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My daughter who had her second baby in January went to the local hospital’s baby clinic for her 6 month old baby’s check-up.
The nurse welcomed my daughter, baby and husband. She then made a statement which left my daughter and son in law speechless. She told them: “your son is very obese!” Then she lectured them on how to formula feed and told them the correct instructions are on the back of the tin. (Mind you the nurse herself was overweight and could lose a few pounds).
She did NOT ask them how or with what food source (tin, package, jar breast, etc.) he was fed, did NOT measure or weigh him and did NOT ask if there were any problems.
My daughter ONLY Breastfeeds the baby does NOT supplement his food intake with anything and there is no Formula tin in their house.
She came over to see me, distraught at the comments of the nurse, and I told her to write a complaint letter to the hospital liaison officer.
What do you all think?


Posted by Maria mom129939, 17th July 2015


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  • wow that is so damn rude! going by that pic that baby is perfectly fine!


    • Thank you for all your comments. She has seen the pediatrician and he said the baby is absolutely normal in the average weight range and above average in length/height
      thank you again

    Reply

  • The nurse could end up fired with what she had said!
    My son has been between the 75th-90th percentile since birth, I was strictly breast feeding for the first 4 months, then bottle fed.
    Not once did the nurse call him obese. He has been a big baby since day dot.
    Do a formal complaint!
    I hope your daughter is okay.

    Reply

  • The baby is healthy and strong which is so much better than having a baby thats sickly and thin, i thought all baby were weighed and measured before statements should be made like that. How rude of the nurse to assume that baby was bottle feed its their job to ask and support not assume and put down. If the child is to have any futher check ups at the hospital i would ask for a different nurse. She should contact them and say she was not happy at the lack of proffesionalism during that appointment..

    Reply

  • I think that Nurse may have her own issues going on a d unfortunately your poor daughter and husband copped it.
    I would definitely make a complaint. I’m so sorry this happened


    • Thank you, I think you might be right; however their issues should stay at home, which is probably very hard to do.

    Reply

  • I think there is always a right and wrong way to go about something and clearly this was not the right way. I do believe that obesity is a real problem in the country and if it remains unchecked in children then it will be a lot worse for the child as it gets older with regards to not just their health but their social life and self esteem. It may be a good idea to check the babies health with her GP in case there is an underlying issue but the nurse could of done a better job with her delivery…..this should be brought to her attention!


    • Thank you for your comment; however to make a statement like the nurse without weighing or measuring the baby is unprofessional in my view and looking at him he does NOT look obese or even fat.

    Reply

  • I would suggest seeing a different nurse for a check up and getting another opinion. I always get second opinions as professionals can vary in expertise and knowledge.


    • thank you for this advise, this is what she will be doing in the future – she will see her pediatrician and not go to the baby clinic anymore.



      • We had the opposite end of the spectrum of being told the kids were underweight by a community nurse! We were reassured by our GP and paediatrician of their weight being fine and the community nurse was comparing with bigger babies as this was a new normal. It can be tough when hearing professional advice – but also listening to one’s own intuition and seeking further advice and support is a good idea. Professionals are only people and do not know everything or have all of the answers and can be flawed too. They can be an incredible help and resource too and some nurses were marvellous. Glad you are going elsewhere for support and advice. :)

    Reply

  • First of all without weighing the baby and measuring him they can not even comment. Since when can a practitioner look and judge. It would be like saying ‘Oh you are a nail biter to a person wearing gloves’. What a stupid person, I am so sorry for your poor daughter and beautiful grandchild. As another mum of 2 purely breastfed babies I had my skinnie minny and my chubby bubby. Both different kids but both extremely intelligent. The people in these professions are quick to judge and throw harmful comments around fragile and dedicated mothers. That is why I have now stopped going to them, I cam weigh and measure my baby myself. If I have concerns I will see a pediatrician . By the way the baby you posted the photo of is most certainly the most adorable little honey bear I have ever laid my eyes on, perfection!! He looks perfect by the way (if I didn’t make that clear)!!!

    Also YES report the nurse to the board, that’s unethical and unprofessional and non-science based conduct.

    Reply

  • Yep, complain. This sounds very unprofessional. And I can’t see how a six month old baby who is only breastfed could be obese anyway.


    • Thank you. That is what I thought



      • First of all without weighing the baby and measuring him they can not even comment. As another mum of 2 purely breastfed babies I had my skinnie minny and my chubby bubby. Both different kids but both extremely intelligent. The people in these professions are quick to judge and throw harmful comments around fragile and dedicated mothers. That is why I have now stopped going to them, I cam weigh and measure my baby myself. If I have concerns I will see a pediatrician . By the way the baby you posted the ohoto of is most certainly the most adorable little honey bear I have ever laid my eyes on, perfection!!

    Reply

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