How long is long enough to breastfeed?
The choice is entirely the mother's to make. Authorities agree
that all babies should be breastfed for as long as possible in
infancy. There is never a time when breastfeeding no longer provides
benefits for baby and the mother. It is best to give the mother
who asks this question general recommendations and let her decide
when to discontinue breastfeeding. Major health agencies recommend
exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first four to six months
and continue following the introduction of solids. The Surgeon
General's office and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend
breastfeeding through the first year. The World Health Organization
recommends two years.
How is weaning usually done?
Weaning begins when the baby starts taking solids at four-six
months or is given formula feedings to replace breastfeedings.
The mother can begin by eliminating the least stressful feeding
of the day and substituting solid food or formula. Gradually,
reduce the number of breastfeedings per day over a period of weeks.
The last two feedings to be eliminated are the ones first thing
in the morning and at bedtime. The mother will need to decide
which feeding is the most important for the baby and eliminate
that one last.
What if my baby won't wean?
Then the baby is not ready to wean. An older child may sense what
the mother is doing and resist all efforts by wanting to nurse
more. Tell the mother to try distraction. Don't mention nursing.
La Leche League International suggests "Don't offer. Don't refuse."
When the child asks to nurse the mother should use a "not now,
but later" routine and be sure that when later arrives, she does
nurse him as promised. This will help restore his trust that mother
isn't abandoning him.
Should I wean my baby from my breast to a cup or a bottle?
Depending on the age of the baby, a cup may be the better choice.
After four to six months a baby can handle liquids from a training
cup well. If the mother weans to a bottle, remind her that she
will later have to wean the baby from the bottle.
When should I start my baby on solids?
Solids should be introduced between four to six months of age.
The baby should have doubled his birth weight, lost the extrusion
reflex (the reflex that pushes everything out of his mouth) and
show an interest in what others are eating. Some babies are not
ready for solids until six to eight months. Let the infant take
the lead. The mother should hold the baby in her lap for the first
few feedings and use infant size spoons. Cereal or other solids
should never be put in a bottle or infant feeder. If a baby can't
take food from a spoon, he is not ready for solids. The pediatrician
will give the mother a schedule of what foods to introduce and
when. Usually a baby starts on cereal, vegetables, fruit, meat
and finally egg yolks. The order may vary depending on the pediatrician.
The most important thing to remember is to go slowly. Don't overfeed
the baby. Breastmilk or formula should remain the major source
of nutrition until one year of age.
Should I give my baby cow's milk?
Children under one year of age should not receive cow's milk.
It is irritating to the baby's intestine and can cause occult
(not seen) intestinal bleeding that results in anemia. Should
breastfeeding be discontinued before one year of age, use commercial
formula. There has been a recent resurgence in the use of home
prepared formulas. Mothers should be warned that kitchen prepared
formulas are not nutritionally complete. After one year, cow's
milk may be used. Whole milk, not skim or low fat milk is often
recommended for young children. Babies need larger amounts of
fat in their diets compared to adults, to assist with brain and
nervous system growth. Do not allow cow's milk to become the child's
major source of calories. An infant needs a well balanced diet
to grow properly. Watch out for fruit juices as well. If a baby
is constantly drinking fruit juice, the major source of calories
will be from the sugar in the fruit juice. Hunger will be satisfied
and baby may not eat other foods or may nurse less often. Too
much sugar can make a child overweight.
Can I put the baby to bed with a bottle?
Putting the baby to bed with a bottle of formula, milk or juice
can cause "Nursing Bottle" cavities in the baby's teeth. We don't
normally see this type of dental decay in infants who are nursed
to sleep. Breastmilk does not appear to have the same high sugar
that leads to dental cavities. If a mother must put the baby to
bed with a bottle, it should be plain water and watch out for
choking. The baby should not suck on a bottle all night, or all
day for that matter. The bottle should be taken away after the
baby is asleep.
Questions after the first 4 weeks
Storage of EMM (Expressed Mother's Milk)
Copyright1999 Marie Davis, RN, IBCLC
Last reviewed: