Over and Under Supply of Breast Milk

New moms often worry that they won't have enough milk for baby. Most moms have plenty of milk, but working with nurses or doctors who have been trained to help with lactation and following weights of your baby is important until breastfeeding is well established. In some instances we also check blood sugars and other indicators of hydration. I always try to support breastfeeding, but there are some instances where a baby will require a supplemental formula to avoid further medical complications.

photo source: Shutterstock

It is normal to lose weight the first week of life. Babies are born with excess water weight, making them look a bit puffy, but this allows them to stay hydrated until milk comes in. Most babies lose between 6 and 8% of their birth weight, but there are normal variances. A great resource to see if they are within the acceptable weight loss is the Newborn Weight Tool. Once they start gaining, they tend to gain 15-30 grams per day until about 4 months of age.

How much milk is there?

Once milk supply is established, it is constantly being made. The breasts are never completely empty. It is common for one breast to make more milk than the other. This does not indicate over or under supply as long as the combined amount is sufficient for baby to grow. In general the more a baby feeds, the more milk is made. It is not recommended to wait longer between feedings to have more milk per feed. This actually backfires because your breasts sense that baby doesn't need to eat as much, so will make less overall milk.

Initially there is only a few milliliters of colostrum for each feed. Once milk comes in, there will be a couple ounces total. This increases as baby feeds more, such as during growth spurts. Your body should respond to baby's needs.

Peeing and pooping

We monitor urine to be sure babies stay hydrated. I use the 1, 2, 3 rule.

• 1. The first 24 hours of life baby should pee once. 
• 2. The 2nd 24 hours baby should pee twice.
• 3. The 3rd 24 hours baby should pee three times.
• By the 4th day milk should come in and the wet diapers will increase. Most babies will need to be changed with each feeding.
• Disposable diapers have super absorbent gel that make it really difficult to see small amounts of urine. (When older babies have a soaked diaper you might notice these gels look like crystals - some parents worry about kidney stones when they see these. Nope. Just super absorbent gel crystals that escape the diaper!) If you're having a hard time telling if there is urine in the diaper during the first few days, put a piece of toilet paper in the diaper. Don't count on the color indicator strip (found on some diapers) to know if the diaper is wet or dirty - there's often not enough wetness to make these work initially. 

Stools change quite a bit during the first week of life and then again over the initial months.

• Meconium (thick, black tar like stools) is common the first few days. If baby doesn't have a meconium stool within the first 24 hours of life talk to baby's doctor.
• Once all the meconium is out, some babies don't poop for a day or two. It takes time for the milk to go through. This is fine as long as breastfeeding is otherwise going well!
• Green stools are common during the transition from meconium to breastfeeding stools.
• Breastfeeding stools look like yellow cottage cheese - watery with flecks of solid pieces (this is why they are called seedy). Many parents think it looks like diarrhea, but it's normal. 
• Breast fed babies often stool multiple times a day initially, but then can develop a pattern that they only stool once a week (sometimes even less often). As long as the stools are soft when they come out, it is okay. 
• Most babies grunt and groan during bowel movements. Some even get red in the face. This is not constipation. They are just learning to bear down and poop. 

Engorgement

When milk first comes in the breasts often feel hard and swollen. This is normal and typically improves over time. It does not indicate that there is too much milk. Breasts must adjust to milk production, so can feel very full when they are not. You can get relief from warm compresses for 5 minutes before each feed, feeding frequently, changing baby's position with each feed, and massaging breast tissue during feeds. Some women like to use cold compresses between feeds for 20 minutes at a time. You can also take ibuprofen for pain. Briefly hand expressing milk or pumping before breastfeeding can be helpful. Excessive pumping can lead to more milk production, so use this only to soften the tissues to allow for a better latch when feeding unless you're trying to increase milk supply or begin storing milk.

Is it normal to feed so often?

Most newborns will feed 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. Since feedings and the associated diaper changes, burping, and everything else can take an hour or so initially, it does seem like they are constantly feeding. Many babies will cluster feed, which is when they stack feedings closely together at a particular time of day. This is often in the evening and can help them sleep longer stretches at night. 

How do I know when milk comes in?

The first few days there is colustrum to nourish baby. This is usually sufficient until milk comes in, typically when baby is 3-5 days old.

When milk comes in some mother's feel their breasts harden and swell, but not all mothers feel this. You might feel baby sucking and hear swallowing in a different pattern once milk comes in. The amount of urine baby makes will increase when milk is in, both in the number of wet diapers and the volume in each diaper.

Nipple Confusion

A lot of lactation experts warn about nipple confusion, but I don't find that it causes problems in most babies if they use artificial nipples, especially pacifiers.

