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 Ask Dr. Jana
Feeding Infant Cow's Milk | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Jana,
My little boy used to throw up his formula. We tried all different types of formula, but none worked. When he was about 4½ or 5 months his dad and I put him on whole milk and baby vitamins. He is doing and growing just fine. His doctor told us that it was not a good solution, but he seems to be doing everything a baby his age (now 9 months) should be able to do. He has two teeth and has been eating baby food since about 5 or 6 months old. He also eats stuff off the table. I think parents know a little more about their child than a doctor can. That is what I think. But who knows.— Upset with Doctors in Troy, Missouri | | | ANSWER |
October 5, 2001 | | | Dear Upset with Doctors,
I appreciate you writing in to us. I am glad to hear that your son seems to be growing and developing well. I am sorry that you are upset with doctors, but let me assure you that I, as well as all of the doctors with whom I work, only have the best interest of children in mind when we make any sort of recommendation.
That said, you'll notice that The Dr Spock Company continues to use the statement that Dr. Spock himself lived by, and that is "Trust Yourself." We, too, believe that parents know more than anyone else about their own children. Our goal is simply to provide parents with as much up-to-date, relevant information as they need in order to let them make informed decisions. Quite simply, we want to help parents raise happy, healthy children.
With that in mind, I want to make sure you know the primary reason why children's health professionals don't recommend giving regular cow's milk to children under the age of one. Some infants who are given cow's milk develop intestinal bleeding that is not visible to the naked eye. This microscopic blood loss can lead to iron deficiency anemia. I would suggest that anyone who does choose to give their infant cow's milk discuss with their child's doctor about testing the stool for blood as well as the potential need for iron supplements.— by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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