Irony

While preparing for pregnancy I knew I wanted to breastfeed. In birthing class and a breastfeeding class I was reminded of all the benefits of breastmilk: stronger immunity, closer child/mother bond, better orthodontics, less likely to be obese &/or diabetes, decrease chance of cancer, likely to win the lottery, possible rides on unicorns, or so they say.

Well, I do not know about the stronger immunity because if there is a bug running around my daughter will probably catch it, as well as myself. However, I do feel I have a strong bond with her. My daughter knows mom is the comforter. Have a fever or teething? Then you better nurse with mom. Nature's best medicine.

My daughter started her first nine months as a chunker in 80-90 percentile range for weight. Then at 12 months she took a dive. At 18 months she is in the 3 percentile barely gaining .5 ounces with a three-quarters inch growth. I recognize my daughter is not a chub full of baby rolls on the thighs, but she is not skin and bones either. She has that cute little 'hang over the diaper' belly. I actually think she looks healthy. All the same, her doctor said at her last appointment "she is not going to starve herself," now says "this is a problem." Remedy? Pedicure, Ensure for babies.

Now here I have suffered chapped nipples and chewed skin only to be told she essentially needs high calorie excessive protein formula shake. Sigh.

Problem is as often as I have tired to introduce cow's milk to my daughter she has always turned her nose. Except chocolate milk. I have also tried diluted milkshakes, smoothies. Then her appetite is meager. A little taste here. A little taste there, but never high consumption of food. My daughter loves cheese. Can not have enough cheese of any kind, but I also do not want her constipated.

What do I do? I could beef up her calories with a lot of sugary fatty foods, but that is creating bad habits. I try different seasonings. We also move and eat, meaning I do not keep her restrained in a chair, but she is free to move as I follow her with a spoon of food. Otherwise, she she takes two bites and says, "All done." There is constant snacking, preferably high protein snacks like peanut butter.

The doctor's orders have been to only drink Pedicure diluted with milk. No water or juice. Then be rechecked in two months. I still let her have some of my water because I do not want her to loose the appeal of the flavor. We spend more time eating avoiding to rush. We need a full hour especially for breakfast. I mix foods. Since my daughter loves yogurt and cottage cheese I mix other foods with it. Such as oatmeal stirred with yogurt and ground beef combined with cottage cheese. She is also enjoying the berry flavor Pediasure. It is my hope I will have it diluted mostly with milk within a few weeks and her weight will progress.

If not, I have been warned my current measly twice a day breastfeedings will need to be discontinued forcing the poor child to drink cow's milk. I know the choice is ultimately mine and I have my daughter's best interest in mind, but I also feel like God has placed people in my life to offer guidance. I certainly do not want to place her in harms way to make a point. Lord willing this will transgress well. Updates are sure to come.