Pacifiers, AKA binkies, can help soothe a fussy baby between feeds. They have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS, though it is not known how. Studies are inconclusive as to whether or not they affect breastfeeding success. The suck on a pacifier and the suck on mother's nipples are very different, but I have not seen many babies get confused when offered both. If baby has a good latch and breastfeeds effectively, there is no reason to avoid pacifiers in my opinion - which is shared by others. (This differs from the American Academy of Pediatrics position to wait until 3-4 weeks of age.) Babies are seen to suck on fingers and arms while still in the womb... if they need to suck, it is okay for them to suck. If a pacifier helps between feeds to give mom's nipples a break, great! I actually find that this break helps mom want to breastfeed and not give up as easily. Don't use the pacifier to delay a feed though - if baby's hungry, feed him! Of course, if the use of a pacifier seems to affect their feedings, then stop their use until breastfeeding is well established.

Bottles are a means of nutrition. Most breastfeeding babies won't need to take a bottle until breastfeeding is established, but if a baby is failing to get sufficient hydration or nutrition from the breast supplemental nutrition is important. I do see some issues with latch and biting if baby gets used to biting on a bottle's nipple, though not every baby has problems. Many can go back and forth from breast to bottle easily. If you're worried about nipple confusion and your baby needs supplemental nutrition, you can spoon feed or use a syringe to put the milk into baby's mouth. Some mother's will use a supplemental nursing system provided by a lactation nurse. If you are using a bottle for nutrition, it is important to pump so that the breasts are stimulated to make milk for baby.

On the flip side, if breastfeeding is going well, don't forget to start a bottle between 3 and 6 weeks. Mothers who wait longer often find that baby won't take a bottle at all, which makes returning to work or leaving baby for more than an hour or two difficult.

Overproduction of Milk

I always say that too much breast milk is a good problem to have. It's good because it's often easier to handle than too little milk, but it's still a problem.

Too much milk can lead to baby not emptying the breast sufficiently, which can lead to clogged milk ducts and mastitis. You might notice a firm area in the breast that didn't empty during a feed. If this becomes red, painful, or is accompanied with fever or flu like symptoms, see your doctor.

It can also allow them to fill up on fore milk, which is lower in fat than hind milk (which means fewer calories per ounce), so baby can be well hydrated but under nourished.

There also can be increased lactose in fore milk, which can lead to gas, fussiness, and even more watery than normal stools. Many people see more green in the stool, but stool color can also vary with mother's diet.

These babies often only need to feed for a short period of time, but more often than other babies because they fill up quickly, but the low calorie content of the milk leaves them hungry in a short period of time.

Because there is oversupply, these babies may choke when feeding if the milk comes out fast. They may pull off or clamp down. To help with this, try side lying position of feeding or sit in a reclined position during feeds.

Working with your pediatrician and a lactation specialist to ensure adequate weight gain is important with overproduction because baby is feeding well and satisfied after each feeding so it is difficult to be sure the calories he is getting is sufficient. 

Tips and tricks used:

• Express 1/2-1 oz of milk before the feed to allow baby to get some hind milk. (Store this in the freezer for future use!)
• Feed only from one breast per feed to decrease overall supply. Usually within a week supply will begin to decrease, and you might need to feed the second side if baby shows hunger cues after eating from the first side.
• Pumping about an hour before the next feeding can remove some of the excess milk. 
• Sometimes hormone therapy (birth control pills) or other medicines are used to decrease supply.

Low Milk Supply

It is very common for mothers to worry about not having enough milk for their baby. The first few days most babies only need a teaspoon or so of colostrum per feed. Most babies do not need to supplement with formula until milk comes in. 

Breastfeeding 8-12 times per 24 hours will help establish healthy milk supply. Feed from one breast completely before changing to the other side, and alternate which side you start each feeding. The more you feed (or stimulate the breast with pumping), the more milk you'll make. You can pump between feedings or for 5 minutes after each feed. Feed baby anything you pump if he's still hungry after breastfeeding! See "Nipple Confusion" section above for information on giving expressed milk.

Milk supply can be affected if you have had medical complications of pregnancy, are excessively tired, are not properly nourished, start hormonal birth control or have certain medical conditions. Some medications (especially for cough and cold)  and some herbs can decrease milk supply. Talk with both your obstetrician and baby's pediatrician about any milk production concerns. 

In general you will need about 500 calories per day more than your baseline to make milk. You will also need to drink plenty of water -- keep your urine pale, not too yellow! 

Sleep helps! I know it is difficult to get enough sleep when baby eats every 2 hours, but nap throughout the day as much as possible. 

