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August 25, 2005
Superbaby
I'm in complete shock, because Lily is turning out to be some sort of monsterbaby. She was a healthy but not unusual 7 lbs 12 oz at birth. At 10 weeks, she's now at 14 lbs 8 oz, placing her above the 97th percentile for weight at this age. She must take after Adam's side of the family. Maybe she'll be a basketball player. Or an ogre.
The other side effect of taking her for her "well baby" visit yesterday was that I was once again confronted with the fact that most of the medical establishment isn't really interested in getting to know you, your health/lifestyle, or your particular needs, but rather in processing as many patients as possible, towing the party line, and making blanket recommendations based on the most at-risk individuals. I was told that I need to be supplementing Lily with Vitamin D, since I am breastfeeding; nevermind the fact that dark-skinned babies in geographic areas where they receive little sun are the only populations for whom rickets is a significant risk. Though the AAP recently revised their policy statement on breastfeeding to recommend universal Vitamin D supplementation, again it is without regard for who is at risk and who is not. Lily's previous doctor (who I *loved*) didn't feel it was necessary, and I don't think I know any breastfeeding moms who supplement. The only reason I'd consider it is if I found out that our proximity to Chicago meant high enough smog levels to block sunlight (urban populations are more at risk for this reason).
La Leche League's stance on the subject
I also found this article, looking at both sides of the issue.
So, a doctor's job is to minimize risk and their own exposure to litigation, but if I am an informed parent who takes responsibility for my child's health, why should I be urged to give my child any supplement or medication that she doesn't need? I guess what irks me is that the doc can't first go through assesing our particular risk and talking about what I can be doing to have a healthy baby, rather than trying to fix what ain't broke (so to speak) with pharmaceuticals.
Posted by mwashburn at August 25, 2005 11:39 AMPosted to We're Reproducing!
Comments
Our pediatrician recommended Tri-Vi-Sol for Lucas, so we've been giving it to him ever since his two-month checkup. Oh well, I figure that it can't hurt! That stuff can be pricy, though!
Posted by: Lisanne at August 29, 2005 07:56 PM
But it could hurt. Supplements are not without risks either! According to the La Leche materials, no risks have been found with D supplementation at the levels being recommended by the AAP, but it hasn't really been studied long-term.
I think it's wise to ask "what are the risk factors for (anything your pediatrician mentions)" vs "what are the risk factors for using (drug, supplement, etc."
Personally, I prefer not to medicate when there's very simple natural/lifestyle ways to deal with an issue. It takes less than 30 minutes a week of sunlight exposure for the human body to produce adequate vitamin D.
Posted by: flygrrl at August 31, 2005 07:37 AM
I'll be supplementing with TriViSol come the cold weather. If it's anything like it was last winter, I know I won't be getting Noah outside. I think as mothers we need to ask all the questions, yes, but then do what feels right. I will mostly likely follow the AAP's guidelines on this one.
Posted by: Carol at September 1, 2005 02:12 PM