Guest guest Posted December 17, 2000 Report Share Posted December 17, 2000 , Babies are chubby because they aren't mobile. Once they start crawling and walking, the weight melts off. If it doesn't come off then, it does when they get taller and grow into their weight. Tell your SIL pppbbbbthhhh!!!! Just tell her that your baby is happy and the doctors have no concern about her weight. As for fat babies being fat adults, I don't know that there is a correlation. I think by not depriving Bethany of food when she needs it, you are teaching her to eat when hungry not to force yourself to wait. I hate it when someone thinks they are right and there is no convincing them. Cameron is a tiny little guy-he's healthy looking and a little chubby in the cheeks, but not fat by any means. My aunt went ON AND ON about how BIG (read in a condescending way) that he is. I just blew it off, but I remember all the years of having to listen to her and to all my other relatives tell *me* how fat I was/am. Love it when your relatives are this way!! Love, Mommy to since 10-5-98 and Cameron since 8-10-00 jackpot@... http://users.pld.com/jackpot/cameron.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2000 Report Share Posted December 17, 2000 This is rude of me, and I know you can't do this cause she's your SIL, but I would tell her to shove it. Damia (my dd) TRIPLED her birth weight in four months (not that it was too hard, even only 10 days early she only weighed 6 lbs 7 oz), but I breastfeed her totally on demand and now she weighs a whopping 22 lbs at six months. I know people who's one YEAR olds don't weight that much. I feel that it totally depends on the baby, and the mother, but mostly the baby, and how often they choose to eat. My mother (bless her, she breastfed me for 18 mos and that's when I weaned myself) often told me, "Don't let her get too fat, cause the weight she puts on as a baby will stay with her all her life." SHE meant it in a kind way, as I'm sure your SIL does not, but I still just would smile and nod and go about my business doing it the way Damia and I are most happy. She is chubby, yes, but she is not mobile or even that active yet (although she's getting there, rolling over, trying to crawl, etc.), and I feel that she will slim down some as she becomes more active. I believe that it was overfed FF infants that they were linking to adult obesity, and also those who's parents didn't dilute the formula enough and the babies got too many calories from it, etc. You can not over feed a breastfed baby. I have tried this, because Damia is my first and my mom did breastfeed, going three hours between feedings when Damia was about 3-4 months old and let me tell you it did NOT work. She screamed and cried and yelled and I leaked all over the place in sympathy, and finally, after 2.5 hours, I couldn't stand it anymore, I was pulling my hair out, she wasn't happy with me holding her, putting her down, ANYTHING, she wanted to eat. So I fed her, and we've been going aprox. every two hours since. That's when she wants to eat. If we're out or something, sometimes she'll forget, and once in a while she'll sleep through a feeding if she misses her morning nap, but otherwise it's every two hours all day and all night. I've introduced solids because she wanted them so bad, and sometimes if I feed them to her she wants to nurse right away (to go to sleep) and sometimes she's perfectly happy until the next feeding. I only give her solids once or twice a day or every other day, right now, as I remember and when I think about it. Also, I try to let her dad give her solids in the evening, right before we eat dinner since it's something he can do (she's NEVER taken a bottle well), and that way she's not trying to grab food off our plates and stuff. So, to recap, No, you can not overfeed a breastfed baby, and you are fine letting her eat whenever she wants and your SIL can put it where the sun don't shine..... Or at the very least, she needs to do some more research about breastfeeding before she opens her mouth to tell you how to raise YOUR child, or children as the case may be. I feel very strongly about this, cause when Damia was 2 months old some women I don't even know told me I needed to put her on a DIET (at 2 months!) because she's bigger than my friend's one year old. Her kid is still wearing 3-6 month clothes and Damia grew out of those about 1.5 months ago! So personally, I would tell your SIL to sit on a brick and do some research for her to show her when she starts mouthing off to you...... Start with www.breastfeeding.com and go from there. That's where I go when my MIL starts sweating me about when I'm going to wean Damia. KristaLoving wife to Dwain(11/5/99)Birth mommy to Karina (4/6/96)SAHBFingCo-sleepingAPMommy to Damia ne(6/10/00)***************The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,for children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.~Author Unknown With Christmas around the corner, I am about to see my sister in law who just loves to put me down & tell me what to do (another story!!). When Bethany was just figuring out how to BF, she was full of advice: "let her nurse 15 min. each side then make her wait at least 2 hours before letting her nurse again" - she is supposedly a BF advocate! Anyway, she is incredibly obsessed with weight, even in infants. My first child was very chubby as a FF baby and she has always commented on how "fat" was. Meanwhile, her kids tended to be cranky, whiney, skinny, not so healthy babies (I wonder why????). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2000 Report Share Posted December 17, 2000 My experience (am nursing 5th baby) is that if you're breastfeeding the baby will be it's own perfect size. My oldest was and my new baby is small for his age, they breastfed all they wanted, they're just slower gainers. You can't overfeed a breastfed baby because they need to actively suckle to get milk. Lucas nurses a lot! Unless we're out shopping for a couple of hours or more, he nurses at least every hour. I can tell that most of it is not out of hunger, just wanting to be close to mommy and grab a snack. Formula will drip out of a bottle into the baby's mouth and most of the time they will automatically swallow, enabling one to feed more than the baby would choose to take. Everything I've read indicates that even very chubby breastfed babies are not likely to be fat adults. My daughter was pretty chubby and when she hit the toddler years slimmed down and has stayed that way (she's almost 12) I'm with you, nursing is such an easy and wonderful way to calm them when they're upset. I just love when they first latch and those first drops of milk go in their mouths and their eyes roll back a little as if to say 'aaaaahhhhh, just what I needed' Sue At 10:43 PM 12/17/00 -0500, you wrote: I have always heard that you can't over feed a BF baby. If this is true, then why is not uncommon to have over weight babies? What about the research that says that fat babies make for fat adults? Will my fat little BF baby have weight problems as an adult? Or, is all that research based on FF babies? I have always fed both my children on demand. I can't tolerate to hear them cry. If they fuss & I have tried everything else, then I offer her to nurse & she will calm. So, what do I say when my SIL goes on endlessly about how big my baby is? I am not worried about Bethany, I am so incredibly satisfied to know that I have provided 100% of her nutrition! She started out as a 6 week early preemie who weighed in at 6 pounds 8 ounces. She is now just over 14 pounds! Thanks for the input, I really am curious about the weight thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2000 Report Share Posted December 17, 2000 The whole deal about timing feedings (2 hours) begins with timing the cycle, beginning of one session to beginning of next--just like with labor contractions. Feeding on demand teaches babies good eating habits--to eat only as much as they need, to drink quickly for thirst, to eat slowly for social periods. As our infants become toddlers, bf on demand infants will consistently choose (from a healthy selection os foods) a balanced diet of the volume they need--taken over a week's time. Up until about preschool age, these demand fed babies, finicky toddlers though they become, are still able to choose just what their bodies need. Eventually society's pressures can wear ythis away, but it takes time. As for fat babies--there has been research that tracked body fat needs and when children should be fat or slim. I can't remember where I read it, but basically, infancy to age 2 should be a child's chubbiest phase anmd thereafter they should gradually slim down. Finally, the fat in bm is different from that of cow's milk/formula. The fat in bm is specific to help brains grow and is easily digested. Also, bf babies tend to be chunkier than ff babies in early months--from some magazine, can't remember--but their ff sisters/brothers get an edge later in infancy (after 6 months?) because of the differences in their food intakes. Amy Lynnmother to 1-25-98 and 2-10-00Want great toys? Non-violent, educational, fun! check out www.discoverytoysinc.com, or e-mail me privately for a catalog Question for thought... With Christmas around the corner, I am about to see my sister in law who just loves to put me down & tell me what to do (another story!!). When Bethany was just figuring out how to BF, she was full of advice: "let her nurse 15 min. each side then make her wait at least 2 hours before letting her nurse again" - she is supposedly a BF advocate! Anyway, she is incredibly obsessed with weight, even in infants. My first child was very chubby as a FF baby and she has always commented on how "fat" was. Meanwhile, her kids tended to be cranky, whiney, skinny, not so healthy babies (I wonder why????). I have always heard that you can't over feed a BF baby. If this is true, then why is not uncommon to have over weight babies? What about the research that says that fat babies make for fat adults? Will my fat little BF baby have weight problems as an adult? Or, is all that research based on FF babies? I have always fed both my children on demand. I can't tolerate to hear them cry. If they fuss & I have tried everything else, then I offer her to nurse & she will calm. So, what do I say when my SIL goes on endlessly about how big my baby is? I am not worried about Bethany, I am so incredibly satisfied to know that I have provided 100% of her nutrition! She started out as a 6 week early preemie who weighed in at 6 pounds 8 ounces. She is now just over 14 pounds! Thanks for the input, I really am curious about the weight thing! Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!http://www.lactivist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2000 Report Share Posted December 18, 2000 One of the differences they have found between BF and FF babies are that BF babies have large fat cells whereas the FF babies have MORE fat cells. One can lose weight and make existing cells smaller, but once your body makes more cells, the only way to lose them is liposuction. LOL BF Babies are less likely to be obese adults, their growth is very different than a FF baby. The holiday's are stressful enough without meddling in-laws. Stock up on your non-aggressive comebacks. "That's interesting", "thanks for your opinion" and "I'll take it under advisement" all make them think that you are listening when you are really just ignoring every last bit of advice. Good luck! Jenn -----Original Message-----From: Doug & With Christmas around the corner, I am about to see my sister in law who just loves to put me down & tell me what to do (another story!!). I have always heard that you can't over feed a BF baby. If this is true, then why is not uncommon to have over weight babies? What about the research that says that fat babies make for fat adults? Will my fat little BF baby have weight problems as an adult? Or, is all that research based on FF babies? I have always fed both my children on demand. So, what do I say when my SIL goes on endlessly about how big my baby is? I am not worried about Bethany, I am so incredibly satisfied to know that I have provided 100% of her nutrition! She started out as a 6 week early preemie who weighed in at 6 pounds 8 ounces. She is now just over 14 pounds! