Vitamin D Question

Hello,

I am a new grandma to a beautiful baby girl (4 months old). My daughter is also breast feeding and has given my granddaughter Vitamin D liquid supplements right from the start (Dr's advice).
Hope this helps !

The vit supplement usually starts at 6 months if the child is strickly breastfed. They will prescribe a vitamin and fluoride supplement usually at the 6 month physical.
J.

I asked my doctor about this when my daughter was little and he said it depends on where you live. If you live south of the mason-dixon, don't worry about it--we get enough D from the sun. If not, ask your pediatrician.

I was told to supplement only my firstborn with iron. I've never heard that breastfed children are deficient in Vitamin D and when I have my fourth I plan to breastfeed her as I have done with my other three (exclusively). None of them have ever had a Vitamin D deficiency, they seem to get what they need from mom. I wouldn't give them anything unless there is a specific problem. Vitamin D comes from sunlight as well and I would imagine if you are concerned about this you could expose your child to sunlight by letting him play in a sunny room.

In my opinion, they don't need it. My doctor never even suggested my breastfed daughter have supplements, but I've had some friends who's doctors said they needed it. Maybe breastmilk has less vitamin D than formula, but why would we assume that the way nature made it is the wrong way? Anyway, that's just my 2 cents :)

Hi J.,

Your friends may have been outside a lot. Forgive the history lesson, :), but I think the reason breastfed babies don't have enough Vitamin D is because the best source of Vitamin D is sunlight. In times past, we were outside a lot more than we are today. Vitamin D helps the calcium absorb so teeth and bones are healthy.

I'm not an FDA fan, but even they say that everyone needs supplementation because the vitamins and minerals are not in our food products. Even fresh fruits and vegetables today do not have the same nutrition that they had in the 50s because of chemicals, pollution, abused soil and lack of family run farms (i.e. care). Breast milk is still BEST but moms don't have the same nutrition they had before.

Go to breastcancerfund.com. They have information that goes past breast cancer. For instance, "The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Third National Report on Human
Exposure to Environmental Chemicals revealed
that the bodies of Americans of all ages contain
148 SYNTHETIC chemicals, some of which are
KNOWN or suspected carcinogens.33 Many of
these chemicals were also found in the umbilical
cord blood of NEWBORN babies.34" Babies today have obstacles to overcome that we didn't.

My babies are past bottles and I didn't know anything about anything when they were little. I now supplement my girls eating and also mine and my husband's eating. Wish I had had mamasource then!

Regards,

M.

Hi! I breastfed both of my kiddos, and with my second the doctor recommended Vitamin D supplements (for the same reason you mentioned). However, in one of my breastfeeding books (probably Nursing Mother's Companion) it mentions that while there IS very little vitamin D in breastmilk, it is highly bioavailable, which means almost all of it gets absorbed by the baby. As a result, I didn't supplement, and he hasn't had any problems--he's a HUMONGOUS 16 month old! :) My point is that the doctor will probably recommend it, so you'll kinda have to make your own decision. Good luck!

Hi! I had this same question when I was breastfeeding. Our pediatrician told me that as long as I was taking a vitamin that had D in it, it would get transferred to the baby. Also, it helps if your little one gets in the sun each day, which should be easier as spring approaches.

Oh, I got this from both my kids pediatricians (one's a mainstream doc, the other is very holistic - this is one of the few things they agree on.)
There is a slight possibility of rickets, especially if the kid gets little exposure to sunlight and is black.
Unless you're very concerned about a vitamin supplement being somehow detrimental, then it's a cheap and easy way to avoid a health problem. I've also read about mother's milk having a higher "bioavailablity" of vitamin D (and iron as well.)

When you hit 6 months, you'll probably have the same questions about iron supplements for breastfed babies. And iron deficiencies are a lot more common than vitamin D. Definitely go for the iron supplements if you're still breastfeeding.

I never did with either one of my kiddos but I only was able to breatfeed for 3 months and 4 months each. And to think of it, my friends that have nursed way longer or over the first year I don't think did either. You can get Vit D naturaly from sun light also.

Good luck!
~S.

I don't think it's necessary. I'm pregnant with my 5th child and have never given my children vitamin D supplements. They are fine and I'm naturally minded. I believe in Vitamins and herbs totally and I don't see that the Vitamin D is necessary. I've never been told by a pediatrician about giving my children Vitamin D. I guess it just depends on the ped.

I gave my baby this on and off--mostly off. My understanding of it is, if your child goes outside enough, there isn't any reason to give him the supplement, as his body can manufacture vit D if exposed to sunlight--of course too much direct sun is bad b/c of sunburn! they recommend it across the board to be safe, but the real danger is for babies drinking exclusively breastmilk in all day daycare or who live in Alaska! I stayed at home w/ my daughter who was exclusively breastfed and she is off the charts in height, walked early, etc. Just took her out on walks and normal errands. No worries about the vitamin thing...here in sunny Atlanta..

I have nursed all 11 of my children for over a year each. Several of them did not even get food until the first birthday. They are all very healthy. I did start to supplement with vitamins after they stopped nursing. I think the advice you have gotten thus far is great. With the nice weather approaching I think getting enough sun and D should be pretty easy. Studies are always showing new things so the info from the one mom from her dad was very interesting. Always wait and see what is said after the studies have been peer reviewed as new studies can shed new light. Don't react to a study until then. So many studies hit the news and we won't know how credible hey are until the peer reviewed studies and publication of them occur.

To your health and that of your precious little one!
K.

HI JAMIE,
I don't think you need to worry about that. I never gave my child any supplements and he turned out fine. Your body naturally produces Vit D through exposure to sunlight. All he needs is 10-15min of sunlight several times a week and he will produce whatever he needs. Just take him for a walk in the stroller or let him play in the sunlight near a window. His body will take care of producing Vit D.

