Doctor telling me to wean my daughter!

Amanda - posted on 04/10/2010

just a thought...you have had plenty of reason's and support to keep up the BF, I was also thinking you might want to see a naturopath on the other issue as well. The medical field doesn't know everything about health, I don't trust a lot of what they say...I would do your own research and get more opinions about everything, before reacting and listening to your Doctor. A doctor is not the boss, we need to weigh their opinion, but it's just that an opinion, we don't have to do what they say, we are the ones responsible for our children not them! Don't let someone else push you into going against your instincts as a mother, keep looking till you find answer's you are comfortable with, that actually make sense!

Patience - posted on 04/10/2010

Sounds like you need to find another pediatrician. One who supports breastfeeding. What an awful feeling to be told something like that. I am envolved with a breastfeeding support group led my a lactation consultant and nurse. It is very helpful, and I feel a lot more confident that I am making the right choices for my daughter. I also made sure the pediatrician I am seeing fully supports breastfeeding and did so herself. Hang in there!!!

Twila - posted on 04/10/2010

Even doctors can be backwards. I had a doctor tell me I shouldn't do a birth plan or ask questions about their plans for me or why they would want to deliver my baby 3 weeks early when everything was going perfectly healthy(found out it fit their vacation schedule that way) not to mention another doctor told me my baby shouldn't sleep with me because they said it increased the risk of SIDS, which is a very false statement and gave me dirty looks for owning pets, which has proven to help children NOT have allergies as they get older. So to say, I've changed doctors until I have found some a little more updated on their education and forward thinking.

I breastfed my older son until he was just past two. He was healthy, hefty, intelligent, and very confident. He is not a picky eater. He loves cold water, milk, and even salads to this day and he's 6, almost 7. He actually loves to eat things that I hate. Lol. To include fish, steamed veggies, and the likes. As for the iron, take a supplement or give her one, or when you do feed her solids give her iron fortified foods. Any of these should help.

Megan - posted on 04/09/2010

Find a new doctor pronto. There is no reason to wean her, my son is 16 months and there are days when he doesn't want solids either. I wouldn't use the estrogen creme on a baby that little until you get a second option. How much of a problem is it going to cause later on in life? Not everyone's genitals look the same. We use a naturopathic doctor who is great with kids. I have thoroughly had it with allopathic doctors, I have yet to find one with their head screwed on straight when it comes to breastfeeding and natural parenting.
Monika, all four of my kids were exclusively breastfed till eleven month and not of them had a hard time learning to eat. Kids need to learn to eat when they are hungry, not when you tell them it is time to eat, that is how kids learn to overeat and have issues with excessive weight gain. I eat throughout my day and so do my kids. Sometimes we eat dinner at 4:30 and sometimes it is 7, we eat when we are hungry, we don't eat simply because it is "time to eat". And for a doctor to say that breastmilk has no benefits after a year of age is an idiot IMO and full of BS. Breastmilk alters it composition as the child grows older perfectly complimenting their needs. Moms need to be aware of their diet so that their milk will be what is needs to be for baby. Here are two really great articles.

http://www.drmomma.org/2009/12/if-you-nu...
http://codenamemama.com/2009/12/24/what-...

Rebecca - posted on 04/09/2010

Make an appt with a friend's pediatrician for a second opinion. It could be you and your DR. Don't see eye to eye or that your Dr. has some valid points, could be a mixture of the two. But 2nd opinion is in order.
BTW, I am a huge fan of b-feeding and natural remedies. But you just have to be sure.

Claire - posted on 04/09/2010

I don't think it is a problem that you still nurse your baby girl but maybe you should consider nursing her less and encouraging her to eat more solids, this doesn't mean that you can't still nurse her often. If I hadn't been returning to work I would still be nursing my 17 month old. She has 3 - 4 drinks of milk a day from a sippy cup. This is not at meal times though, she has milk mid-morning, mid-afternoon and before bed and occassionally first thing in the morning too. Try reading the book ' baby lead weaning' it may help you to get the right balance for your baby without the need to stop nursing altogether. It is the most natural thing in the world to do for your baby but they also do have to grow up. I am very proud of you for breast feeding for so long - well done :-) I am also extremely disappointed in the health professional who has given you such a hard time without offering you any real support or options :-( shame on them! My little one will eat plenty of solids but still loves milk, but try lots of intense flavours and real variety of texture as this might help - take care and good luck X

