Author Topic: Overeater  (Read 943 times)

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Offline pj'smom

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Overeater
« on: October 29, 2005, 21:26:18 pm »
My ds is 8 weeks and has been gaining about a pound a week for the last 5 weeks.  He is now 14lbs.  He likes to feed to about an hour, this includes nap time during feeding.  I do offer both breasts and the majority of the time he takes both of them.  He also likes to eat every 2-2.5 hours but I try to hold him out to 2.5-3 hours.  He is starting to start daycare on Monday for half days and I am hoping that this helps. 

My ? is, how do I get him to eat in a shorter amount of time.  I am scared that he is gaining too much weight.  The doc said he was an overeater but to allow him to do it.  I would love any advice.

Offline Erin (redstarfalling)

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Overeater
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2005, 00:10:10 am »
I had always understood that you cannot overfeed an exclusively breastfed baby. But here's an article from kellymom.com that you might find interesting and reassuring!  :D

Is my exclusively breastfed baby gaining too much weight?
By Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC

It is normal for breastfed babies to gain weight more rapidly than their formula-fed peers during the first 2-3 months and then taper off (particularly between 9 and 12 months). There is absolutely NO evidence that a large breastfed baby will become a large child or adult. In fact, there is good research to indicate that breastfed babies are less likely to be obese children or adults than babies who were formula-fed.

Babies who gain quickly during infancy often start to slim down once they become more mobile; ie. rolling, crawling, pulling up, walking, running, etc. Often toddlers are very picky eaters and/or become almost too "busy" to take the time to eat. The fat laid down in infancy ensures that there are ample stores to pull from during the active toddler years.

Keep in mind, too, that breastmilk is a perfect food. There are NO empty calories or fillers. The amount of fat or calories in breastmilk is not affected by mom's dietary fat or sugar intake. However, mom can change the types of fat in her milk by altering the types of fat that she eats.

Do not try to limit your baby's nursing by stretching out feedings, limiting time at the breast, using a pacifier to "hold baby off" until a specified time has passed, or offering water so that baby nurses less. It can be dangerous to limit your baby's growth by limiting nursing, as your baby needs the nutrients and fat for proper growth and brain development. Only by continuing to feed your baby on cue will you ensure that his needs are perfectly met and that your milk supply is maintained.

A recent study (Stettler N, Zemel BS, Kumanyika S, Stallings VA. Infant Weight Gain and Childhood Overweight Status in a Multicenter, Cohort Study. Pediatrics 2002; 109: 194-199) has gotten a lot of press coverage and has worried some parents. The researchers concluded, "A pattern of rapid weight gain during the first 4 months of life was associated with an increased risk of overweight status at age 7 years, independent of birth weight and weight attained at age 1 year." However, the study data included practically no information on how the infants were fed (including the length/exclusivity of breastfeeding and when solids were introduced). The study looked at data for over 19,000 children who were born between 1959 and 1965 in 12 U.S. cities. These children were born at around the height of formula feeding in the US, and also at a time when very early introduction of solids was recommended. Both formula feeding and early intro of solids have been shown to increase the chance of childhood obesity. Per La Leche League, Dr. Nicholas Stettler (who headed up this study) "said that there is an easy way to prevent this obesity; simply follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' guideline -- breastfeed the infant exclusively for six months, followed by the slow introduction of solids and continued breastfeeding to one year or beyond."

What can cause faster weight gain than the norm in an exclusively breastfed baby?
Genetics. Did your older children gain quickly as infants? What about Mom & Dad - are you large in size, or were you large as babies? What about other family members?
Overabundant supply can result in more rapid than normal weight gain (over an ounce per day). However, oversupply is not a concern unless it is causing problems for mom or baby.
Rarely, too-rapid weight gain can be related to health problems, such as congestive heart failure, renal anomalies, and/or endocrine disorders. If baby has health problems, continued breastfeeding is even more important.

How I can help to prevent my child from becoming overweight?
The BEST thing you can do to lessen the chance that your baby will become overweight as a child or as an adult is to breastfeed as long as possible.
Avoid solids for at least 6 months (this is especially helpful for babies who come from a family with a history of obesity or allergies).
Once you start solid foods, add them slowly to baby's diet. Nurse before offering solids, and make sure that the majority of baby's calories come from breastmilk through the end of the first year.
Allow your child to eat to appetite - don't push your child to continue eating when he is not hungry.
Once your baby becomes more active, allow him plenty of time to play and move around.
As your child becomes older, set a good example with healthy eating habits and exercise.
Erin
Mother to Megan and Samantha


annamum

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Overeater
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2005, 06:34:37 am »
I also agree that breastfed baby cannot be overfed. They only eat as much as they truly need, I cannot imagine that you could force a baby to nurse when she/he doesn't want to. The good thing about it is that breastfed babies grow up to become toddlers who tend to trust their own instincts when it comes to eating and develop healthy eating habits.