Our little darling turned four months old on Sunday. I was so excited to take her to her check up on Monday, I was hoping to hear how great and healthy she looked, and that I am doing a good job. Instead, the doctor told me she is concerned about Audrey's weight. WTF? She is 17lb 5oz and 25 inches long (95% for weight, 75% for height), which is exactly where she's been all along. The doctor feels that if this continues then she'll end up being 5'10" and 200lbs. Doc wants me to introduce solids now and start replacing some of my time spent nursing with solids, because my milk is "too high in calories". This has nothing to do with my diet she says, but just that some mothers have fattier milk than others. I thought that was a good thing? I politely declined, saying that I intend to nurse Audrey exclusively until she is 6 months old, or until she appears ready to start solids (as this is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, World Health Organization, ACOG, and every other major health organization). At this point, Audrey shows no interest in food and still has the tongue thrust reflex. Besides, I'll admit it - I love breastfeeding. I love the bond I have with her, I love that I'm the only one that can do it, I love the convenience, I love that her poop doesn't stink, I love it all. So no, I won't introduce solids now, and no, I won't cut out her nighttime feedings THANKYOUVERYMUCH. She also is concerned that Audrey isn't sleeping through the night and that she isn't able to self-soothe herself back to sleep when she wakes at night. She suggested I let Audrey cry, even if she gets herself into a full on screaming session. When I asked how long I should let this go on, seeing as Audrey is a very intense and persistent baby and will not just give up and go to sleep, the doctor said that some babies will cry for an hour or more, but I should just let her cry because she needs to learn to sleep on her own. Again, I politely said "ok", but I have no intention of starting any form of sleep training now - especially one that involves my baby crying hysterically for me. Don't get me wrong - I can let Audrey fuss for a while and even cry because I know her cries. But I cannot and will not let her carry on a full blown meltdown while I sit downstairs and ignore her. Many people would disagree with me, but I don't care. They aren't her mom. I am. And I can do whatever I please with my child. :) During most of the appointment with the doctor I felt like saying, "You realize she's only four months old, right?". It seemed like the doctor was getting ahead of herself in some regards.
She did say that Audrey is completely 100% extroverted. She was hamming it up - smiling, cooing, kicking and talking throughout the whole appointment. She would get really loud while the doc and I spoke until one of us looked at her and spoke to her, then she's smile and wiggle. Doctor says Audrey will be one of those energetic kids that talks to everyone in the grocery store and for the second time in a week, I was told that I'm gonna have my hands full with this one. Bring it, little girl. Bring it.
We are finally all getting over being sick. We were mostly better last week, but then A came down with another cold and passed it along to the rest of us so we've been absolutely miserable up until today. Daycare was closed but schools weren't, so I stayed home with her today. We had fun! I miss this a lot. Even though I'm with her on weekends, I have so many things to do that we often don't get to just be around the house playing together. AND for the first time in a long time (ever??) she napped really well! She took a nap earlier that lasted an hour and a half, which for her is a really long time. She woke up once about halfway through but I listened on the monitor rather than running to her and she went back to sleep. Now she has been sleeping for an hour and 40 mins and hasn't woken up at all. This is truly progress for her. She has never been a good napper. I've actually been able to get stuff done today! I cleaned the bathroom, kitchen, filed some bills, FINALLY got around to making Audrey's notebook for important documents, updated my blog (!), and organized her clothes. Yay!
Speaking of clothes...she is on the verge of outgrowing her 6 month clothes! I don't know what to do!!! All of her 6-9 month stuff looks like it will fit her now, but most of it is Springtime/warm weather clothes. It sucks because now she won't get to wear all of the adorable jumpers and spring dresses I have for her, AND I have to go out and buy more clothes! Ack! But hey, I love shopping so I'm sure it'll all be ok.
That's all for now...have a great weekend!!!
xoxo
I think she's adorable, and I think you're absolutely right to stick to your guns as far as the feedings go. My 15-month old has always been at the top end of his height and weight range, and our pediatrician has never shown any concern. Mamas absolutely should follow their instincts, and breast is best for as long as you can do it.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, thanks so much for your thoughtful comment on my post. I just feel so strongly that we need to be actively seeking solutions to these issues surrounding food, and it's nice to know that there are so many of us giving voice to our concerns.