Am I Wrong

[lizbud]

She works with low income mothers and comes by my office on a regular basis. I've read the books and I know they say not to start foods until 4 mths, but wouldn't the doctor think about other alternatives before saying start your baby on ceral?

I thought it was pretty normal to start a baby on cerials about then. I
know mine did. When the baby drinks that much in a day, she's still
hungry & would benefit from having cerial in between or with her formula.

[carole]

Lizbud, they have changed their way of thinking on introducing solids now, they recommend not until six months of age here, i know when i had both my children it was 3 to 4 months, all i can say is my children are healthy well adjusted young people, so obviously it did not harm them in any way.

I don't know or understand why they have changed their ideas on this, but i know because my niece was told this with her baby,they are changing things all the time, when i had my son they said put him on his tummy to sleep ,now that is a huge NO NO, honestly it become's so confusing.

If you are getting this advice from your doctor,then i would imagine it would be fine, and who the heck is the person threatening to report you, who does she think she is,good grief you are not abusing your daughter by doing what you have been told, how awful for you,do as other's have suggested get a second opinion even a third if necessary, so that you have the confidence in yourself that you are doing the right thing, good luck.

[Jessika]

First off, no one is going to take your child away even if this "nutritionalist" reports you to child services because you are doing as your doctor is telling you to do.

Is she overweight? Is she malnourished? Is she growing adequately? Is she healthy?

All yes? Then there is NO reason to worry and NO reason the nutritionalist should be sticking her nose in that when clearly she is doing fine by DR's orders...

The nutritionist could be a little more professional and HELP you instead of "yelling" at you and making you feel like a bad mother, imo...

To be honest, I'd get a second opinion on her diet, AND a new nutritionalist... one who is a little more professional.

[kimlovescats]

Oh good grief!!! Honey, you are her mother and mothers still have instincts that tell them what their child needs! If you trust your pediatrician and your baby girl is growing and healthy and not fussy then tell that nosy "you know what" to shut up! My best advice is to quit telling everyone your business! The more you tell, the more they will try to control you! If they ask how Cadience is doing, just say "she is a healthy, happy baby"! If they ask specific questions, just find a way to avoid answering them!

HUGS,
Kim

[sumbirdy]

We started Nathan on cereals at about 3 months. We had one of those....argh....what do you call them....it looks like a bottle but on the bottom it has this thing where you can push it up. It's made just for cereals and stuff. Anyway, he started cereals around the same age Cadience did. Nathan was a chunky baby and would eat almost anything and he ate a lot. Now he's slimmed down and will only eat chicken and oatmeal.

As for that lady...let her report you. She'd just look like an idiot afterwards. If Cadience is happy, healthy, and there are no signs of abuse, then they can't take her. I wouldn't worry about it.

And you can't really "force" a baby to eat anything. As far as I remember, at her age, don't they spit it out when they're full? And how in the world would forcing her to eat benifit you and your husband?

[Muddy4paws]

What a rude woman. Tell her to keep her nose out when it isnt wanted or needed. I would be very insulted if someone was speaking to me like that. If you didn't care you wouldn't of seeked advice from professionals so she has no need to critisize. Let her phone to child protection, at the end of the day you have asked 2 professionals their advice its not like you are sitting about neglecting your child, You have seeked help from professionals! I highly doubt the childrens protection would see that as neglect!

She is your baby, you know whats best for her.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

The trouble with these baby books is that the babies don't actually read them so each one develops at their own pace. You are doing exactly what is right for your little one so don't take any more so-called advice from that nutrionist.

[MoonandBean]

A lot of infants are put on cereal at a young age simply due to major reflux (spitting up way too much) so we know it's safe and done for several reasons.

Don't waste anymore energy worrying about it..that lady must be unhapy in her own life; just feel sorry for her. Maybe she needs a new pet?

[BitsyNaceyDog]

First off, no one is going to take your child away even if this "nutritionalist" reports you to child services because you are doing as your doctor is telling you to do.

Is she overweight? Is she malnourished? Is she growing adequately? Is she healthy?

All yes? Then there is NO reason to worry and NO reason the nutritionalist should be sticking her nose in that when clearly she is doing fine by DR's orders...

The nutritionist could be a little more professional and HELP you instead of "yelling" at you and making you feel like a bad mother, imo...

To be honest, I'd get a second opinion on her diet, AND a new nutritionalist... one who is a little more professional.

I agree with Jessica. You have NOTHING to worry about, no one can take her away from you for following you pediatrician's advise to add cereal.

While normally it's not advised to start solids until 4-6 months (more often 6, but some start at 4) there is always an exception to the 'rule'. Babies at that generally cannot be over fed and they should eat as much as they want. 12-16 oz every 2 hours is a LOT though. I've heard of a lot of pediatrician's recommend giving cereal to very hungry babies to help them feel full, especially at night. A lot of people start cereal before 6 months and fruits and vegetables at 6 months.

pregnancy.org is a great place to talk to other parents. They have "birth boards" you can join and talk to other mothers who have babies the same age as your baby- here is the November '07 board.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

Oops... I started to write a reply, then I had tend to Nathan and by the time I came back to submit the reply you had given an update. I'm glad you got some piece of mind from talking to the doctors and the lady at Child protective services. (That's what CPS is, right?) I think the nutritionist is just a crazy lady who is too stuck in her ways.