DS is super skinny, 0% for weight and 75% for height. He has been Failure to thrive and now is "malnourished" (Low iron, low protein, eats no veggies, only bananas for fruit). I try to feed him, but most of the time he just closes his mouth, shakes his head "no" and won't eat. My DD also has feeding issues and at 4, takes at least one meal a day as a "smoothie" with peanut butter, peas, and a fruit. The other meals she eats don't have near the calories. She is finally not failure to thrive, but I am starting to feel like I am doing something wrong. I try to feed them good healthy food. Beans, meat, veggies, fruit. I have been to nutritionist for DD and they didn't think I was doing anything wrong (had a pretty complete food diary with all of the visits.) They are just insanely picky.
My DS won't even eat McDonalds.
Anyone else have a kid like this? I know he can eat because occasionally he will eat a slice of pizza, a hot dog, or a piece of sausage. He will sometimes eat regular people oatmeal. He will eat as many goldfish or cheerios as I will let him (none right now, since he isn't eating), but they have little nutritional value. I am getting worn down by trying to cook things and come up with meals. I am making 9 meals a day (3 for him, 3 for DD, and then for DH and I) and still he is not eating any of the things I offer that have nutrition.
I want to enjoy my kids, I want them to be happy, but I put him in his high chair or next to me on the sofa and try to feed him and he just shakes his head, clamps his lips shut, and waits for his milk (the doctor told me to cut back on milk to 16 oz, which I have done). He cries until he gets his sip cup, with milk.
Anyone have any tips or experience they can share? I am just super frustrated at this point.
Re: Feeding issues
Have you had a feeding evaluation by an occupational therapist or speech language pathologist?
When he does eat, how are bowel movements?
Did he have reflux when little?
Could eating either be causing pain/discomfort or is this a behavior in response to pain/discomfort that used to occur?
What does the pedi say? I would keep having this checked out until you get some more answers than what it seemed the nutritionist apparently said. Kids don't really just become malnourished without an explanation.
I can't recall or don't know his history though - was he born prematurely? Any explanation for the failure to thrive? Is he on track developmentally?
GL. I can imagine this is really tough.
I know how you feel. I think you have responded to my posts about DS#2 lack of weight gain. I was going to suggest an evaluation also. Kayson was having a gag issue also so we went and got him evaluated after a few visits this issue cleared up.
What does the pediatrician say?
Provided the GI doesn't find anything physical, feeding therapy can help.
One of the techniques we use is to "bribe" him with a toy.
he gets a toy (something small but fun/noisy) for 30 seconds
then "time to take 1 bite" (take the toy away)
you say" toy is waiting, time to take 1 bite"
if he refuses, turn your head away, do your best to show no emotion at all, do not interact with him at all for 15 seconds. then do it again, "toy is waiting, time to take 1 bite"
even if it is a small tiny bite, he got it in, and is learning the techinique.
give him the toy for 30 seconds, then "time for 2 bites"
continue until he seems to be full/ finished. but make him responsible, "time for last bite, then you put the top on the jar"
we got to the point where we barely needed the toy at the start of the meal to get him going.
If I didn't explain it well let me know
and a good idea of why your child is having feeing difficulties. I don't think a power struggle needs to be added into this situation.
I don't think anything I said in my response is an indication of why my child has feeding difficulties. If anything the technique I described takes away the power struggle. It simply is time to eat.
OP asked if anybody had been in the same place or had ideas. I told her what worked for us.
No no, KathW, I didn't mean YOU were having a power struggle. You are obviously using a technique that is successful with your child. I think it is great and totally respect that. I just think that in the situation the OP describes, it wouldn't be the best for her to try to tackle this herself with a behavioral approach until she gets more answers and explanations and input from people trained to address such issues.
I am really honestly sorry I was misunderstood and sounded like I was bashing you or your techniques. 100% not my purpose. I hope you can see that and believe me. My apologies.
ETA: oy. I just reread - my wording was horrible. I was referring to your post (kathW), but all of the "you"s were directed at the OP. Yikes. Sorry again.
Its ok It is hard sometimes to say things how you intend on a message board.