Case
Study 1
John
and Susan are both prone to being overweight. They are concerned that their
infant son, Steven will also have weight problems. They are referred to you
when Steven is 5 months old. Steven’s growth data are as follows:
Age | Weight | Length |
Birth | 8 lb | 20 inches |
1 week | 8 lb 1 oz | 20 inches |
1 months | 11 lb | 21.5 |
2 months | 12 lb 8 oz | 23 inches |
3 months | 14 lb 8 oz | 23.5 |
4 months | 16 lb | 25.5 |
5 months | 18 lb | 26.5 |
Steven
breastfeeds six times daily for about 20-25 minutes at each feeding. He is not
presently receiving any other sources of nourishment. Answer the following
questions for John and Susan:
1.
Their
pediatrician told them that Steven’s weight is above average. Is he gaining too
much weight?
2.
Should
they delay adding solid foods or add something now? If they should add
something, what would recommend? At what point would you begin adding solid
foods and in what order would you recommend?
3.
What
developmental changes occur between 5 months to a year that demonstrate
readiness for solids foods?
4.
Should
they give Steven juice in a bottle?
5.
A
neighbor has suggested that Steven could be given skim milk instead of breast
milk. Do you recommend this?
Submitting
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Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is important to guide and educate medical college students on various topics related to healthcare. One such topic is infant nutrition and feeding practices. In this case study, we will discuss the growth data of an infant, Steven, and address various concerns of his parents, John and Susan.
1. Is Steven gaining too much weight?
Based on Steven’s growth data, he is gaining weight at an average rate. While his weight is above average, it is important to consider other factors such as his length and overall health. Thus, he is not gaining too much weight.
2. Should they delay adding solid foods or add something now?
It is recommended to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of a baby’s life. After six months, solid foods can be introduced in addition to breastfeeding. Parents can start with soft foods such as mashed fruits and vegetables, and gradually introduce a variety of textures. It is important to introduce one food at a time and observe any allergic reactions or digestive issues.
3. What developmental changes occur between 5 months to a year that demonstrate readiness for solid foods?
Between 5 months to a year, a baby’s digestive system develops, and they begin to show signs of readiness for solid foods. These signs include sitting up without support, showing interest in food, and making chewing motions with their mouth.
4. Should they give Steven juice in a bottle?
It is not recommended to give juice to an infant below six months of age. After six months, it is best to offer juice in a cup rather than a bottle. It is important to limit juice intake and prioritize breast milk or formula as the main source of nutrition.
5. A neighbor has suggested that Steven could be given skim milk instead of breast milk. Do you recommend this?
Skim milk is not recommended as the main source of nutrition for infants below one year of age. Breast milk or formula provide all the necessary nutrients for an infant’s growth and development. After one year of age, whole cow’s milk can be introduced.
Conclusion:
Infant nutrition and feeding practices are crucial for a baby’s growth and development. As medical professionals, it is important to educate parents on these topics and address any concerns they may have. In this case study, we discussed Steven’s growth data and answered his parents’ questions related to his feeding practices.