Carrie - posted on 04/09/2010

Hey!!! KEEP ON FEEDING!!!! You know what's best for your daughter :)
I have a son Myles (12 months) who is still BF and we've been struggling with the veggies as well....
For him, I think he was just wanting more flavor!! I started giving him all kinds of different dishes, from curries, to fried rice, to fish cakes or alfredo pasta....and always hide all kinds of veg inside :) he is loving all the new flavors and the fact that he's eating exactly what mama is eating!
oh! and he HAS to have his own spoon to hold :) He's been working on his spoon skills....still not great at the moment, but he loves to practice..and I just keep my own spoon to make sure SOME food actually makes it into him.

Good luck with your gorgeous girl!!

Joanna - posted on 04/09/2010

My mother nursed my brother till the was three! And he's perfectly healthy. Your baby knows what she needs. If she wants to nurse then it's still beneficial to her. Weaning her if she's not ready could have a negative affect on your bond and no one wants that! Just follow what your heart and your baby tells you and you'll both be fine. :)

Angie - posted on 04/09/2010

I breastfed my daughter until she was 27 months. She didn't want to eat very much regular food either. They were worried abut her iron levels also, but she is 6 now and is just perfectly fine!

Amanda - posted on 04/08/2010

First of all I have a son who will be 2 in a month and still comfort nurses all freaking day!! He goes to mother's day out 3 times a week and survies just fine without me and eats whatever I send for lunch that day. At home he grazes on a variety of things, but mostly gets his nutrition from breastmilk. We just moved to a new city and at my first appt with the ped. She told me that he was too old to be waking up at night to nurse and that he should not be nursing 6+ times a day. She told me I needed to start weaning..I could only respond with um yeah I don't really do that...I don't offer the breast, but I don't refuse either. That seemed to be enough for her to get the message and she hasn't mentioned it again. That said why would any reasonable medical professional that is associated with children think that a corn dog or fries was better nutritionally for my child than breastmilk full of antibodies and the adjusted amount of fat, protein and carbs for my specific child? WEARS ME OUT!!
Now the estogen cream...I am wondering what kind of stricture your child has and exactly where on the vulva? The vulva itself consists of several structures:labia major (fat outer lips) labia minora (thin inner lips) as well as the clitoris. It is very common for little girls to have adhesions (basically where the skin sticks together) usually on the labia minora or the thin inner lips. Estrogen cream is used to help "unstick" it. The cause is because our kiddos wear diapers and a little bit of irritation occurs and the skin starts healing and heals together. Nobody's fault...it just happens. Sometimes it can be the entire length and the lips and cause problems with urination. If she is still able to pee you could hold off until you get a second opinion from another pediatrician. It is a minimal amount, but still is estrogen that gets absorbed in the baby's system. If the adhesion is minimal it will correct itself at least before your child has their first period (when estrogen in our bodies naturally increases). The problem that can arise is recurrent bladder infections or yeast infections until then if the urine is getting caught there...sorry that was so long and I hope that helps :)

Keep breastfeeding..Your baby will let you know when she is done not the doctor!! It's your life and your relationship--go with your gut mama!!

Jennifer - posted on 04/08/2010

yes i would definatly find another ped...but u know what ur doing ...all that i would suggest is that u start taking vitamins for the iron...or continue to breastfeed but put it in a bottle and add rice ....the ceral has iron as well...there are ways around it...but continue doing what ur doing...mom knows best ...

Katy - posted on 04/08/2010

Well, first of all about her telling you to wean, I think that is your choice. But that solids do need to be her main source of meal, start offering other liquids too though as in water. Keep breastfeeding to mornings and nights and comfort feedings if you wish. The estrogen creame, I used that on my daughter. I did not however use it that much and just used for a few days to give it a jump start on disappearing. After that, I just put vaseline for about a week and it never was a problem again. Actually, he did say there was one other option and that was manual. To actually tear it open, causing extreme pain and blood. I didn't want to do that to her...I do see why you have concerns about it though. Very tough situation...