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2000 Report Share Posted December 18, 2000 I do not hink that the difference should be drawn between BF and FF babies, but siblings. I think that genetics has a lot to do with the predisposition of weight. My oldest was never BF he had only formula, he has always been very skinny. But his father is the same way, tall and boney. My other two have always been chunky one was bf and the other ff. But I personaly prefere the chubby ones! Mom to:Blake 1-19-96, Katelyn 10-16-99 and Chase 10-21-00http://communities.msn.com/DaveandsFamilyPhotos RE: Question for thought... One of the differences they have found between BF and FF babies are that BF babies have large fat cells whereas the FF babies have MORE fat cells. One can lose weight and make existing cells smaller, but once your body makes more cells, the only way to lose them is liposuction. LOL BF Babies are less likely to be obese adults, their growth is very different than a FF baby. The holiday's are stressful enough without meddling in-laws. Stock up on your non-aggressive comebacks. "That's interesting", "thanks for your opinion" and "I'll take it under advisement" all make them think that you are listening when you are really just ignoring every last bit of advice. Good luck! Jenn -----Original Message-----From: Doug & With Christmas around the corner, I am about to see my sister in law who just loves to put me down & tell me what to do (another story!!). I have always heard that you can't over feed a BF baby. If this is true, then why is not uncommon to have over weight babies? What about the research that says that fat babies make for fat adults? Will my fat little BF baby have weight problems as an adult? Or, is all that research based on FF babies? I have always fed both my children on demand. So, what do I say when my SIL goes on endlessly about how big my baby is? I am not worried about Bethany, I am so incredibly satisfied to know that I have provided 100% of her nutrition! She started out as a 6 week early preemie who weighed in at 6 pounds 8 ounces. She is now just over 14 pounds!Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!http://www.lactivist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2000 Report Share Posted December 18, 2000 In general, FF babies are more likely to be obese than BF babies. Of course there are always differences, even between siblings, and genetics play a role but those things have been taken into consideration when these studies are performed. Jenn -----Original Message-----From: I do not hink that the difference should be drawn between BF and FF babies, but siblings. I think that genetics has a lot to do with the predisposition of weight. ----- Original Message ----- From: JMowatt One of the differences they have found between BF and FF babies are that BF babies have large fat cells whereas the FF babies have MORE fat cells. One can lose weight and make existing cells smaller, but once your body makes more cells, the only way to lose them is liposuction. LOL BF Babies are less likely to be obese adults, their growth is very different than a FF baby. -----Original Message-----From: Doug & I have always heard that you can't over feed a BF baby. If this is true, then why is not uncommon to have over weight babies? What about the research that says that fat babies make for fat adults? Will my fat little BF baby have weight problems as an adult? Or, is all that research based on FF babies? I have always fed both my children on demand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2000 Report Share Posted December 20, 2000 i do not believe you can overfeed a bf baby. if they arent hungry and they dont want to comfort nurse, then they wont. they pull away from you. follow your instincts - you know your baby. i have a sister-in-law like yours. i finally just walk away when she gets on her podium and berates me for bf that she finally gave up. take care - lsa Question for thought... With Christmas around the corner, I am about to see my sister in law who just loves to put me down & tell me what to do (another story!!). When Bethany was just figuring out how to BF, she was full of advice: "let her nurse 15 min. each side then make her wait at least 2 hours before letting her nurse again" - she is supposedly a BF advocate! Anyway, she is incredibly obsessed with weight, even in infants. My first child was very chubby as a FF baby and she has always commented on how "fat" was. Meanwhile, her kids tended to be cranky, whiney, skinny, not so healthy babies (I wonder why????). I have always heard that you can't over feed a BF baby. If this is true, then why is not uncommon to have over weight babies? What about the research that says that fat babies make for fat adults? Will my fat little BF baby have weight problems as an adult? Or, is all that research based on FF babies? I have always fed both my children on demand. I can't tolerate to hear them cry. If they fuss & I have tried everything else, then I offer her to nurse & she will calm. So, what do I say when my SIL goes on endlessly about how big my baby is? I am not worried about Bethany, I am so incredibly satisfied to know that I have provided 100% of her nutrition! She started out as a 6 week early preemie who weighed in at 6 pounds 8 ounces. She is now just over 14 pounds! Thanks for the input, I really am curious about the weight thing! Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!http://www.lactivist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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