Underweight Children

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Mommy (Coimbatore, Tn, india) on 11/14/2011

Hello, Thanks to this site. I am struggling from the time my son is born. He was born underweight (1.1 kg) to everyone's surprise because I had no issues during my pregnancy. Even the doctors (son was born in california, USA) didn't predict he will be underweight. From that time I am trying my best to take care of him. He was motherfed only 2 months and my milk stopped due to transistion from US to India. I started giving Neosure and Similac formulas for almost 2 years supplementing with dals, rice, soups, idlis and gerber products. He is now 4 yrs and weighs only 11. He is very, very thin and slender. He looks tiny and anyone who sees him will question me "he is so little, will he eat??... Why is he so tiny and weak?" I have answered soooo many ppl with only one answe r"He was born underweight". Immediately ppl tell.. "Oh! I have seen underweight babies. Now at the age of 3 or 4, they are normal and healthy".. Then I think "Then there is something wrong with my baby".

I keep asking to myself.. Will he grow as a normal child? Will he be able to answer ppl's comments when they tease him directly? "oh.. U r so little"

Oh God.. Even now I can't control my tears. I am giving proper meals. I spend at least 30 min to 40 min daily for a meal.. I will forcebly feed him whatever it takes.. Poor Boy!! He cries.. But I never leave him. If he misses one meal, then he will lose weight.. He doesn't like fatty items-cakes, ice creams, ghee biscuits.

Can anyone help me? I really need something which will make my son gain some weight. His height is normal maybe 2 inches below a normal 4 yr old. But his physique is so poor.

I and my husband are ready to do anything for my son. Please help and I will be really grateful to you guys.

God Bless Everyone.

Thanks

REPLY   7      

Lisa (Coto De Caza, Ca) on 10/15/2009
5 out of 5 stars

natural cures for underweight children

Some children have a hard time eating if food upsets their stomach. Sometimes this is due to delayed food allergies. There is an expensive blood test for this, but it is not 100% accurate, but can be a good starting point. Food elimination diets can detect them, but don't use the ones that are too restrictive. Most popular food problems: gluten (wheat), milk, eggs or egg whites, corn, soy, nuts. Lots of books on this.

Celiac disease= no gluten. If your child is really underweight or short for their age, try the celiac disease blood test. The test is not 100% accurate as there are sometimes false negatives if the disease is in the early stage. Other symptoms of celiacs: stomach upsets, IBS, tooth enamel problems, skin problems.... Google for more info and symptoms. Celiac disease destroys the villi in your intestine and food/vitamins are not absorbed. Ergo, if your child is not absorbing their food, they don't grow. Once your child is off gluten, the intestines heal and food is absorbed.... weight is gained.

REPLY   6