Hello!

We had our third daughter nearly 4 months ago, and at my 6 week post natal check up with my GP she advised that it is now recommended that exclusively breastfed babies be given vitamin D from 3 months of age as what is provided through breast milk is insufficient (but formula includes vitamin D). This was never recommended with our previous two girls (now 5yo & 3yo), so I’m just wondering exactly how critical this supplement is? I know vitamin D is important for immune function amongst other things, but am interested to know the reasons for this new push.


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  • I’ve just had a blood test and was lacking vitamin D so I was recommended to take a supplement. But not with my breastfed babies, vitamin K was the thing back then


  • I would imagine it’s based on new research – recommendations like this change all the time. Can you ask your GP?


  • This is very new . I thought in Australia we have too much sun and we were damaging our skins too much . How confusing to hear !


  • yeah this is def’ a new recommendation. i think that babies have been fine before this recommendation but i am not a doctor to debate this lol.


  • Thanks ladies. I ended up getting a couple more opinions and have been advised that 1000 units a day for 6-9 months is the recommendation. I have since bought the drops and am trying to remember to give them to her each day ;)


  • If they say they need it, for myself I would just do it for my children, the experts no best… Well most of the time.


  • We used it with my daughter but that’s because she has eczema and it is recommended to help lessen flare-ups. From what my doctor has told me it’s something they recommend for everyone, including adults, because women and children in Australia don’t get enough sun and therefore don’t get enough Vitamin D. But definitely get a second opinion if you’re concerned about giving it.


  • If in doubt get a second opinion


  • two of my sons needed vit d suppliment by 1ml after birth so dont stess, my three year old son still needs it every morning and night by 2mls . They do blood tests to work this out so if in doupt ask for a blood test( at a small cost to you). i did breast feed all my three kids until. 1 year old + and i was only ever told to do this after a blood test organized by my kids pedatrition. My daughter never needed it at all. and she was breast feed.


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