Galactagogues are compounds that boost milk supply. Many are sold over the counter but should only be used if other means of increasing milk have not worked well enough. Talk with your OB and pediatrician if you are using any of these:

• Fenugreek (do not use if diabetic or allergic to chick peas or peanuts): 

• Tea - 1 cup three times daily
• Capsules 1500- 2000 mg three times daily 

• Blessed thistle or Milk thistle (can be used with fenugreek but is very bitter)

• Tea - 1-2 tsp in cup of tea three times daily
• Capsules 800-1000 mg three times daily

•  Alfalfa  

• Tea - 1-2 tsp in cup of tea three times daily
• Capsules 2000 mg three times daily

•  Anise

• Tea - 1-2 tsp in cup of tea three times daily

• Oats (you can do this one regardless of milk production since it can be part of a healthy breakfast)

• One bowl oatmeal a day (avoid the little packets with added sugars)

•  Goat's Rue

Tea - 1 tsp in cup of tea three times daily

For more information:

Kelly Mom is a fantastic breastfeeding resource. You might have noticed that I linked several of their pages above.

How can we introduce peanut products to infants without increasing choking risks?

For years I have been recommending peanut products to infants who are low risk for peanut allergy. A recent study has really highlighted the benefit of early introduction of peanut product decreasing peanut allergy risk, so more parents are wanting to know exactly how to give a baby peanut products without increasing the choking risk.

Bamba. Photo source: Wikimedia

The study was done using a product similar to Cheetos, made with peanut butter instead of cheese. Bamba is a snack food sold in Israel. You can get it online, but some of the reviews suggest that it may be a different product.

Since there is nothing similar in the US, how can you safely give peanut to your baby on a routine basis to help prevent peanut allergy once they are cleared by their doctor to start peanut products? (And even when there are products like these, don't limit your baby to pre-packaged foods... they are generally less healthy because of all the added ingredients.) It is important that your baby does not get too much peanut butter or a chunk of nut itself because these are choking risks, so a nice thick slab of peanut butter just won't work.

Some ideas of introducing peanut butter:

• Look for peanut butter that doesn't have added sugar - babies don't need the sugar! 
• Most kids love Cheerios (or other brand oat circle cereal). They do make a peanut butter flavor, made with real peanut butter.
• Add peanut butter powder or peanut butter to oatmeal - check the texture to be sure it isn't too thick for your baby, add water, breast milk, or formula to thin it as needed.
• Peanut butter smoothie (There are many recipes online, but be sure yours doesn't have honey if baby is under 12 months! If the recipe calls for milk, you should use your breast milk or formula. Find one that is made with real foods, such as banana + milk + peanut butter. Babies don't need chocolate or added sugars. If your baby doesn't like it cold, use water instead of ice and don't use frozen fruits.)
• Peanut butter cookies (I like this recipe because it doesn't have added sugar. You can leave out the raisins if your baby would choke on that texture.)
• Peanut butter muffins (Look for one without too much sugar and no honey. I couldn't find one without any added sugar -- if you do, please share below!)
• Thin layer of peanut butter on bread, cracker, or even your finger. You can add a little water to the peanut butter to thin it out if needed.
• Chinese chicken with peanut sauce and other foods made with peanut butter sauces. The whole family can enjoy these meals!
• Share your favorite recipes that can be adapted for babies and toddlers below.

Nutrition For the Picky Eater

I am frequently asked about how to get kids to eat. In general, there are a few quick "rules":

• Don't offer junk. Don't make it easily available at home... most kids can't drive to the store!
• Hungry kids will eat what's offered. Let them get hungry between meals. No grazing.
• Not every food group will be eaten at every meal, so use the day to space foods to incorporate a range of nutrition over time. Think of snacks as mini-meals.
• Keep meal time fun.
• Enforce "Taste a bite without a fight" after 3 years of age.
• It's okay to be tricky and fun: add pureed vegetables to things, use yogurt or hummus dips, put food on a stick, arrange food into fun shapes, be creative.
• Juice is not a food.

This is my first attempt at adding video to my blog. I apologize for the tilted view... it looked straight on my camera! YouTube limits the length to 10 minutes, and I ended up at 11 minutes, so it is broken into two shorter segments.

Part 1:



Part 2: 

Resources mentioned at the end:

My Pinterest page has several boards with recipes and nutritional information, in addition to other kid-friendly ideas! (Warning: if you don't use Pinterest, it can be addictive. Tons of great project ideas and recipes, educational sites, and other time wasters...)

Kids Eat Right: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' page on scientifically-based health and nutrition information you can trust to help your child grow healthy.

Is an apple a good bedtime treat?

Photo source: Shutterstock

As parents we try to get as many fruits and vegetables in our kids as they will take, so when Junior asks for a bedtime snack, it is tempting to allow a piece of fruit. Sounds healthy, right?  Surely better than ice cream...

An apple is healthy and can be a great part of a healthy snack, but kids (and adults) shouldn't have a high carbohydrate snack before bed without some protein and / or fat.

Why?

When we eat, our body senses the increase in blood sugar and sends out insulin to store the sugar in cells for future energy. An apple (or other fruit) is high in carbohydrates (sugar) and low in fat and protein. Sugars and can be quickly stored, lowering the blood sugar pretty fast unless there is fat or protein to stabilize it.

Fats and proteins are more complex to digest.  They must first be converted into smaller molecules before insulin can store the food for energy.  This allows a more gradual fall of the blood sugar.

Why is this important at bedtime?

We always have some sugar in our blood, ideally 70-100 mg/dl, but rising after eating and falling when fasting (not eating).  Normal sugar levels give our cells energy for all they need to do. We go for many hours without eating again when we sleep all night. If the insulin level is still high after storing all the easy to store carbohydrates but there aren't more molecules from the breakdown of protein or fat around to start storing, the insulin lowers the normal blood sugar to unsafe levels.  This is especially dangerous at night because one early sign that the blood sugar is too low is tiredness, which is unnoticed when asleep.

Diabetics should be especially aware of this response because their body does not regulate insulin normally, and they can suffer from severe low sugar if too much insulin is given without the proper balance of nutrients.

It would be extremely uncommon for a person with normal sugar management to have serious consequences of low blood sugar (such as coma or seizures) from this apple before bed, but without a good sugar level, the body will not get the most benefits of sleep: restoration of the body and growth in children.

So what's my recommendation for that bedtime snack? Go ahead and give that apple-- with a glass of milk, yogurt, peanut butter, cheese, or other food with protein.

And ice cream isn't all that bad as far as a snack that won't lower blood sugar too much... it just has less nutritional value.  So as a fun treat when kids are eating enough fruits and veggies the rest of the day and have gotten exercise and not an overabundance of empty calories, it's okay to have an ice cream once in awhile.  After all, it's made from milk, so not all bad!

Which reminds me of this great Bill Cosby clip: Chocolate Cake  (Who says we can't have a little fun when talking nutrition?)

Taste a Bite Without a Fight

Photo source: Shutterstock

Here's another blog inspired by a facebook question:

Megan Brower Lynberg My 2.5 year old son is super picky and I swear he looks at certain foods and decides not to eat them. I know most parents have the try it rule, or just one bite, but we can't even get him to do that most times. Any suggestions on how to implement that? Or should we just let it go and know that for the most part he gets a balanced diet and hopefully he'll branch out as he gets older?

Picky eating is synonymous with most toddlers and school aged kids. I smile inwardly when parents boast that their one year old will eat anything, unlike "other kids" who are picky, as if the other parents did something wrong.

It is between 15 months and 3 years that kids who used to eat anything go through phases of pickiness. I say phases, because sometimes it is a favorite food one week, only to be "yuck" the next week.  I knew this when my kids were young, so I took pictures of my toddlers devouring things like broccoli, so I could show them later that they did, in fact, love it.  (It didn't help.)

Overall the two biggest food groups kids dislike, vegetables and meats, are two of the most nutritious, so parents fret about how to get the nutrition in.  My general advice: parents decide what foods are offered, kids decide how much they eat.

My kids learned "Taste a bite without a fight" at daycare. Why silly rhymes work, I don't know, but sometimes they do.  I usually advise to enforce a bite after 3 years.  Before this age, they might just be too young to fight the battle yet. They simply don't know how to follow rules until about 3. I have heard of parents turning on the tv so the child mindlessly eats what the parent puts in his mouth. Don't do that! It sets up so many bad eating habits!!!

Until the taste a bite rule can be enforced (and even after that) I like to use hidden foods as nutrients. We are having pumpkin french toast this morning-- pumpkin puree added to the eggs/milk. This is not much vegetable, but more than they would get from a bowl of cereal or standard french toast. If this is done with many meals, it all adds up. Find foods your child likes, then "tweak" to fit in needed nutrients.

Vegetables and fruits can easily be pureed and put into sauces, casseroles, smoothies, and ground meats (meatballs, burgers, meatloaf).  Put a can of beets into the blender with your spaghetti sauce for a funky colored sauce. If your kids don't like sauce on noodles, try making pizza with a zucchini/carrot/beet jazzed up sauce. Some people just finely shred or chop. I find that puree works better because they don't see it and pick it out! There are many recipes for this online and in cookbooks for parents.  Check out my Pinterest Meal Ideas page for starters. (Not all ideas are healthy on this page... some are things I just want to try!)

Putting a cheese sauce over vegetables or offering a dunking sauce (yogurt, catsup, ranch dressing) makes it more acceptable to many kids. 

Add fruits and vegetables to breads or noodles. Most kids love the bread group. Banana bread, pumpkin bread, zucchini bread, spinach noodles, and more are all ways to add a little fruit or vegetable into something they will eat. Yes, they will get more sugar this way, but ...

Try a soup or stew. This is a great time of year to throw things in the crock pot in the morning and come home to the smell of dinner already ready!  