Julie - posted on 04/08/2010

I breast fed my son until he was 17 months and would have longer if some things hadn't came up in my life. He's always loved his foods and hasn't had any problems. Keep breastfeeding!

Danielle - posted on 04/08/2010

second opinion definetely! you can supplement your child with iron by the way

Ramona - posted on 04/08/2010

Every child is different...if your doctor keeps singing the blues at your DD's next appt. U may start considering finding a new one.

Dora - posted on 04/08/2010

You need to find another pediatrician if your own doctor is making you feel bad. A doctors job is to educate you when it comes to your child NOT make you feel like an incompetent parent. Do what you feel is right in your heart. Has the doctor recommened that you give your child vitamins to help supplement the iron? I breast fed my son and I think it was the best decision I ever made for him.

Tiffany - posted on 04/07/2010

No one knows a child as well as her mother! Do what you feel is right!

Karen - posted on 04/07/2010

oh yes and this "She even went so far as to tell me we really need to get tough, and I could let someone else in my family be responsible for her and her nutrition for a few days" I would be sooo done with her after that one. Just rude!

Jane - posted on 04/07/2010

nursing still and my son is 18months - there is no reason your daughter can't eat solid foods and nurse, the two go together very well and your Dr. should have given you tips on how to get your daughter to try solid foods. To suggest another family member be the primary caregiver for a few days is insulting. Consider switching doctors if you can.... hang in there!

Shawna - posted on 04/07/2010

That's complete B.S. I nursed my first daughter until she was 3 years old! Although, towards the end she was mainly just nursing at night. I'm currently nursing my 10 month old and will continue to until she and I are ready to stop. I think you should nurse as long as it's something you and your daughter want to do! I can agree that you don't want your daughter to be anemic, but there are supplements for that. I say nurse on! :) just continue to offer her other things to go along with it. :)

Jessica - posted on 04/07/2010

There is no reason to wean because of this. All of my children have nursed more than eating at 15 months and even up to 18 months or so and they all eat just fine. Out of my 3 boys, I don't have any picky eaters, not even the one that had a feeding tube for 14 months. You could try giving her some extra foods rich in iron and some vitamin c but usually slight anemia will correct itself after a few months.

Regina - posted on 04/07/2010

Hi! I nursed my son for 9 months and he ate solids as well, there is nothing wrong that you breastfeed your baby. When my son was around 6 months, the doctors checked the iron level, it was on the border as your daughters. I gave him the iron supplement and didn't helped him. Actually it went lower and he lost his appetite. So I stopped with the supplement, his appetite is back, now he eats everything and nothing wrong with his iron. My doctor told me, that if the body has enough iron, than it won't absorb even one drop. Even when the lab results telling otherwise.

Mechele - posted on 04/07/2010

Have you tried to take an Iron supplement? I believe in nursing as long as poss. My daughter weaned herself at 15 mo, Shortly after I took on a part time job. Coincidence? I don't know. But I would try taking iron and nursing when she wakes up , nap time and bed time in between give her fruits and veg. high in iron. Good luck ma ma.

Jessica - posted on 04/07/2010

I'm no medical expert, but if something doesn't seem right to you, second and even third opinions can help you discern the best course of action for your situation. Even though they have an MD behind their name, it is still just an opinion. There are plenty of other doctors, and they may have other opinions.

Karen - posted on 04/07/2010

Wow unreal! I would definitely be finding a new pediatrician asap. There is a way to get your point across and that is not the way. If her iron is low then she could tell you to add more solids and nurse less, not stop nursing all together. That is BS. My son is 14 months and nurses a ton and he isn't picky at all, so I don't think that has nothing to do with it. Don't stop nursing because of a doctor please. There are benefits after 1 year. Just up her solids but keep up the nursing. Some doctors think they're God, unbelievable.

