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Katie - posted on 07/29/2010 ( 8 moms have responded )

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Americans are welcome too, but this is a question for those not from the states...

I know that nursing everywhere else is much more accepted and/or encouraged compared to how it is here in the states, so I'm curious about what toddlers are like physically being exclusively breastfed for so long and it being the norm.

I've posted before (here, I think) about how my daughter (18 mths old) who is primarily breastfed, though she does eat some solids, but she she nurses more than eats solids. Anyways, at 18 mths she weighed in at 17 kg (37.48 lbs) and she measured 85 cm (33.46 in). Her doctor is worried, they did blood work to test her cholesterol, thyroid, metabolism, etc and it all came back normal. Now they are talking about sending her to a dietitian... an 18 mth old! I've had women from an older generation, back when breastfeeding was more common here, tell me not to worry. That their own children were breastfed for years, they were all 'tubs', and they all grew out of it.

I'm just so worried. The solids she does eat are healthy. I just don't know what to do, and I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Her doctor even implied that its because she is still nursing. Absolutely no juice or 'treats' of any kind. (which is rare here anyways, but if her older brother gets it, she doesn't get left out). Oh, and she told me that my daughter would probably struggle with her weight her entire life.

I guess I'm just curious about the chubby toddlers in your country who are still breastfed and if its a normal thing or not? Thanks.

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8 Comments

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Lydia - posted on 07/31/2010

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There are lots of chunky breast fed babies out here and they all are normal weight once they grow more... don't worry, her tests were good and you are feeding her healthy food, so no reason to stress out. if she is happy and healthy girl and moving lots than there is really nothing to worry.

Mandy - posted on 07/31/2010

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My daughter was very chunky when she was a baby, she is now 7 yrs old and is just fine..as she got older she has slimmed down a ton. You should also remember and think about that the clothes they make now a days for girls are tight and just ridiculous. I still don't buy her size she's 7 wearing a 10/12 and some 14's but she is only about 56 lbs. So I wouldn't worry if her tests are coming back fine. Hope this helps and good luck, enjoy your little lady cuz they don't stay little long.

Kathy - posted on 07/31/2010

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Katie, another thing you might want to look at is the general build in your and your partner's family. If there are chunky people in the family, she might be a chunky person! I've found that some professionals are so caught up in their books and tables they forget about genetics.Have a look through old baby photos in your family albums! Many chubby babies become slender babies!

Lerin - posted on 07/30/2010

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I'm american, but here's what I know. My sister knows a family with an 8 month old baby that is EBF-no solids yet, & weighs 30 lbs!
My good friend's daughter at 16 mos old (when I met her) was in size 2 clothes. Not sure of her weight- but she reminded me of an Ewok from Star Wars. They are vegetarian, and they're daughter only ate homecooked whole foods, most that they had grown themselves. Mostly veggies. Smartest, most well behaved kid I have ever met. She ate very little solids & preferred to nurse.
If you know your daughter is healthy, and you aren't worried about her, and know what you're doing is right, then I would keep doing it, regardless of what the dr says. If the dr. keeps badgering you, then I would look for a new dr. They are there to offer medical guidance, but they can't make you take it.
Good luck!

Jordan - posted on 07/29/2010

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I would just remember that though they are professionals, they do not have all the answers (you could always get a second opinion?). As you said women have been doing this for years. I myself do not know if I could have the courage to breastfeed that long. :) lol, but I think that it is awesome you do. If she is healthy and happy and you are too then I would not worry. Remember, the medical world is still a science. Doctors practice medicine, it is not exact. I am not saying go against thier word, but in my family big babies and kids is not not-normal and we are all healthy. As far as the 6 months difference in clothes, I really wouldn't worry my niece is 6 months off and my nephew is 6 months off too. Every person is different and built differently. Look at your family history. As I said, maybe you could get a second opinion.

Katie - posted on 07/29/2010

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it does make me feel a bit better... but my daughter is 18 mths and she's about to grow out of 24 mths! I don't think I would be so worried if her pedi wasn't so worried, ya know? I think she's adorable (of course) and she's so smart (thanks to mommy's milk, give myself a pat on the back there, lol) But thank you, it is reassuring when the 'professionals' are making it seem so bad

Jordan - posted on 07/29/2010

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I am an American. But I was going to let you know, my neice is primarily breastfed and she is a little chunk. So cute! I love her rolls *smile* She is 1 yr. I have heard that breastfed babies are primarily bigger and once they go to solids they loose the pounds. If her test are coming back normal and she is healthy (outside of her weight and height by doc standards) I would not worry (she isnt testing for diabetes or anything right). My niece is 1 year and is in 18 month clothes. Hope this helps!

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