M.

Hello,

I have had 4 babies, all of which were breastfed, the youngest one more than the others. I weaned her at 14 months, Whew! I never supplemented my milk with any vitamins to the baby of any kind, however, I was careful to remember to take my prenatals every day. I also monitored what I ate and drank to make certain that my milk was fully 'loaded'. By the way, I am African American and I did not spend a lot of time with my children in the sun! I believe that if mom has a vitamin deficiency then baby will too. Statistics may tell us a lot of good info, however, I don't believe that this glove fits everyone. It's truly individual in my opinion. All of my children are extremely healthy and always have been. And might I add that we are 100% vegan/vegetarian.

Hope this helps.

In His Love,
D. B.

Dear Jamie S,

I am a mother of 3 beautiful children and a working single mom with a 10 yr old, 2 1/2 yr old, and a 9 month old. When I went back to work after the baby, I was so worried that I would not be able to do it{all of it} not just breastfeeding but I managed and my baby has four healthy bright white teeth and is a tough little cookie to deal with the 2 1/2 old brother so no fragile bones. I also breastfed the older two and never supplimented vit.D, sometimes I supplimented formulia but not the vitamin. I hope that is some helpful information. Newly divorce mother of 3 wonderful children,Ga girl M.

My son's dr told me the same thing, but said that if I took a vitamin D supplement that he would not need to take anything himself. And it will help my body not be completely stripped of vitamin D, which usually happens to moms who breastfeed. So just take a supplement and you and your little one should be fine.

breastfeeding is the best thing you can do! a breasfed baby needs nothing else! it's probably info given out by formula feeding mothers to feel less guilty for not breastfeeding. what you're doing is perfect!

My pediatrician told me as long as he gets about 15 minutes of sun daily on his skin that that would be sufficient for his vitamin D. So just take him outside for a few minutes and get some sun and you can avoid the supplements!

I was told with my third that I needed to give her vitamin D, but it wasn't until she was 6 months old. It's something about half the doctors do, and half don't. I don't see what it could hurt personaly. I'd rather be safe than sorry. They say 80% of Americans are VERY vitamin D deficient so even with you taking a supplement, it may not be enough.

Before discharge from the hospital in November my pediatrician told me that my baby girl should spend 10-15 minutes in the sunshine a few times a week to get her vitamin D. At the 2 month check-up they had me put her on Polyvisol vitamins which is also a source of vitamin D (I only give them every other day in the bath since they stain and inevitably some of it gets spit back out!). My doc group seems more concerned with her iron intake. They have me continuing the iron supp that I was taking at the end of my pregnancy + giving the Polyvisol with Iron. I'm also trying to keep up my intake of red meat.

This is a very controversial topic!! I get this question asked to me in all of the classes that I teach. I think that as long as mom is not vitamin D deficient then baby will be fine. Just a little sunlight is all baby needs for that good vitamin D. Both of my children were exclusively bf for over 1 year and I never once supplemented with Vita. D. Most Dr's are pushing the supplements, just continue to research for yourself and always go with your instincts. Best of luck with your wonderful decision to give baby the best start!!!

As long as you are getting plenty of sun and taking High Vitamin Cod Liver Oil and Butter Oil you should be fine. If you aren't out in the Sun Daily and you aren't taking the above you should get your baby out in the Sun for a few mins a day or give them Cod Liver Oil and Butter Oil.

See the info below for a more comprehensive explaination
http://westonaprice.org/children/infant-vitamin-d-safety....

Vitimins that are not food based are NOT good for you. If you are taking your nutrients in the form of food they will be very bio-available for you and your baby.

Don't always relie on your doctor as the ultimate resource, remember they are human, do your own research and do what is best for your baby. I have found most Doctors know NOTHING about eating right, if they did, they would be the biggest advocates for truly Organic, Local, Fresh food, esp when it came to New Mothers, Baby's and Children.

Hi J.,

My pediatrician suggested we start the Tri-Vi-Sol drops at 2 months. My daughter (now 4 months) has been taking a dropper of it each day since then. We haven't had any problems with it. Considering Vitamin D is so important for adults, I imagine it's a good thing for babies too. Apparently, breastfed babies don't get enough vitamin D from breast milk. The formulas have it added.

Hope that helps.

C.

I wouldn't worry about it. A little bit of sun exposure everyday helps with Vit D, even if its just through a sunny window. Since we're in the South, there's lots of opportunity for sunshine! I've breastfed all four of my children and never given vitamin supplements and they're all wonderfully healthy. Breastmilk really is the perfect food, no matter what the formula industries try to tell you ;-)

I asked my doctor about this too and they recommended that I give this supplement to my daughter after 2 months. I've heard that apparently they use up all our stores after 2 months. My doctor did say that as long as she was in the sun for 30 min. a day that she would get enough from the sun, so it is less common to use the supplement in the south b/c it is still pretty sunny and warm year round. I have my daughter on Tri-Vi-Sol, which is made by Enfamil. You can get it at Babies r us. Hope this helps:)

I did not do that myself. When he starts cutting teeth you will probably want to start giving him whole milk diluted with some water and that is when he will get his vita D. Plus when you start feeding him baby food check the labels and he will get his vitamins he needs. Also, if you are eating the right foods he is getting it thru you. Not to worry he will be fine.
LAM

I breast fed both of my kids for 18 months each and never gave them supplements of any kind. They are wonderfully healthy and rarely sick.

Hi J., I breastfed my second child for a little over 2 years. I never gave him any supplements, and he is very healthy. As long as your child gets some sun, even if he plays near the window, he should be fine. Nothing beats breastmilk.