Joy - posted on 04/07/2010

Sounds like you need to listen to YOUR instincts, beliefs, NOT the pediatricians' this time... So much for womens rights--this Country is far behind--there are even states where it is illegal to breastfeed in public

Nyssa - posted on 04/07/2010

The baby cereals have added iron, and you can always add vitamin drops to the food that she does eat. Do you offer the solid food after she nurses, too. Some babies will eat it after they nurse instead of before. I find it kinda odd, how recommendations have changed since my 1st child. I never had a doctor recommend vitamin drops until my 5th, and that was around 6mos. old. He is now a year. I think a couple of mine have had low iron, but the recommendation was never to stop nursing. Green veggies (peas, beans, spinach of course, but not sure when they say it is okay to have spinach) are a good source of iron, and if you feed it to her with something high in vitamin C(orange juice, broccoli, kiwi fruit, watermelon) her body will absorb it better.

Heather - posted on 04/07/2010

In my opinion...I say definitely, take more iron supplements and feed her as long as you like! You only have to see your doctor every few months...you don't want to make a decision you may regret based on a person you rarely see. You are doing a great job, no need to let one person get you down! Also, vitamin D helps with that as well!! So try to get out and get some sunshine! Let Kelen get a little pink then rub her down good with sunblock...that's the best way!

I'm not sure about the cream, but if it were me, I would usually go with my gut instinct, but if I still felt unsure I would do a TON of research before doing anything I feel uncomfortable with.

Good luck!
Breastfeeding mom of two :)

Sarah - posted on 04/07/2010

Find a different doctor. I'm sorry, it's bull**** that breastmilk is no good after 12 mos. The natural weaning age is anywhere from 3-5 years, and in some parts of the world in some cultures, 7 years (certain tribes of Inuits in Alaska). Your baby needs your milk more than she needs some pompous doctor's opinion shoved down her throat with a spoonful of whatever. 15 months is not too old to be breast feeding...Micheal Jordan was breastfed until he was three, and he seemed to have developed quite well. I would not even cut out feedings unless it was baby's choice...for the reasons that you mentioned--emotional well-being and her developing immune system. There must be other ways of helping her iron levels. Find a La Leche League group and talk to them...your mother's instinct is screaming about this and I think you should trust it. Good luck and keep nursing, even if our society has a problem with it.



P.S.--Educate yourself about the stricture...are there different degrees of complication? Would minor surgery be a better option, maybe further down the road? You are looking out for your baby, and you are doing the right thing by asking questions. Good for you, and keep it up.

Cassandra - posted on 04/07/2010

After a certain amount of time, breastmilk no longer carries the same nutrition. That's why she told you to get your daughter on more solids....

You may be upset. I was too when I realized my daughter was starving because of the quality of my supply, and I am not going to lie....it WILL be very hard to stop....it's been 3 months since I stopped breastfeeding and I still feel the urge to do it....but you have to think of what is best for your daughter. If she is not getting enough iron, maybe thinking about giving her ensure...or talk to another specialist to find out if there are vitamins of some sort you can give her if you absolutely do not want to stop. Girl, sometimes you need to do what's best...she wants your breast because you have always given it to her....she will get used to the other stuff eventually.

Erica - posted on 04/07/2010

I can really feel for you in this situation. I went through a similar situation about 2 months ago. My doc told me to wean bc my daughter had a hemoglobin level of 9.5 which is anemic. She also told me she was allergic to milk bc of trace blood found in her stool. Similarly to you this explanation did not sit well with me. Call it motherly instincts I guess! I researched docs & got a second opinion as well as called La Leche League and a local lactation consultant at a hospital. All of which said it was perfectly healthy to continue to breastfeed in my situation. The doctor put my daughter on iron drop supplements, and her hemoglobin rose within a month to 10.2, she still is on iron and I'm hoping her levels continue to rise. My advise to you as a mother is to seek a second opinion if you are uncomfortable with this doc. Regarding both your medical issues. Best of luck

Michelle - posted on 04/07/2010

I think its time to find a Dr. that will encourage the lifestyle you think is best for your child. This one sounds "off".

