A young woman comes to your office for a lactation consultation complaining that her 1-month-old baby has colic and slow weight gain. Her baby requires 6 to 7 diaper changes each day and suffers from diarrhea. She tells you that she allows the baby to nurse equally on each breast; she is desperate for help and asks your advice on what to do. A 24-hour diet history provides the following information about her eating habits.
Breakfast:        cereal, milk, banana, and walnut pieces; sometimes she has eggs
Lunch:             peanut butter sandwich, salad, and grapes with a glass of milk
Dinner:            fish or chicken, vegetables, potato or rice, applesauce, and milk
Snacks:            change daily but she likes trail mix because it is easy to eat when nursing

What would the best advice be for this woman?

Question

A young woman comes to your office for a lactation consultation complaining that her 1-month-old baby has colic and slow weight gain. Her baby requires 6 to 7 diaper changes each day and suffers from diarrhea. She tells you that she allows the baby to nurse equally on each breast; she is desperate for help and asks your advice on what to do. A 24-hour diet history provides the following information about her eating habits.
Breakfast:        cereal, milk, banana, and walnut pieces; sometimes she has eggs
Lunch:             peanut butter sandwich, salad, and grapes with a glass of milk
Dinner:            fish or chicken, vegetables, potato or rice, applesauce, and milk
Snacks:            change daily but she likes trail mix because it is easy to eat when nursing
 
What would the best advice be for this woman?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the information provided, the baby is likely not getting enough hindmilk, which has a higher fat content, leading to slow weight gain and diarrhea. Allowing the baby to nurse on one breast until it is completely empty will ensure that the baby receives adequate hindmilk. Supplementing with formula or increasing fat intake may not solve the root issue of inadequate hindmilk transfer. Increasing protein through nuts is not indicated as the mother's current diet appears to provide sufficient protein.

A Young Woman Comes to Your Office for a Lactation