GP says to start weaning my 19wo - straight onto prunes...

[FrogGreen]

This week I took my constipated 19wo FF DS round to see the GP, after 6 weeks of trying all the HV and MN tips (switching formula, giving extra water, apple juice, tummy massage, bicycle legs, warm baths) and feeling a little concerned that even with all this he's still a once-a-week-man.

The GP reacted with total disgust - she didn't actually say "time-waster" but she was definitely thinking it. During the 4 minutes she gave us, she told me 8 times "the HV deals with weaning" and then instructed me to start feeding DS pureed prunes.

I thought we were supposed to start with baby rice? And wait til 6 months? He seems too young to me. Is there any reason why FF babies should be weaned earlier than BF babies? Any top tips on dealing with a snotty GP who leaves you feeling totally mystified?

Is he actually uncomfortable when he poos or is it just infrequent?

He's uncomfortable... gets more and more niggly as the delay stretches out, and I notice him straining to poo and then giving up.

have you not been prescribed something like lactulose? What milks have you tried? Comfort milk is supposed to help with constipation.

Thanks Seona, I haven't heard of Comfort milk but I'll go and look it up. I've been through Aptimil, C&G, Hipp and was going to look for another one to try next week.

And no, no prescription, the doc was in such a hurry to eject us from her surgery she couldn't have written out the script in the time available

I'm a doctor, get the wee one some lactulose from your doctor. And plenty of water if he'll take it! I'd go back, see a different doctor. Sorry they weren't any help.

Wean only if you think they are ready, can sit up abs list Tongue thrust reflex.

Aptamil and Cow and Gate both do Comfort milk - I have seen them in the supermarkets

The Cow and Gate Comfort milk really helped DS, who was constipated and being sick all the time. Smells weird and must be made up hot (or it goes all claggy in the teat) but works a treat. Good luck :)

GP sounds like an idiot. Trying to cover up a lack of knowledge with guff.

Thanks everyone, and especially Cheeseandbiscuits for a dr's view! I will keep going with extra water and tummy massage for a week or so and then try to get an appmt with a different GP.

I am educated, work in a scientific field and usually have no problems talking to people... how is it that GP's always make me feel like a cretinous, time-wasting, paranoid hypochondriac?