Julie - posted on 04/07/2010

I havent read all the replies so sorry if I'm repeating anything. DS1 was a very fussy eater as a toddler and would prefer nursing to eating solids. I was advised at the grand old age of 10 months to cut down how much I was nursing him but I ignored the advice. Hes now 5 and although not fully weaned (he nurses for literally 10 seconds a day) bm is not a big part of his diet and hes still just as fussy. On the other hand my 20 month old who still nurses frequently day and night could quite easily eat me out of house and home, he loves food and just cant get enough of it. MY point is I have 2 children who've had very similar nursing habits but have been completely different in their intake of solid foods. I really dont think their interest in food has anything to do with how much they bf, its down to their individual personalities and needs. Weaning your dd may or may not encourage her to eat more solid food but if it doesnt what your doctor is reccomending could take away one of her guaranteed sources of nutrition.

Kate - posted on 04/06/2010

Thank You all so much for your comments and support. After my daughter's visit I sat down and wrote a long letter about my experience. The head nurse @ this practice is also part owner. She was concerned about what happened but didn't really say too much. The 2 other doctors there have always been really nice. I explained to hear that I am not adverse to hearing things that I need to do for my daughter that is there job, but she could have went about it in a different manner. She tried to give me the line about different styles because of being taught in the north or south. I then asked her opinion about breastfeeding. She said it was good untill 12 months, then there is no nutritional benefit to continuing to nurse. i then asked her about the WHO's recommendation of BFing untill @. She said that encompasses the whole world and 2/3 of the world are in poverty stricken areas that have no other food sources. She said in the US the biggest issue is anemia. And she said that breastfeeding to much after 12 months contributes to this. I am let down by their views because I do live in the south, but I live in Chapel Hill, NC, and in this area everyone for the most part is all about natural. I just would have expected more support. I have cut down her nursing to once a day, because she will eat better if we are not nursing to much. I can just see that is affecting her emotionally for me to her to quit entirely. Plus I didn't think of this when I was talking to the nurse. My concerns for her quitting right now are as follows:
-Sickness- I feel that the reason she has stayed so healthy is because of the nursing. Aren't antibodies still being passed in the breastmilk? I don't want her to get sick if we stop, and she isn;t getting the antibodies.
- Weight issues- Breastfed babies are supposed to have better weights because breastmilk helps regulate the amount of fat they intake. If I am forcing her to eat solid foods ( and I don;t mean completely force, she eats a variety of things on her own) can't that cause her to have issues with weight, and her relationship with food? I am really concerned with this matter because I was not taught good nutrition, nd I use food for comfort so I want her to have a healthy relationship with food.
Thanks Again,
Kate

Chandi - posted on 04/06/2010

Find another doctor. She is pushy and you are obviously doing the right thing for your healthy, hearty little darling. My daughter had the same thing "labial adhesion." It is NO BIG DEAL. A good pediatrician can open it up with a little pressure - no need for hormones. They use the estrogen for really bad cases that cannot be helped with the little bit of pressure that our pediatrician applied (like it's so closed up she can't pee). There are great pediatricians out there! It took us a couple of tries, but we are so comfortable with ours now - she is SUPPORTIVE and calms me down when I worry. You are doing the right thing!! Keep up the great work!

Aicha - posted on 04/06/2010

My advice is get a new doctor who supports breastfeeding

Meghan - posted on 04/06/2010

Your baby is not so old that they need to be weaned. I think that is a personal attack because she thinks your baby is too old. Too bad for her! Maybe you should take prenatals again so she gets iron through the breastmilk but I think your baby is fine breastfeeding. As for the estrogen cream... I don't know. Sorry.

Veronica - posted on 04/06/2010

I think an iron supplement or foods rich in iron would be beneficial, but definitely don't stop nursing if you don't want to. I would have loved to nurse my now 17 month old longer...but not only did I become pregnant when he was 6 months old, but he also gave it up (completely on his own) just before turing 1. Oh, and get another doctor, too! lol.