If it's meat he doesn't like (most don't at this age) use other forms of protein and iron (eggs, nuts, legumes, etc). Dairy helps with the protein, but has no iron, so don't only use cheese - a common food they love! You can also try meat hidden in casseroles or in fun forms, but remember there are entire countries of people who don't eat meat. Just make sure your kids are getting the nutrition they need.

Play with the food: make the food fun to eat by arranging into shapes. Use a cookie cutter for fun shapes. Arrange food into a face on the plate. There are many ideas of this online! 

Let kids help prepare the meals in an age/ability safe way, starting with washing vegetables, or arranging them on a plate. Start a garden next season so kids can see the food grow! 

A tip from my mother-in-law: kids will eat anything on a stick or fun appetizer sized! Make roll ups with a tortilla, cream cheese, lunch meats, spinach, or whatever sandwich fillings you use and cut into circles. Put a toothpick in small pieces of fruit or jazzed up meatballs (or load up fruit or vegetables on a skewer for a fun kabob).  

Read books that involve foods. I have put some ideas on my Pinterest Books page. Two of my favorites: "I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato" by Lauren Child and "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr Seuss. Use the books to stimulate ideas-- like making green eggs!

Above all, try to keep meal time pleasant. It should be a time the family gathers to talk, laugh, and enjoy one another. If the focus is a fight about eating, it is not serving one of the big benefits of eating together.  Work the nutrition in, but keep the meal itself fun!

Post suggestions of what has worked for your family. I always love to hear new tricks!  And if your child is really restricted in foods, talk with your doctor.  Sometimes it's more than just picky!

Starting Solids-- The Old and the New and the Myths

Many parents are excited yet apprehensive to start foods with their infants.  So many questions, so many fears.  So much food introduction guidance has changed in recent years, that what you did with your older kids might not be current.  Change takes time, so not everyone agrees on the "new" rules.  Talk to your own pediatrician to see their take on it all!

The older "rules" for starting foods were so confusing... different sources will vary on these rules.

photo source: Shutterstock

• don't feed before 6 months is now ok to feed at 4 months if baby's ready

• don't give nuts, eggs, and other "allergy" foods until ____ (2/3/5 years, varying by expert) is now it is okay to give allergy foods unless there is a family history of food allergy

• don't start more than one food every 3-5 days is now  introducing multiple foods at one time is ok

• start with rice, then add vegetables, then meat., wait until last for fruit is now begin with any foods, but try to make nutritious choices, such as meat which is high in iron and protein

Variations of this were plenty, depending on the provider's preferences.  

No wonder there is so much confusion!!!!

New rules are much easier.  I like easier.

• Start new foods between 4 and 6 months, when your baby shows interest and is able to sit with minimal support and hold the head up.
• Don't give honey until 1 year of age.
• Don't give any textures your baby will choke on.

Done.  

That's it.  Nothing fancy.  Any foods in any order.  Multiple new foods on the same day are okay. Common sense will hopefully guide types of foods.  Nothing too salted. Try nutritious foods, not junk.  

These minimal rules can make parents weary.

What about food allergies if foods are given too early?

Research does not support the thought that starting foods earlier lead to allergies.  In fact, there is research to support that starting foods earlier might prevent food allergies.  A full 180 degree change!  Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers no longer have to avoid nuts or other allergy foods in most cases.  If there is a close family member with a food allergy, it might still be beneficial to wait to introduce that food.  Talk with your pediatrician in that case.

I admit that I was initially nervous about telling parents it was okay to give nut products in infancy.  Not just the allergy aspect, but also choking risks.  ~ Back to the no textures your baby will choke on... nuts are hard and round-- two no-nos, peanut butter is thick and sticky-- another choking risk.   

Any of the more allergy prone foods should first be offered in small amounts at home.  These foods include nuts, egg, and fish.  Do this only if there is no one in your house who is allergic to that food.  Have diphenhydramine allergy syrup around just in case, but remember most kids are NOT allergic, and starting younger seems to prevent (not cause) allergy.  In the case of nuts, since there is also a choking risk, you can try a food cooked with nuts or nut oil.

What about saving the fruit for last so they don't get a sweet tooth?

Babies who have had breast milk have had sweet all along! Breast milk is very sweet, yet babies who are graduating to foods often love the new flavors and textures with foods.  Formula babies haven't had the sweet milk, but they can still develop a healthy appreciation of flavors with addition of new foods. Saving fruit for last simply doesn't seem to make a difference. Adding fruits alone is not very nutritious though, so fruits should be added along with other more nutritious foods.  The more colors on our plates, the healthier the meal probably is!

I thought they couldn't have cow's milk until after a year?

