Breastfeeding FAQ
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Starting Solids
I want to give my two month old cereal so that he'll sleep through the night. How much should I give?
The World Health Organization recommends nothing but human milk prior to six months of age. It is a myth that feeding solids will help a baby sleep better. Bringing your baby into your bed, latching him on, and then falling asleep yourself can help you get more sleep.
Whenever I feed my six month old daughter her cereal she cries and doesn't want to eat it. How do I get her to eat it?
Cereal isn't especially nutritious. The nutrients in it are low in bioavailability, meaning they are difficult for your baby to absorb and utilize. It doesn't really offer any benefit over your own milk, and isn't especially tasty.
My nine month old has no interest in me feeding him solids. I'm afraid that if I don't get him eating solids he'll never eat them. Everyone tells me that he'll starve if I don't get him on solids now!
Although infants can be introduced to solids starting at six months, this is not an absolute. Each baby is the expert on his or her needs. Many infants are not ready for solids until ten months of age. The best way to determine readiness for solids is to wait until the baby begins picking up food and feeding himself. At nine months, you can give him large fist-sized, wedge-shaped pieces of healthy foods for him to pick up and gnaw on.
When should I introduce solids?
The World Health Organization recommends nothing but human milk prior to six months. After that complementary solids may be introduced. They should not take the place of a breastmilk feeding until 12 months.
Should I wait a few days in between giving my baby different foods? Green beans one day and then peas a few days later? Should I introduce green foods first and hold off on sweeter fruits and vegetables?
Current research shows that waiting days in between introducing foods is unecesessary. A baby would show signs of a food sensitivity within a few hours. There is no reason to introduce any one food in particular before another. Plenty of cultures around the world offer their infants what adults eat, including spicey dishes. Once a baby can feed himself there isn't much that he cannot eat, aside from honey prior to 12 months.
Pumping and Working
Pumping is really becoming a hassle for me. I can't pump enough for my seven month old! Should I supplement with formula when I'm at work?
A baby that is six months or older can have solids and water while away from you. When you're together, make sure to nurse frequently, especially at night. Night time nursing is important, as prolactin levels are their highest during the night- this ensures a good milk supply. No pumping necessary.
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