ME - posted on 04/06/2010

I'm ALWAYS shocked when i hear that a pediatrician has suggested (or insisted) on weaning a young toddler. I nursed my son until 18 mos. I DID have to wean him because I was pregnant again, and at 5 months along, still hadn't gained a pound (in fact, i'd lost 6 pounds, and I'm kinda small to begin with). That said tho, my son was only nursing 2x a day by then. It was harder for me to stop then it was for him...after a week, he stopped asking. My pediatrician was ALWAYS very supportive of bfing; both of them, in fact (we moved across country when DS was 9 mos). He was always on the smaller side for his age, and still is. He eats when he's hungry, and we've NEVER been able to force him to eat if he didn't want to. He would just lock his jaw and refuse to eat. It's not that he's picky...he eats Sushi, meat, fruit, veggies, and lots of variety of everything; and, almost never gets sweets or junk food...it's just that he won't eat if he's not hungry. He too was a late starter with solids. We tried introducing them at 6 mos, but it took weeks to get more than a teaspoon down his throat. We couldn't get him to taste his own first birthday cake! I would get a new pediatrician if I were you...Breast milk is good for your baby, and it's certainly better than NOTHING...If I had been told to force ween my son between a year and 14 mos, he wouldn't have been eating anything. He wouldn't eat ANY meat or drink cows milk until very recently...GOOD LUCK...and don't let this get you down...you are doing a great job!

Sylvie - posted on 04/06/2010

I would look for another Dr. Breatfeeding is probably the best thing for her if she's not eating a lot of food. She will eat in time and when texture becomes comfortable to her. The best you can do is keep offering a variety of foods and continue breastfeeding. I would give an iron supplement though, weird the Dr didn't prescribe her some. Have you tried making baby muffins with iron fortified cereals. I have a few recipes if you need them. My daughter was(stil is I guess) the same way, didn't really start eating until about 1yr, and still doesn't eat all that much at 20months. She still nurses and I love that my Dr supports it. He wasn't to concerned, but sent us to a nutritionist for advice and it did help. She'll be getting some blood tests as well but only because I asked for it.
Enjoy breastfeeding as long as you want, I really doubt it can harm her. If anything, it's probably best since it's the most natural and nutricious food there is. If you need to talk about it or need to know more on wat I was told about my daughter, send me a FB message.

Good luck and keep up the good work. You sound like a smart and informed mom:)

Zarqa - posted on 04/06/2010

WELL UR DOC IS RITE IN A WAY...i have breast fed my son for 2 yrs n hav a 10 mnth old daughter whom i plan to nurse until her 2nd bday...see in ur case ur child is just comfort feeding...iron level being low for such a young kid is not a sign of health.well my paediatrician told me after 6 months breast milk is not a sufficient source of iron n dats the reason why kids need solid foods..

Nicole - posted on 04/05/2010

my mom is a lactation consultant and she would tell u to nurse as long as you are comfertable w it and get another pediatrician's advice. both of my older children's doctors gave me a hard time and i stopped nursing by four months so this time around i decided im not listening to anyone who is going to give me a hard time... hang in there!

Jenn - posted on 04/05/2010

Wow I would be upset too! My son is 16 months, still breastfeeding, and isn't a picky eater at all! I have always heard that breast feeding helps children be less picky because they are exposed to different flavors right from the start! My son's iron was tested as well and he was at 10.5. I talked to my doctor (she is very supportive of breastfeeding) and she WIC seems to almost go over board sometimes and if that really is an issue than we could talk about adding vitamins to his diet as well. If you think about it did we have all of this crap when we were kids? I don't know about you but I survived and I am healthy. Being informed is great. Some of the stories I have heard about doctors are just crazy. It is too bad your doctor feels that way. Also in another post a woman stated that the World Health Organization recomends breast feeding for at least 2 years. It sounds like your daughter is doing well and I may not be a doctor but I also like to think that I make good and informed choices with my child and I say more power to you for still breast feeding!!

Betty - posted on 04/05/2010

Change doctors some think they own the world get rid of her....what does she know about your daughter and you....i nursed mine for 26 months and she was perfectly comfortable when i finally weaned her, she was then eating mostly solids and i noticed that she used nursing for comfort rather than food. So you should look for signs that shes ready then it will be really easy to do .....

Jenni - posted on 04/05/2010

What the freakin' crap!!!!! I don't even go to the doctor with my kids ever. I don't take them until they are REALLY sick or injured. Don't ever stop nursing your baby until she is ready. And the cream....what the heck. That is total crap. That makes me sick to hear that one. Get a new doctor. I am my own doctor.