Cow's milk is not a meal in itself (like breast milk or formula). It is missing many vitamins and minerals, so babies need to continue breast milk or formula until at least a year.  Cow's milk may lead to allergies or eczema, including formulas made with cow's milk.  Milk products, such as cheese and yogurt can be given to babies as part of an otherwise well rounded diet as long as they don't show any allergy risks to milk.  Regardless of dairy intake, it is recommended for infants under 6 months to have 400 IU Vitamin D/day and those over 6 months to take 600 IU Vitamin D/day as a supplement.

I thought they should have cereal first...

Rice cereal has been the first food for generations, probably because grandma said so.  There has never been any research supporting giving it first.  With white rice and other "white" carbohydrates under attack now, it is no wonder the "rice first" rule is being debated. Despite being fortified with vitamins and iron, it is relatively nutrient poor, so choosing a meat or vegetable as first foods will offer more nutrition.  

Shouldn't we wait on meat?

Waiting on meat due to protein load was once recommended, but no longer felt to be needed. Pureed meats (preferably from your refrigerator... baby food meats are not very palatable!) are a great source of nutrition for baby!  Some experts recommend meat as the first food due to its high nutritional value and low allergy risk.  

How do we know what they're allergic to if we start several new things at once?

First, most kids are not allergic.  

Second, if they are allergic to a food, it is often days/weeks/months before the allergy is recognized. Waiting 3 days between food introduction simply doesn't allow recognition unless it is hives or anaphylaxis, and there are a small number of foods that account for most of these reactions. If your child has one of these reactions we can test to see what the offender was.  This is recommended with severe allergies since people with one allergy might have other allergies, and identification for avoidance is important.  

Allergy symptoms can be broad and often are not specific: dry skin (eczema), runny nose, hives, swelling of lips, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in the stool.  If you think your child is allergic to a food, discuss with your doctor.  Severe symptoms (anaphylaxis) demand immediate attention!

How do we know when to start foods? I wanted to start to help baby sleep through the night, but I heard starting too soon increased obesity and diabetes.

When babies are able to sit with minimal support and hold their head up and when they show interest in food by reaching for it they might be ready.  They can wait until 6 months to start foods, but some studies show poor weight gain and nutritional balance as well as resistance to foods if started after 6 months.  

In formula fed babies it has been shown to increase the risk of obesity at 3 years (6x!) if foods are started before 4 months of age.  That risk is not seen in exclusively breast fed infants or those who begin foods after 4 months of age.

It is still an old wive's tale that starting solids will help baby sleep through the night.  Babies tend to sleep longer stretches at this age, so it is no wonder that this myth perpetuates.  Start foods because you see signs that baby is ready, not because you want longer sleep patterns!

How do I know how much to feed my baby?

Babies will let you know when they are full by turning away, pursing their lips, spitting out food, or throwing foods.  As they eat more food, they will need less breast milk or formula.  In general a baby who is gaining weight normally will self regulate volumes.

What's better: baby foods bought at the store or home made foods?

Marketing and ease of preparation has made pre-prepared foods for us all common place.  It does not mean they are any better.  They cost more than home made foods.  I didn't make baby foods when my kids were babies because I thought it would be too hard, but now I puree foods to put into recipes (my kids are like many who aren't fans of veggies and I want to improve their nutrition).  It really isn't hard.  You can take whatever you are cooking for your family and put it in a food processor or some blenders and with a little water to get it to a texture baby can eat: voila!  Home made food.  There are of course many baby food cook books and ideas of how to freeze meal-sized portions so you can make multiple meals at one sitting. There is help for parents who want to safely prepare baby food at home on How to Make Your Own Baby Food from What to Expect. (link updated 9.16.17)

My baby only wants table foods. Is that okay? Don't they need pureed foods first?  He doesn't have many teeth!

Pureed foods are what most babies start with due to the easy texture, but some babies quickly develop the ability to pick up small pieces of food with the pincher grasp (finger/thumb) and want to feed themselves.  If they are able to get the food in their mouth, move it to the back safely with their tongue, and swallow without choking, they are ready to  feed table foods... at least with some textures. Beware of chewy or hard foods as well as round foods ~ these all increase the risk of choking.  

Most babies will be able to eat table foods between 9 and 12 months.  They tend to not have molars until after 12 months, so they grind with their gums and use all their saliva to help break down food.  They need foods broken into small enough pieces until they can bite off a safe bite themselves.  

Don't put the whole meal on their tray at once... they will shove it all in and choke! Put a few bites down at a time and let them swallow before putting more down.  Rotate food groups to give them a balance, or feed the least favorite first when they are most hungry, saving the best for last!

This is a great time for parents, sitters, and other caregivers to take a refresher course on CPR in case baby does choke.  Infants and young children are more likely to choke on foods and small objects, so it is always good to be prepared!  

How much juice should my baby drink?

In general I think babies don't need juice at all. They can practice drinking from a cup with water.  Juice adds little nutritional value and a lot of sugar.  Eating fruit and drinking water is preferable.  If they do drink juice, it should be 100% fruit or vegetable juice, not a fruit flavored drink!  No more than 4 ounces/day of fruit juice is recommended. 

