My mother-in law is convinced that my daughter needs to be started on solid foods because she thinks "the formula isn't satisfying her," but she's eating exactly the amount she's supposed to and she's gaining weight at the rate she's supposed to. I feed her on demand, so whenever she cries for food, I give it to her, and I stop feeding when she acts like she's done. It just happened that we were at my mother-in-law's house on a day when she wanted 2 oz meals every 2 hours for a while, and now she's convinced that she's not satisfied because "she only waited a couple of hours before wanting more." She's only 7 weeks old, which I think is way too early for solids, and based on the amount she's eating and her weight gain, she really doesn't need it. I've explained all this to my mother-in-law, and each time it seems like she accepts it, but then the next time I see her, she brings it up again. What can I do to get her to stop bugging me about it?
2006-07-04 00:55:25 · 21 answers · asked by bio.nelly 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
For those who are asking, I would have liked to breastfeed but was told not to by both my doctor and the pediatrician because of some medicine I have to take that can pass through the breastmilk.
2006-07-04 01:17:26 · update #1
I'm also worried because I have to go back to work soon, and since I can't afford to hire a babysitter she's my best option, but I'm afraid she's going to start giving her the solids behind my back.
2006-07-04 01:32:19 · update #2
Explain to her that you appreciate her concern but she is eating what she needs and is gaining appropriately. Mention that the doctor is satisfied with her growth. She is probably just concerned about her grand-daughter. Try not to take it personally which is so hard when your hormones are still surging. Trust me, I remember! Good luck.
2006-07-04 00:59:24 · answer #1 · answered by Abby M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mother in laws are pains in the asses. Whenever she brings the subject up tell her you accept what she's saying, because after all she raised a child(ren) herself. But you are more comfortable with following your doctor's advice and your own thoughts on how to feed a baby and when. By solids if you mean the jarred smelly stuff you wonder how babies can even be interested in, My sister in law used to take the babyfood and mix it in with the formula along with the baby cereal. But that's my sister in law and her doctor said it was ok to try it. Anyway you go with what you're most comfortable with and just tell your mother in law that. If she does keep insisting just brush it off, because they always think they know more than new mothers no matter and sometimes they're handy to have around especially teething time.
2006-07-04 01:08:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are definitely in the right here, things have changed in how we handle babies over the years and feeding on demand is the best way to go for both of you. Unfortunately oldies still cling to their ideas on how THEY did things years ago, which are no longer relevant.
Your hubby needs to back you up here too and support you (if he's there at the time) and TELL her to stop. I would suggest that when she raises the issue, get up and leave the room or go home. If you leave every time she starts in, she'll learn to quit being intrusive with her unasked for advice .
2006-07-04 01:05:42 · answer #3 · answered by Scully 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right. Your baby is way too young for solid food. I'm sure some people have fed solid to babys that young but that doesnt make it right. Just keep saying.."Thanks for the advice". and keep doing it your way. By the way.....this will go on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on for years. Sounds like you have one of those mother in law types. And should you ever leave the baby with your MIL she will do it her way while the child is there. So be ready.
2006-07-04 01:09:05 · answer #4 · answered by Mache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At seven weeks more frequent feeding by bottle is indicated. Unless a pediatrician recommended it, I would go slow on the solid foods. As for your mother-in-law, my own experience has been they would like to run your life if you let them. Ignore her.
2006-07-04 01:24:17 · answer #5 · answered by ringocox 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell her politely to "butt out". Your pediatrician can better tell you what is best for your baby. Maybe you could pick up some pamphlets at his/her office to explain the timetable for feeding baby. You are correct that 7 weeks is WAY too early for solids.
2006-07-04 01:01:29 · answer #6 · answered by not_prfikt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just pluck up the courage and let her know that she is out of place, and maybe tell her that you need some time away from her for a little while. i promise you it works and the relationship after a (separation) will be much better. hoping that she will get the hint. Try it, you do not have much to loose, except your sanity of someone always telling you how to raise your child. good luck and be strong
2006-07-04 01:02:45 · answer #7 · answered by SHUL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell her that you are feeding your daughter according to the way the doctors told you, and that when she questions the way you feed your daughter she makes you feel like she thinks you are an incapable mother. that you appreciate any advice she can give you but that you are confident you are doing the right thing in the way you feed your baby.
2006-07-04 01:00:05 · answer #8 · answered by vampire_kitti 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your m-i-l is thick, but is really only trying to help.
as long as she doesn't keep calling you at home you may as well just put up with it.
why are you giving the child formula so soon?
you should breast-feed until 12 months.
and yes, it's way too soon for solids.
2006-07-04 00:59:37 · answer #9 · answered by leadbelly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can stop your mother-in-law bugging you "by feeding your baby accordence to doctors priscribtion "OR "doing the things before,your mother-in-law orders you.
2006-07-04 01:03:36 · answer #10 · answered by Sandeep P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