My babies tend to run small, so a lot of what I planned with my daughter (peanut) became history when she stopped making her weight checks after her first birthday-- not forcing food, offering only whole grains, organics, no sugar or junk, etc... Suddenly, it was McDonalds, trading M&Ms for bites, bribery, sugar, butter, fried food, processed crap, you name it.
Not all babies will eat what they need. I'm sure you are right that most will, but I know first hand that not all will. Once my baby was deemed too thin, I did whatever it took to put weight on her. Let your doctor start talking about tube feedings, developmental delays and genetic testing; let your child be considered borderline "failure to thrive" -- then we'll see how long you can keep singing your holier than thou tune.
I'm sure this wasn't what you meant when you told me that I was spoiling my daughter and giving her bad eating habits, and I know you didn't have this information when you rolled your eyes at me and snickered to your friend behind my back after listening to me beg and negotiate with her to take a few more bites. I just want to point out that there are many roads to good parenting. I'm glad yours is working for you. Now, kindly F-off.
Thanks.
P.S. My children NEVER ate baby food (we made every meal), they don't drink juice and I breastfed peanut for a year and am still going with the pumpkin man. Still feel superior?
This is right on!
ReplyDeleteYou are such an excellent writer, tumbleweed.
ReplyDeleteDon't I know it! My three year was diagnosed with failure to thrive - we'll feed her ANYTHING, just to get her to eat! She's finally gaining some weight, although we still need to make an appointment here pretty soon to re-check her weight. Hopefully she'll be on the upswing, but we've taken her for torture tests, x-rays, blood work, blah blah blah...
ReplyDeleteShe's a great eater - she'll eat all kinds of fruits, veggies, grains, etc. she just doesn't gain much weight. My five year old was the same way at that age, but now she's at about 50% for height and weight, thank God!
Hang in there, and to heck with the nay-sayers!
Oh, so sorry you felt so judged! I fed my twins McDonalds french fries when they were toddlers b/c they were so tiny and they would actually eat them. The Dr. said to feed them whatever they would eat, and so I did. There is a point where any nutrition is better than no nutrition. And, I was judged, too.
ReplyDeletePS Love your writing!