What about organic? 

There is not enough evidence to recommend organic food, since the nutritional components of the foods are similar regardless of how they were farmed.   

Organically grown foods do have lower pesticide residues than conventionally farmed produce, but it is debated if this is significant or not to overall health.  Conventionally farmed produce have the pesticide levels monitored, and they fall within levels that are felt to be safe.

Organic farming rules also dictate no food additives or added hormones, which is also an area of study for health risks and benefits, but not enough data is available to give an educated opinion yet.  

Organic farming is generally felt to be better for the environment, but the sustainability of that is questioned.  

Organic farming might increase the risk of bacterial and fungal contamination or heavy metal content, so it is very important to wash fresh fruits and vegetables well prior to cutting or eating (as you should with all fresh foods).  

For more information, see the USDA site.

A backyard garden can be inexpensive, organic, and a great way for your kids to learn about growing and preparing healthy foods!  

Food Strike!

A recent facebook question: Any articles out there about what to do when your child goes on an eating strike? My son, who's five (soon), has these occasionally, and he's already thin as a rail to begin with :)

My answer became much too long, as this is a very common concern and there are so many aspects, so it turned into this blog.

This question (very common) always reminds me of the Judy Blume book, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.  (One of my favorite books growing up.)  The younger brother in the book, Fudge, refuses to eat.  After many failed trials of forcing food, and bribing, his Dad finally loses patience and says "eat it or wear it."  Needless to say, Fudge ends up with the bowl of cereal on his head and goes around for days saying "eat it or wear it!"

Food Strike!  This is a common concern of parents.  But kids are smart, they won't let themselves starve.

Of course there are some instances that are cause for concern.  Red Flags include kids who are sick, recurrently vomit or ruminate, seem dehydrated, have problems with food allergies, are very limited in foods over an extended time, experience swallowing problems or choking, or who are not following their growth curve.  Red flags are another topic entirely!  Work with your physician in these cases.

If hungry, he will eat.  Just don't let him fill up on things that aren't giving a nutritious balance. Even just milk all day can be harmful because it lacks many vitamins and minerals, so a little milk with other foods is better!

• Offer veggies, fruits, cheese, nuts, etc at scheduled snack times. 
• Limit pre-packaged foods and snacks.
• Limit drinks other than water and low calorie milks.  These fill kids up and don't offer balanced nutrition.
• Put only a small amount on his plate... it might be overwhelming to have a full plate.
• Turn off the tv.  Have a dinner conversation with the family.  This not only sets up healthy eating habits, but also healthy family dynamics. Teens who eat with their families are less likely to have risky behaviors!
• Set a good example!  Talk about how much you are enjoying the healthy foods at the table. (Not how healthy they are, but rather how good they taste.)
• Keep foods separate on the plate... they might eat one food if not touching another.
• Set a time for meals and stick to it.  If your child doesn't eat, still clear the table.  When they complain of being hungry, don't be condescending.  Simply say, "I know how you feel.  I'm hungry too when I don't eat.  Dinner is coming up soon. I'm sure you'll be ready!"  Don't offer filler foods. Don't yell.  Don't over-discuss.  Kids are smart, they'll pick up on the fact that they need to eat at meal time or be hungry.  (They won't starve to death!)
• Hide healthy foods in casseroles, sauces, etc.  I love my blender... the food processor was too much for me to clean, but my blender works just as well!  Many vegetables have little flavor, which makes it easy to "hide" them in things.

• I put a can of beets in with the spaghetti sauce --makes a cool color without changing the flavor.    

• I put carrots, spinach, or cabbage in my smoothies without changing the flavor.  Strawberries, bananas, kiwi, and other fruits are much more flavorful than many veggies and kids tend to like their tastes.  I just try to match color to hide the vegetable. 

•  Puree onions, carrots, zucchini, spinach, and other vegetables in recipes rather than chopping them... kids won't pick them out!  Chances are they won't even know they're there.

• Try foods in different forms: 

• frozen peas are crunchy-- maybe they don't like the squishy texture of cooked peas
• raw broccoli is much different in taste and texture than cooked broccoli
• many kids love cheese over vegetables or foods dunked in catsup or yogurt
• it is fun to eat with fingers for a change... let them get messy!
• try cutting things into pieces and serve with toothpicks
• make a kabob of fruit and cheese pieces... it's always more fun to eat off a stick! 
• cut sandwiches with a large cookie cutter for fun shapes
• use small cookie cutters for bite sized sandwiches or fruit pieces 

• Try not to use food as a reward. This can set up unhealthy eating habits.
• Don't reward for eating.  Most kids will get the intrinsic reward of satiety.  They don't need stickers or dessert for eating a meal.
• Praise small steps.  If kids try a new food (whether they like it or not) praise the fact that they tried!

