Frustrated with DCG Pediatrician!

[Lilbutterflie]

My 9mo dcg has had almost daily diarrhea since she started solids at about 6 mo of age. Since, she's had almost daily diarrhea/loose stools. Not usually blow outs, but certainly much looser than it should be. It's obvious to me it's not viral or bacterial; since no one else had had diarrhea here. I really think it's an allergy or something else wrong. But I've talked to DCM almost daily about it and let her know it's not normal. DCM agreed she would talk to her pediatrician about it this morning at her 9 mo checkup.

Dr told her that it was normal and some babies just have diarrhea frequently. In addition, he seemed slightly concerned since she didn't gain much weight from her 6 mo checkup. He recommended to increase her formula intake.

This COMPLETELY surprised me!! I expected him to probe her about the daily diarrhea and possibly run some tests. I expected him to actually say we should be decreasing her formula! This girl is 75-90th percentile for weight and only 20% for height. She is petite, but she is very chunky. Certainly not underweight by any means. She is getting 32 ounces of formula per day, and my understanding is that at 9 mo they should be decreasing to 24-30 ounces, right? Does anyone have the link to the USDA food recommendations for infants at 9 months? I don't participate in the food program, and I couldn't find that info anywhere.

This pediatrician is also my own children's pediatrician, and we love him and he seems very knowledgeable with us. I just can't believe the things he seems to be saying. I feel like calling and speaking with him about it; perhaps there was miscommunication somewhere (either on his side or dcm's side)? But I feel like this would just be crossing the line as a daycare provider. What do you all think? If anyone can help me with the link to the formula recommendations, that would be very helpful!

[Blackcat31]

Is this info relayed to you by mom or did you actually see a written report from the pedi?

I am not saying mom lied but.....

Here is the link to the infant food program info: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/care/Pro...l_Patterns.htm

[Breezy]

If he is saying that then he may think she needs more nutrients then what the solids are giving her. My DS is 13 months and still on formula (toddler milk) because he is not eating enough solids in the day and getting enough nutrients. He just isnt interested.

Anywho, have you tried a yogurt with probiotics in it for the loose stool? I had a 2 year old once who had a very loose stool everytime and it just was how he pooped. Though it was probably something in his diet.

[cheerfuldom]

If the loose stools are a problem, you should talk to the ped directly. otherwise, let mom handle it.

[Lilbutterflie]

Is this info relayed to you by mom or did you actually see a written report from the pedi?

I am not saying mom lied but.....

Here is the link to the infant food program info: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/care/Pro...l_Patterns.htm

It's all relayed to me by mom. I don't think mom lied, but I do feel as if miscommunication may have occurred.

Thanks for the link, Blackcat. Do you know of anything else that says what their total intake of formula should be per day? If I add up all the fluid ounce recommendations for breakfast, lunch, snack and supper, it totals 20-28 oz formula. She is getting 32. She is pretty chunky and in 75-90th percentile for weight. I just don't understand him increasing her formula intake since she also eats breakfast, lunch and dinner (solid foods) very well. She is a great eater!

[Blackcat31]

Try these sites. Both have some good tips and recommended intakes for babies.

http://kids.emedtv.com/newborn-feeding/infant-formula-feeding-chart.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/278242-recommended-caloric-intake-for-an-infant/

[Ariana]

I hate pediatricians and the parents who take everyting they say as the Gospel truth!! I take care of a child who has major allergies to dairy and has ALL the symptoms my DD had before we eliminated it. The pediatrician does nothing except tell mom she has asthma and continue to increase her medication. It makes me so angry and sad but there's nothing I can do especially when the mom goes along with whatever he says (AKA whatever is easiest for her, because giving meds is WAY easier than cutting out dairy). It's quite odd but I've met so many parents who would rather cut their own head off than cut out dairy and will just let their children suffer without even trying it!!

Sorry for that little rant I would agree that she might be lying...again because it's easier for her to do so rather than figure out what's wrong.

[itlw8]

If I were the parent I would suspect one of the solid foods.... how much fruit as opposed to veggies are served. I would cut out fruits except maybe fresh banana and apple sauce.


Rice cereal has soy in in I would cut it out and serve one that has no soy. After a few weeks things might get better.

I would not suspect milk products because it started with solid foods. This is why only one new food should be introduced every 7 days. then you can identify any problem foods.


If It were my child I might go back to just formula for a week and slowly reintroduce solids again to find the problem.

[countrymom]

hmm I've had kids like this too, and dr's have said the same thing, its just the way they poop. Ya, till I figured out that all they ate was junk food (he was 2)

I bet you this child is eating alot of fruit.

[jojosmommy]

Chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of lots of underlying issues including things like autism or calcium deficiency. It can also be a simple intolerance to one food or too much of a particular food. Most drs aren't going to search for an underlying cause because their intestines are still so immature and everything can irritate them.

Is she getting juice? Pear and apple juice have lots of asorbic (sp?) acid which can cause loose stools. Baby fruits can be loaded with fillers and may have lots of that too.

Unfortunately unless mom is going to do what you are doing at home it really won't matter much. Talk to mom about doing one thing first and get on the same page or most of your efforts will be futile.

[Country Kids]

Chronic diarrhea can also be cause from:

Celiac's disease

Crohns disease

Both take lots and lots of testing to diagnose.

[cheerfuldom]

I wouldnt be too hasty to blame the ped. The same parents who would rather do anything else than care for their sick child are the same ones who will conveniently twist what the ped says to match what they are willing to do. OR they arent even telling the doctor the whole truth about the issues. yes there are some ped.s out there who tell patients horrendous things but I think there are probably more parents that either miscommunicate accidentally or worse, do it on purpose.