Becca - posted on 04/05/2010

Hi, i had a similar experience with the low iron breastfeeding thing (around 15months). both my dr and plunket nurse told me my daughter should not be breastfeeding so much, and be MADE to eat alot of solids. i too was not happy at their comments. i have taking my daughter along the babyled weaning path which i believe in and she seems to be doing well on it. it took her till about 17months to really start eating, but now she does, she seems to know exacly what she needs. unfortunately i have found out over the last while that my daughter has a number of food allergies (dairy, soy, eggs, fish, nuts, tomatos, fejoers), one being quite serious (she cant touch any dairy products.) once all of these were removed she began to 'trust' food and really start eating. hang in there with what you believe to be right cos you know your child best!

Lea-Andra - posted on 04/05/2010

I agree with all that's been said, I would keep breastfeeding if you want. However, my question is, do you eat with your daughter. If not maybe do so, see that you are eating what she is eating, if you have it on your plate and not on hers she might like to try things. My parents always switched every night. One would get a warm dinner, the other would feed me and eat a cold dinner. It might help.



The other thing is that I believe that meats is one of the first things fed now because they are finding babies to be low in iron.



What does she eat during the day at your MIL's?

Collette - posted on 04/05/2010

Hi mom,
My daughter is 20 months old and still nursing.I get a lot of pressure from my family to wean her but my husband and I decided that we would allow her to wean herself. She is happy and healthy, has been sick 2 may be 3 time since she had been born, and eats well. She also had that vulva strictue when she was around 10 months old, the entrance was almost completely closed. Her paed recommended the estrogen cream and after using it for about 8 day, it open out completely. He did say because she was chubby, it could happen again, so to keep a close eye on it. I read the side effects very carefully and I felt comfortable enough to use it. I am also a medical professiona (radiation Therapist)l, and all of my patients are cancer patients, so I would never expose my girls to any product, food, medication etc that could potentially be a carcinogen. I hope this info was helpful, and I am so proud of you and all the other moms who still chose to BF their babies.

Sunny - posted on 04/05/2010

wow, poor you. I really don't trust the medical profession most times as in my experience they tell you to do what is 'easy' rather than what is necessarily the best for your child. Of course nursing is still beneficial, you are doing an amazing job! As for the estrogen cream, that sounds like a strange thing to use for a 15 month old. I would do more research into it, look for alternative treatments or natural treatments that will do less damage to an immature immune system. Trust your instincts, if you don't feel comfortable with it, I wouldn't do it.

Sylvia - posted on 04/05/2010

In one of Jack Newman's books on BF, there's a case report on a little girl (I forget how old ... over 1 year, though, I remember that much) who would only nurse and eat Jello; her paediatrician told her mom she HAD to wean so that her daughter would start eating more solid foods, and the mom did; and when Dr Newman saw them at his BF clinic, the little girl was fully weaned and still eating nothing but Jello. The point being, the doctor probably thinks denying your DD your milk will make her eat more solid foods, but there's no way to know whether he's right about that -- and once you wean, relactating is a hell of a lot of work.

Some kids, even BF kids, are just really really picky. My 7-year-old is like this, and it's not because we waited too long to introduce solid foods (she was just past 6 months) or because she didn't experience a variety of different foods (she did -- and never had that nasty baby cereal); it's just because she's like that, and always was. She's sloooowly expanding her food repertoire, and she's a very healthy kid (although on the small side), but there's no denying she's the pickiest kid since ... DH. Yeah. Anyway, it sounds to me like you're doing every sensible thing you can -- offering solids before nursing, "don't offer don't refuse", considering ways to get more iron into her diet -- and you have no way of knowing whether weaning would affect the situation positively or negatively, so if I were you I'd be EXTREMELY reluctant to go there. Plus, of course, as everyone else has pointed out, the WHO recommends at least 2 years.

Also, someone correct me on this if I'm wrong, isn't the iron in human milk more easily absorbed than the iron in most iron-rich foods?

I don't know anything about the other issue, I'm afraid. Putting oestrogen cream on the outside of the body isn't nearly as drastic as taking oestrogens internally, though, I do know that (I lost both my ovaries to cancer before I was 25, so I have quite extensive experience with hormones ingested, injected, etc. :P). Certainly couldn't hurt to get a 2nd opinion.