Need advice on how to get my daughter to eat

I'm sorry about your predicament. I am just turning 17, and when I was diagnosed at 2, I had a hard time eating much also. In fact, when I was put in the hospital, I downright refused to eat. One thing that worked for my parents later though, was chocolate milk. No matter how bad or stubborn I was being, my parents would always get me to drink chocolate milk. That is actually what kept my weight up to a good level was because I was constantly drinking it (and my parents gave me whole milk, for the extra fat). I don't know if it will work for your daughter, but maybe if you try what my parents did, you might like the results (of course with a different food or drink, whatever Michaela likes).

I don't know if this will help, but it did help me to keep my weight up. I hope someone else has better advice for you, I'm just sorry that I don't. 

Em

If you cant get this baby to eat or drink then you may end up having an N-G tube installed.  It is not exactly what you want to hear, but I have to tell you, there is no better way to get calories into this kid and get him up in weight a few pounds.  Nutrition is of utmost importance.

What happens is this:  As nutrition declines, these kids tend to spiral down quicker.  In other words, they gain momentum going the wrong way.  Sometimes you NEED to kick start the system by getting his strength and nutrition up with a feeding tube.  It may only have to be installed for a couple of months, but its effects are long lasting once that kid gains a few pounds.  He may actually be a different kid--more energy and a better appetite.

Many studies have shown that low body weight is related to faster decline in lung function.

This baby should continue to make gains in weight just like any other kid.  It may come on at a slower pace, but baby should grow.  

Another suggestion is sometimes you may need to change enzymes.  They are not all the same.  We use pancrecarb which contains bicarb as a buffer.  It makes the enzymes work better.  Some people use zantac with enzymes to make them work better also.  The gut is very acidic in CF and enzymes dont work well in an acidic environment.  Also, the pancreas lacks the ability to secrete bicarb into the duodenum. 

Get MCT oil which you can add to some foods to increase calories. 

Also, make sure you get vitamins into him.  Most docs recommend ADEK's  I personally dont think they are the best, but these fat soluable vitamins are formulated to be bioavailable to CF patients.

Stay away from Calcium, and increase Magnesium.  Also, get him liking cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, coliflower, kale, sprouts, etc.  www.sharktank.org

Dont let his poor eating go too long without getting him to his CF specialist.  I suggest you dont use a pediatrician, you should find a CF specialist.

How is his weight now and percentage on the growth chart?

Have you made any gains in weight/length since diagnosis?

Is this baby by chance still breast feeding or bottle feeding?

alan himmel

Thank you all for your replys.

My Boy Tyler couldn't wait till the 14th to be born i went into the hosp with contractions on the 12th and they did a c-section that day instead of waiting till the 14th. he weighed 7lb 11oz and 20 inches long. He looks great. They say his lungs sound clear. so i just got homw today which is the 15th thats why i haven't replyed back.  Michaela is very excited to be a big sister.

Her weight now is 22.4lbs and she is 21 months old and 32 inches tall they say she is 33% over all with her weight, and her lungs are perfectly clear everytime she goes to the doctors. she has been eatting well now that she is on antibiotics for an ear infection.

Melissa

Melissa