BF'ing question?

bkenan · June 2010

I just got back from my DS 1 month appointment... The doc asked me what I was feeding, I said breast milk and formula every once in a blue moon. He said I need to do a 50/50 breast/formula because of the lack of vitamin d in breast milk. I want to try to not give formula at all and don't get this. I know we can get vit D from the sun to. Has anyone else been told this? TIA!

slwprincess · June 2010

This is a common pedi comment but not true. In fact, I just read that recent research shows Vitamin D deficiency is a problem for FF babies too. You should check out kellymom.com- I think they address this, but personally, this is one piece of Dr's advice that I would ignore unless they have a very good medical reason why YOUR specific child requires it. Breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby- any Dr that suggests otherwise gets the Hmm

from me. That said, I did half BF and half FF from the beginning and may do it again this time. But that was for convenience not b/c my Dr told me too.

Daisy22 · June 2010

I'd be finding a new pedi. I can't believe he actually told you to do that. Vitamin D can be given orally which is what most pedi recommend to BF moms. Now after doing research most babies do not suffer from a vitamin d deficiency.

Check out:

https://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/vitamin-d.html

Which by the way kellymom.com is a great resource for breastfeeding/pumping etc.

MrsKLB · June 2010

You don't have to give formula in order for him to get the Vitamin D. Some pedis recommend giving a supplement to breastfed babies for the Vitamin D, but living in the South, just a few minutes in the sun will give him what he needs. So, if you're concerned then look into the supplement (the pharmacist can tell you what you need) but otherwise, I say just don't sweat it. I've never heard of anyone being told they should give formula for this reason, though, because there are obviously other options if you want to breastfeed.

slwprincess · June 2010

Here's the link:

https://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/vitamin-d.html

mingaling2 · June 2010

That is very strange.

I exclusively breastfeed and our doctor said to supplement with vitamins. We use the Tri-Vi-Sol daily, and it has vitamin A, C, and D.

bkenan · June 2010

Thanks! This was the first visit seeing that doctor, we have seen others in the practice. I don't know if I like him so much, dh felt the same way. We do spend time outside most everyday so I won't worry to much about it. I will check out the website though!

keg · June 2010

That is crazy! Did he mean one 1/2 and 1/2 bottle a day? My DDs weren't exclusively BF because of supply issues, but my ped just had me supplement with vitamin D drops. There was something she recommended that they just needed one drop a day. I've heard other people say their peds have said to either give some type of multi-vitamin drops or do one formula bottle a day.

momof2inatl · June 2010

that is crazy! I use the tri-vi-sol drops.

JoelsGirl07 · June 2010

My first thought is to fire your pediatrician. That is absurd! While he is correct that it is highly unlikely that your child is getting enough Vit D (Unless you are on prescription vit D, as I am ) you can easily supplement with Vit D drops or some afternoon sunlight. And BTW, new research shows that even formula babies need vit D drops.

I would like to strangle your doctor right now, this makes me so angry that he/she would even THINK about jeopardizing your BFing relationship......grrrrrrrrrr.......

jade_sweatpea · June 2010

mingaling1:

That is very strange.

I exclusively breastfeed and our doctor said to supplement with vitamins. We use the Tri-Vi-Sol daily, and it has vitamin A, C, and D.

Same is this poster! Gabby still takes the vitamins and I haven't introduced her to any other milk besides mine yet. My pedi is totally cool and I have never supplemented at all.

julienandy · June 2010

I EBF and we were never told to supplement or take any vitamins or iron. Just go for walks with the baby to get some sunshine!

Docs who don't support a mom's choice to BF or not make me mad. Stupid doc.

Mrs. Theobald · June 2010

Daisy22:
I'd be finding a new pedi. I can't believe he actually told you to do that. Vitamin D can be given orally which is what most pedi recommend to BF moms. Now after doing research most babies do not suffer from a vitamin d deficiency.

Check out:

https://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/vitamin-d.html

Which by the way kellymom.com is a great resource for breastfeeding/pumping etc.

I agree 100%. That would be a deal breaker with my pedi!! If you don't understand simple nutrition I don't think I would want you treating my child!

KOscar · June 2010

It sounds like you have the vitamin D question answered. I just wanted to throw out my two cents that I would personally be looking for another doc. Your doc should be giving you nothing but support for BF and never push formula if you want to BF. Shame on him.

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