Patient's question:
2 daysDetailed medical condition and consultation purpose: My baby is exclusively breastfed. Since birth, she has been spitting up and passing gas continuously, often. She also refuses to eat anything else, such as scrambled egg yolk or formula milk. Isn’t it supposed to introduce complementary foods at 4 months? I’m worried about iron deficiency and other issues, but she won’t eat anything. However, she is developing well. My mother-in-law often gives her a lychee and ginseng soup, although she doesn’t eat it but is forced to drink it. I don’t approve of giving her random supplements, but it’s difficult to say no to the elders. There’s also pearl powder—will it do any good for a baby who is growing well? First question
Doctor's answer:
A 4-month-old baby is still primarily breastfed, being fed every 4 hours, roughly at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and midnight. This month, the baby's activity has increased, and their appetite has started to grow. If only milk or breast milk is provided, it may not be sufficient for the baby. Additionally, from the age of 4 months, the baby's saliva amylase and pancreatic amylase secretion increases rapidly, making it an ideal time to introduce complementary foods. Therefore, it is recommended that the baby can start eating some liquid foods. Complementary foods can be added 2–3 times a day, such as scrambled egg yolk, egg custard, well-cooked porridge, and vegetable puree can be mixed with porridge to eat.