Tips on what to feed my underweight daughter? - Children's Health Message Board

Raven · 11-08-2000, 05:41 PM

Hello, I posted before the board changed but I think I need more advice. My daughter is 6 and weighs 33 pounds. She has been to the Doctor who just writes her off as "Failure to thrive". But I will not let him win. She is a fun loving, active little girl who wants to do everything. She picks me up when I am down and I need to help her now. Any tips on what to give her that is good for her yet fattening or high in calories? Please help, I am at my wits end on this. Raven

~mandy~ · 11-12-2000, 09:38 AM

Hi
Does your daughter eat properly or is she a slow picky eater? if she's eating a good diet (lots of whole milk, fresh fruits, veggies and meats?)You need to find out whats causing her to be so thin if she is eating properly. I suggest you find another doctor, she could have absorbtion problems and what she's eating just isn't getting ot where it needs to be. See if you can find a specialist or another doctor who is a little more willing to help.
good luck, :0)

Cimba · 11-26-2000, 10:06 PM

Raven,
I am quite surprised that the Dr has not provided you more info concerning her diet.
Have you tried Pedisure? Or , in my sons case, we used Ensure diluted with milk.
Milkshakes, bananas, high carb foods.
Vitamins in addition.
Eliminate sugars from candy etc.
Use %100 juices. Look for sugar content and get the lowest sugar you can, because the carbs will turn into sugar and you won't need all the extra sugar.
Please inquire with your DR about any additional advice. Is she under a great deal of stress?
Best to you and your daughter.
Cimba

Raven · 11-27-2000, 04:55 AM

Hi Cimba,
Thanks for the info. I wouldn't say she is under a great deal of stress, if so she doesn't show it but I definately am! Maybe it effects her as well. She has been on Pedisure since she was a baby but if she drinks alot she throws up sometimes. We used to blame the Pedisure or Chocolate Milk she always wanted to drink. She eats candy I try to limit her but they even give it to her at school. She gets it from her dad as well. She gets multi-vitamins and she eats the most fattening of foods that I can get but either she doesn't eat enough of it or she has to much energy and wears it off. She also eats food that is very good for her. She loves Brocoli and fruit. She always says her stomach hurts, which means either she is full or she has to go to the bathroom. I think she doesn't eat enough period! I am still up for more tips!!!! Thanks, Raven

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~Raven~

[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 12-02-2000).]

My Kids Dad · 11-29-2000, 08:05 AM

You mention that her dad gives her candy. Not to be to invasive of your personal life or situation, but are you divorced? Does your daughter go to visit her dad on weekends? If so ... I would venture to say that yes, she is dealing with a lot of stress. Kids have a way of not showing the stress, or what is bothering them. I have two young children (son 9 and daughter 7) that live with their mother. My son is already counting the years until he can live with dad ... and my daughter is so torn that it is affecting her as well. My daughter is a very good eater (when she is with me), but she is so thin and frail. That is another story, but sounds as though there are similarities here.

Anther thing I agree with from a previous poster here, get a new doctor. Just because a person is a doctor (or a lawyer, or any other professional for that matter) doesn't mean they are good.

Above all else, try and keep her young life as "normal" as you can, and don't put to much emphasizes on these matters where your daughter can tell it is an issue.

Good Luck ... and keep us informed.
Dave