Mr. Bubs is definitely chunking-up nicely. His plumpness has me thinking about baby growth. I've noticed a trend in my own experience and among my friends whose babies are breastfed for at least a year. Our babies grow much more quickly in the first few months and then their weights taper off or plateau. They follow a completely different trend than the growth charts you see in the pediatricians' offices. I've heard so many stories from friends and family of their doctors being concerned about their babies' growth between 6 months and 18 months. 'Cause they pretty much stop gaining weight and just start getting taller and thinner. So the doctors recommend formula supplementation or tests to check for problems. But nearly all the moms have said that they're sure their babies are fine... they're happy, reaching developmental milestones, etc. With all the childhood obesity out there, you'd think doctors would be delighted to see thin, thriving, smart little babies! Fortunately, our doctors never showed too much concern.
I'd heard that breastfed babies grow differently and that the growth charts weren't the best gauge for them, but I'd never researched the particulars myself until last night.
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2 comments:
My kids have been small all along but healthy with no problems. They all have breastfed and the oldest has caught up with her peers now that she is four. No worries at all and if my baby is small later then I will refuse the tests this time. It was ridiculous to put my little girls through that and we won't put my little guy through that If he is developing well and healthy but just small.
Difference is very much visible between a breastfed baby and a baby whose not breastfed! Mothers need to understand it's a necessity for the child growth.
Nicole
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