Dr. Denmark

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Has anyone heard of the 100+ year old Dr. Denmark in Georgia? She has published a book about child raising. I'm dealing with a situation right now with a child who has been raised according to Dr. Denmark's teachings. He is 19 months old, is at the 3rd percentile on the growth chart, and has only gained 10 lbs since he was born. Since he has no other health problems, I'm concerned that the "Dr. Denmark diet" might be the problem. Dr. Denmark recommends weaning babies at 6 or 7 months (completely off the breast or bottle) and feeding them a diet of pureed fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. The main problem I see with the diet is that it contains very little fat, calcium, and vitamin D. I would be interested in any info/opinions anyone has. Thanks!

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Family Practice.

What does your son's pediatrician say? Does the doc agree with the diet?

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It's actually not my son, but a friend's son. After months of trying the nice approach of just talking to her, we finally forced the issue and took her and her son to a doctor at our own expense. The doctor confirmed that he was seriously underweight and told my friend to add milk products and fat to his diet. The only change she has made is to add some fish to his diet, but she still won't give him any milk products. We're still concerned.

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I am in no fashion or form a pedi nurse, but even I know a 10lb weight gain in 19 months doesn't sound healthy. Then again, she is a doctor.......:uhoh21:

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Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

Your concerns sound legitimate to me based on what you have told us. I suggest that if you are not able to get anywhere with this child's mother, you report your concerns to the local child welfare office. I would ask that they keep your name confidential for the sake of your relationship with your friend.

This may result in the estrangement of a relationship, but a child's health is at stake and as such I hope that you will consider reporting this potential case of neglect.

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Specializes in ER, Occupational Health, Cardiology.

I'm from GA, and I've never heard of this person. That is not to say that there isn't such a person from here, but it is to say that if she is, her ideas and methods are not widely used or endorsed, or publicized. Although I am not a Pedi nurse, I did ER for years and dealt with many Pediatricians. I read the Atlanta Journal Consitution regularly and also watch the local news from Atlanta every evening. I wonder if this "Doctor" is a medical doctor, or a Chiropractor, or a PhD?

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