The standard infant growth chart that most doctors refer to are issued by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The latest revision in 2000 came with a note that indicated that the charts can be used to assess the growth of all infants, regardless of race or culture and can be used for formula-fed and breast-fed infants. However, "in general, exclusively breast-fed infants tend to gain weight more rapidly in the first 2 to 3 months. From 6 to 12 months breast-fed infants tend to weigh less than formula-fed infants."
The World Health Organization recognized this discrepancy between breast-fed and formula-fed infants and have devised a charts based on a set of data for infants who have been exclusively breast-fed (i.e., no formula supplementation) up to 12 months of age.
With concerns that Abby's weight had tapered off and she had dropped from the 50th %-ile down to below 10th %-ile over the past few months, I found these charts to be a huge relief. If we look at Abby's weight at 10.5 months (18.8125 lbs), she falls right around the 50th %-ile! Taking a look at the average growth patterns for a breastfed baby I realize that Abby's growth chart in her medical records follows the breastfed baby data points exactly.
I wish the doctors would put less emphasis on the growth charts and focus more on the overall well-being of the child.
Abby's 12-month well-baby appointment is scheduled for July 8th with her primary care physician, Dr. Carr.
The World Health Organization recognized this discrepancy between breast-fed and formula-fed infants and have devised a charts based on a set of data for infants who have been exclusively breast-fed (i.e., no formula supplementation) up to 12 months of age.
With concerns that Abby's weight had tapered off and she had dropped from the 50th %-ile down to below 10th %-ile over the past few months, I found these charts to be a huge relief. If we look at Abby's weight at 10.5 months (18.8125 lbs), she falls right around the 50th %-ile! Taking a look at the average growth patterns for a breastfed baby I realize that Abby's growth chart in her medical records follows the breastfed baby data points exactly.
I wish the doctors would put less emphasis on the growth charts and focus more on the overall well-being of the child.
Abby's 12-month well-baby appointment is scheduled for July 8th with her primary care physician, Dr. Carr.
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