Set your expectations realistically.  Don't expect kids to eat as much as infants/toddlers or teens/adults.  Calorie needs go down when not in growth spurts.  Just make the nutrition needs balance.  Don't worry as much about volume as variety of healthy foods!  Most kids don't need supplemental meals in a can (Pediasure and other brands) ~ they are getting the nutrition and calories they need, there is just an imbalance of perception of what they need.  I always prefer a healthy, active, thin child over a child who is overweight and not active (and often undernourished due to poor quality foods).

Vitamin supplement use and need is debated (except Vitamin D, which is recommended for all).  In general, I think it is a good idea to give a multivitamin with iron if kids aren't eating well.  Iron deficiency actually causes anorexia-- increasing the problem!   Just be sure to lock up vitamins as if they are medications, so kids don't accidentally ingest too much. 

Most kids grow well during their picky eating and food strike phases!  Just be patient and aware of any red flags that need to be evaluated.  If you are concerned, schedule an appointment to discuss foods, growth, nutrition, and concerns.  Bring a typical food log of foods and drinks (with approximate volumes) for at least one week.  We can either identify a concern and develop a plan of action, or reassure you that your child is normal!

On the Job Training for Doctors?

A recent report showed a large discrepancy between what pediatricians believe they should do to advise parents and kids on sleep, and what they were actually trained to do, which begs the question: What are pediatricians NOT trained to do but must do as a routine part of their job?

What is this discrepancy?  The Journal of Pediatrics published a report that only 18% of pediatricians reported having formal training in sleep disorders, but 96% felt it was their job to treat them.  Their conclusion is that training programs should provide sleep education.

While on the surface this sounds like a great idea, reflecting back on my training and early years in practice, residency would have to be extended by many years to teach all that I need to know at my job. Teaching sleep hygiene (or not teaching it) is just the tip of the iceberg. Not to mention that there is new information all the time about how to do things better, so the learning should really never end.

I learned about car seats after my son was born during the end of my 3rd year of residency.  

How did I make it 3 years without learning about car seats???  I would simply mention to parents to be sure to use one.  If they had specific questions about if the baby was properly in the seat, I referred them to a car seat expert.  (We refer to a lot of experts in residency.)

We took my son home from the hospital on an icy February day in a warm jacket  buckled into the car seat.  When we got home and I went to unlatch the buckle I realized it had never clicked. The jacket was too bulky!!!  We went to a car seat check a couple weeks later and his car seat wasn't even tight enough ~ this is before the LATCH system helped secure the seat.  My own baby had been unsafe.  How awful is that after nearly 3 years of pediatric residency?  Of course now, 12 years later, many car seat rules/recommendations have changed.  Gotta keep learning!

I had a little formal education about breastfeeding, but it was mostly the technical aspects of how milk is produced, not how to help a mother/baby be successful with breastfeeding.  That I learned when struggling to breastfeed my first baby, and along the way with other moms and their various problems.  My second came along and breastfeeding went great, but she wouldn't take a bottle.  Boy, did I learn a lot from my own kids with two very different feeding problems.

I don't remember a single lecture on nutrition, though I'm sure we had them.  Not much on exercise that I recall.  These would have been considered "easy" topics and as a resident we were more focused on studying acid base disorders and intricate diseases because that would be what we would be tested on.  I wish I learned more about nutrition and exercise psychology because of the current level of obesity, but it is a relatively new problem in pediatrics -- one even the specialists aren't sure how to manage. 

It is estimated that 40% of primary care visits involve behavior problems, yet I only had a single one month rotation on psychiatry.  I am still learning new tricks 12+ years into practice.  Many of my experiences as a parent color what I have learned in this arena.  I also have the privileged position to learn from the families I see at work.  All of this information I use to counsel families about these issues.  I could never have learned this in a lecture, or even in a clinic with a preceptor for a one month rotation.

Simple things, like what to do with a baby who has a nose filled with mucus, were not discussed in lectures because there were more advanced things to learn, like how to manage a child on a ventilator.  I don't ever manage ventilator's now, but I had to learn how in residency.  Why learn that?  Because it teaches doctors to think.  

We need to learn the basics in school about how the body works.  The psychology, pharmacology, physiology, and all the other -ologies.  

Residency teaches us how to apply these things to the human person.  Treating the sickest of the sick in the hospital setting teaches us to recognize sick and become independent learners.  


Starting up in practice teaches us more about common illnesses and concerns. We sharpen the skills of disease management and normal growth and development with all of its variances from following the same kids over years.  We must incorporate everything we know from books, lectures, clinical experiences, personal experiences, and more into caring for our patients with the most current evidence based and practical methods available.

And that keeps changing, 

          keeping pediatricians life long learners!