doesn't eat well

[whereissusan]

my doctor is concerned that my child is "underweight".  we are scheduled to see a specialist to check for cilliac spru (grandmother on paternal side has it) but my child doesn't have any of the classic symptoms or if there is anyother absorption problem.  she just isn't interested in eating. i still nurse her and am being pressured to stop as i am being told that perhaps she is nursing instead of eating.  could i be causing her to be underweight?  we have run blood test and nothing has come up to be alarmed about thus far.  she is a very active/busy kid and doesn't sleep well either.  

[Renee Radenberg]

Would you please state her age so I am able to properly answer your question. Thank you.

[ifsogirl]

My daughter was 17lbs and 29 inches at 2yrs and all I was told was as long as she is developing fine then don`t worry.  I agree that you may have to encourage finger foods and regular meals.  I am glad you are getting good advice here.  I felt like no one listened to my concerns.

[Renee Radenberg]

Her weight is very below the 5th percentile and height is just above the 10th percentile for her age. With Celiac Disease there may not be any outward symptoms. If she is absorbing issues then she would not be gaining weight. At 20 months old she should be eating finger foods 3 times a day with snacks between meals. You can still nurse her; however, it should not be her main source of food now. Suggest having her eat meals with you and give her breast milk in a sippy cup so that you can start to wean her off but she still has the breast milk for a while. Until you get a definite answer about Celiac Disease, suggest not giving her any wheat products. Best of luck to you.

[whereissusan]

She is 20 months old.