Is it her fault her baby doesn't gain weight?

Question

My friend has a 10 month old that weighs 16 pounds. he's been 16 pounds for months now. She is always talking about how she likes him so small and tiny. And every time she comes from the doctor she braggs about his small size. Is this normal? I have heard of a condition where the mother intentionally keeps the baby from gaining weight. Has any one else heard of this and know what its called?

Answer 1

I'm not sure what its called but some mothers do have that serious problem. They are fixated on their children being bone skinny and not gaining more than a pound every 2 weeks or so.Its really disgusting if you ask me. I can understand tryin to have baby eat healthy but not starving! Here soon the doctor is going to start wondering(if they haven't already) why the baby is not gaining accurate weight. If they have suspicion that its the mother's doing they will contact CPS and the baby WILL be taken away from her. It sounds like she is not healthy in the head(sorry to be so rude) but anyone who would want their child to not gain weight is sick and needs help asap before something really bad end up happening to the baby.

Answer 2

16lbs at 10 months i don't think is that small. but as long as he is eating right, and does gain weight there is nothing wrong with him. That is really sad that his mom wants him to stay small. My daughter is 3 and weights 28lbs, 3'1" tall. and i am always wanting her to gain weight. just any chance you get feed that baby lol :D

Answer 3

It could be several of the things already listed, but instead of addressing mom's issues, I'll stick with the babe.  At 10months, a 16lb babe is under the 5th percentile for weight.  However, there are several missing parts to the puzzle here.  For instance, is babe long or short for his age - this affects how drs see weight.  Also, is he formula fed or breast fed?  Breast fed babies tend to gain less weight after the 6th month mark.  Again, as others have said, mom's comments are concerning....

Answer 4

It could be a form of Munchausen Syndrome. But usually mothers do this so that they can get attention and credit for taking care of the child after they have made them sick.

Answer 5

It is called Munchausen by Proxy

http://www.mbpexpert.com/definition.html

A childhood friend of mine- His wife has it.  It is where the parent intentionally makes the child sick for attention.  His wife was literally starving their daughter and she was saying that the girl had terrible allergies and other problems.  I have no idea whether or not your friend has this.  This child was like 2 years old and 20 pounds. Thankfully now the child is 7 years old and of a fine weight.  Perhaps your friend is just too obsessed with weight, or it could be a much bigger problem.

Answer 6

She may be bragging out of embarrassment, to try and cover up the fact that she is really stressed out about it.  There is also such condition, Munchhausen By Proxy, where a parent will intentionally create a health problem for their child, or fabricate one, in order to get attention.  

Or, there's a chance that it's just good ol' genetics in play, and the baby was biologically predispositioned to be small.  Are the parents tiny-framed, is th baby breast-fed or bottle-fed, is the baby otherwise healthy and happy are all factors to take into consideration.  Weight charts are used to measure a large volumes of infant's health, and are poor indicators of individual health.

My son had a weight gain issue in early infancy, and I was worried sick.  I also did everything I could to remedy it, and certainly wasn't bragging.  The opposite was true, and if someone said something about my baby being small I would cry.  He did overcome it, and I've learned a lot since then.

In any case, the best thing you can do is remain a supportive friend who is willing to listen.  If you have no reason to suspect this baby is in poor health other than it's small size, chances are, the baby is fine.  In the event that mom does want to talk and voice concerns she might have previously been denying, perhaps you can be that person she opens up to.

Good luck.  Healthy babies come in all sizes.

Answer 7

Munchhausen syndrome? If the doctor thinks there is a problem he will contact social services. He is obligated by law. I agree though. It sounds pretty twisted.

Answer 8

I have a friend like that too, but I don't know what it's called.

If you think your friend isn't feeding her baby - call child services, seriously. Your friend is sick and the baby needs help.

Answer 9

My 9 month old only weighs 15lbs, 6 oz.  He weighed 15 lbs at his 6 month check.  I just want to say that if anyone EVER accused me of what you're accusing your friend of, I'd first be devastated and then FURIOUS.  Sorry, but some babies are just small.  Personally, I wouldn't say I "brag" about my son's size, but I do make jokes about it all the time.  What else can we do, when people are always so obsessed about the size of babies.