Vitamin D

We just went to Colin's 4 month check-up on Tuesday and our Pediatrician mentioned starting solids. I was surprised and mentioned the AAP guidelines, as well as recommendations by WHO not to start solids until 6 months - exclusively breastfeeding until then was best. He back-tracked and agreed.

This opened the door for conversation about starting solids later. I approached the topic cautiously, knowing full well that exclusively breastfeeding beyond 6 months is not widely accepted, though there is limited research to show that it is actually harmful for babies in developed countries whose mothers are well nourished. What little research there is points to third world countries and malnourished mothers who are breastfeeding. Naturally if they are deficient, then so will their babies be at some point....

Anywho, I mentioned breastfeeding exclusively till 7-8 months as I sensed some tension. The Pediatrician launched into an argument that Vitamin D would not be produced in breastmilk sufficient for baby's needs. Agreed. However, the only natural way to get Vitamin D is through sun exposure (not the baking or burning kind, but limited healthy amounts which are good) and Colin does get small amounts of healthy sun exposure through out the week. The Pediatrician argued that he should have sun screen on. And I agree that when out in the sun for extended periods during peak sun exposure, it is good to use sun screen but if you always use it, you won't be able to absorbed the natural rays for the sun which aid the body in synthesizing Vitamin D. When we take supplements, our bodies can't regulate them as well.

So, for those of you wondering about Vitamin D deficiency in your baby, HERE is a great link with tons of great info on how much sunlight is needed for adequate vitamin D, how much is contained in mom's breastmilk, as well as quotes & recommendations from AAP & WHO.

At the bottom of the link on KellyMom.com there is a link to JOURNAL ARTICLES which has a list of research that has been done on the topic of Vitamin D.

I still plan on exclusively breastfeeding beyond 6 months. Colin was born nearly a month pre-mature and if keeping his adjusted age in mind (you always want to adjust baby's age, if he/she was premature for every mile stone, especially for the first year) then he wouldn't be ready for solids until 7 months. I feel that there is some compelling evidence that starting solids at 6 months is not the most beneficial time for all babies, or even most babies. It seems unreasonable and unwise to have a "hard & fast" rule for when all babies should do anything. They all do things a little different and grow at their own pace. And we should let them.

For those of you interested in this also, I will post some info and links to help you decide if this is right for your baby.

Happy Breastfeeding!