spitting up here and there like any newborn. I think that feeding him on demand is the best thing for my child and am going to *ignore* the pediatrician’s advice on this matter. The La Leche League is the foremost source on breastfeeding, and they fully encourage demand feeding! At least I know my little man is healthy

What do you all think? Am I doing the right thing?