I'm adding all of this information, on my facebook group Breastfeeding Advocates, on when you should start your infant on solids because this question is going around on Circle Of Moms. I'm slightly concerned because of the research I have done when my son was about three months and I thought it was safe to feed him cereal.
Pediatricians still believe a child should start eating some of these foods when they hit four months. However, by doing this you also reduce the amount of milk produced and up to six months you should still be feeding about 7-12 times a day.
Some experts say by 1 or 2 months, when your milk supply is well established, babies will go longer intervals before eating, roughly nursing 7-9 times a day. This information is heavily researched and held as the standard. I believe when you "cue" feed, your baby will feed more than 7-9 times a day, even closer to six months. Sometimes my son will go 3 to 4 hours, other times he will go 1.5 to 2 hours. It all varies from baby to baby.
My main point is, some of the info being passed around on Circle of Moms is, "The pediatrician said it was time" or "My baby is eating so much I think it is time." In this instance, if your baby is nursing so much and you cannot keep up with their feeding demands and the doctor, who is hopefully breastfeeding friendly and an advocate, they will help you decide what is best and continue to guide you in the right direction.
In my personal experience, when you start your baby on foods, you start on cereal or oatmeal. To help your baby get the best nutrition still, mix the grains with breast milk. They will still get what they need as well being fuller longer, but this is only suggested if your baby is in a high demand for food, and I hope my dear friend will add her two-cents/advice on her own experience dealing with this, as her little monkey is the sweetest little garbage disposal I have ever met...
With this said, I strongly recommend waiting to feed your baby anything other than breast milk when they are six months or are showing the recommended milestones. Do not start on solids when they are considered an assisted sitter, as Gerber puts this. I asked many people about their opinions on the whole assisted sitter feeding as I had received lots of coupons from Gerber. Their take, don't buy into what companies want. They only want your money and they will get it however they want. Starting solids too early can cause your baby to develop food allergies. Your baby's intestinal tract is not as fully developed during the first few months and introducing solids at this time can be too much to handle.
Don't judge your baby's milestones by other babies. You know what is best for your baby. Also, do your own research. See what has to be said by the professionals about your infants intestines and stomach. See for yourself what they have to say and make your own informed decision. Don't just go by my words or my experiences. Ask a Pediatrician, a lactation consultant, a La Leche League leader or a nurse from your local WIC office. Ask lots of questions, get informed and this may even help you to know those who are helping you care for your baby even better, to help create a better relationship with them.
I'd like to add that babies typically hit growth spurts around 2 to 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. These are times babies tend to want to 'eat all the time'. The theory is that this is how they increase mom's milk supply. By this theory, if a mom introduces solids, instead of just nursing more frequently, she could be at risk of lowering her milk supply.
ReplyDeleteIt really is about trusting that our babies will let us know when they are ready. And trusting that they know their own bodies and will regulate their own calorie intake if allowed to.
Yes, very good point. Thank you for adding. Babies know what they want and how much of it they want. Always trust in your body and in your baby. Nurse for as long as you can to give your baby the best start they can get. Thanks again for the add!
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