My Baby Is Nursing Significantly Less Since We Started Feeding Her

I don't think you introduced food too early. Sound right to me! I introduced solids around 4 months with both my boys. They never stopped breastfeeding, but every baby is different. When my oldest was 6 mos, the dr told me to give him solid food first, before breastfeeding, since he needed the food more importantly over the milk. I think as long as she isn't dropping weight, she'll be fine. You didn't do anything wrong by giving her solids, no rookie mommy mistake or anything like that. Good luck!

Hi B., I just know that once they start eating solid foods (and you are right-they should at this age!) they seem to not drink as much because they are getting full from the actual food. I am not sure what to say about why she is choosing the bottle over the breast-sorry I can't help w/that. I know w/my girls they started drinking less and less the more they ate which my doc said they should do since they start to need nutrition from actual food as they get older (like we do) but don't hold back on giving "liquids" give them as much as they will take. Bottom line, don"t stress>

My pediatrician recommended starting out slow with solids. Our first month of solids we only fed my son once a day (solids) and he nursed or took a bottle (2 per day breastmilk)and he continued to take a eat 6 times a day. Once we hit the second month of solids we started to feed him solids twice a day. I know each person and baby is different. I have some friends who had their children eating solids 3 times a day by the end of the first month on solids. It all depends on the recommendation of your pediatrician and your child. Does she seem hungry during the day and you have had to increase the number of bottles? Maybe she is just not as hungry through the day. Good Luck!

There is a book called the nursing mother's companion and it really gives as much info on all breastfeeding issues that is out there. Once babies start solids, they are fuller and not in need of as much mike. The fact that you are not there all day anymore gives her more time with the bottle and solids, so it is natural that she is weaning herself. If you want her to be nursing more, continue with the swadling, as she is becoming more aware of the world around her and becoming very easily distracted. Around 6 months I would not be able to nurse my child unless we were all alone in a dimly lit environment. Also, as babies get older, they can pull 2-3 ounces of milk out of a breast in just a couple minutes, where when they were younger it took 20-30 minutes. The hardest thing to realize for any parent is that they advance so quickly and while that is exciting, it is hard to give up those precious young moments. Oh, one more thing, try and feed her from the breast before giving solids. Usually it's the opposite for parents who are trying to introduce solids and all the babies want is the breast, those parents are told to try feeding solids before the breast. SO maybe it might work in reverse for you.
Good Luck!

Baby is taking the easy way, nautrally. Don't fight it, just let her choose. As long as no allergies are present, she gains weight, is happy, digesting well, she is fine.

All cereals are digestible after the child begins getting teeth, the doctors don't point out that the saliva content changes to include enzymes to digest complex carbos. That is why people used to chew the food for the child, to mix the parents saliva (which digested the food) with the foods, any foods.

Relax, you are doing a great job! E. H

I found that my babies did this as well. It takes them longer to digest the solids, and she may just be ready for the solids. It looks like you work afternoon/evening? It might go better to nurse her at bedtime (I found my babies more receptive when tired), but if that's not possible I would suggest nursing her first thing in the morning before offering solids (when she'd be hungrier). Also, my babies had to have a quiet, often dark place once they got around 6 months because otherwise they were too busy trying to see what was going on. Don't forget to keep pumping and offering as frequently as seems reasonable because you don't sound ready to stop nursing and you don't want to lose your milk. I lose my milk so easily that I actually put off introducing solids until later, but if you don't have this problem I would just continue as you are. It's great that you're starting with veggies! I would monitor her growth (height/weight) every week or two to make sure she's staying on her target, but only be concerned if she starts dropping weight week after week. Most babies know when they're hungry and not - and bottles and solids can be very exciting! Best of luck to you - let us know how it goes!

First, my little one started eating cereal and veggies at 3 months so I won't tell you not to give those to her.

My little one ate really well at 6 months. She nursed, ate at least a jar maybe even more of veggies or fruits each time, and maybe had a bottle of formula in there too. I can't exactly remember when I started doing formula and breast milk.

When she started taking a bottle she had a hard time switching so we started trying every bottle we could. The ones that worked the best and allowed her the most consistency were the Johnson's Healthflow ones but I don't think they make those anymore. The Bent Evenflow ones are pretty much the same though.

Dear B.:

Good for you! Don't let anyone tell you when you should introduce solids to your child. It sounds like you are tuned right in and have been paying attention. Each child is different.

This could be many things... maybe she really likes the different flavors... and maybe her body is just adjusting.
My first one didnt want solids until she was 6 months old, but my 2nd, Valentina couldn't wait to eat and was ravenous for everything (not meat)at 4 months...especially vegetables. We steamed and strained and she ate.

Your little one will adjust and I dont think she will want to nurse again...but just know that your instincts are probably exactly right. She will reach for what she wants and needs naturally. If you are listening and watching... she will be fine.

Is she losing weight?
Does the Nenny give her teethig biscuits when you are gone?

Just wondering.

Some kids just want the bottle because it is more filling.
I wouldnt worry about it unless she quits eating. My son stopped nursing early too. I was heart broken because I wanted to nurse a full year.

For all babies,interest in the breast has peaks and valleys. There are commonly times when babies will be less interested and at this age some babies will even go on a nursing strike. It sounds like you are a really good mom who has done your homework about solids. If your baby were older and you were ready to wean, this would be a healthy and gradual way to do so but as you recognize, she is still very young and you both can benefit from continued nursing. Your assesment is right on. The things that are contributing to her decreased interest are bottles,limited nursing, separation from mom, possibly decreased milk supply, intro of solid foods and normal developmental changes. Since you are happy with your intro to solids and it is unlikely that you are going to quit work...the best place to start would be by eliminating any bottles when you are home and available to nurse...before bed and early morning? More nursing will increase milk supply. Offer the breast BEFORE offering solids when she is hungriest as the breast milk is still the most nutritious and the solids will be for fun, like dessert, after she has had her main course. Most important, NURSE more, hang in there, pump more frequently to keep your supply plentiful if she won't nurse more often, don't take it personally, it isn't that she doesn't like your breast milk anymore she is just temporarily excited by the new and different world of food. Most like, she is just be passing through a short phase and in a week or two will love nursing more than ever and what a shame it would be if you gave up now and lost your/her milk. Take care of yourself as well deal with stress, increase rest and fluids and eat healthy. Don't force nursing so that the two of you get stressed and unhappy each time the breast is offered. Stay positive and give her lots of praise when she does settle down and nurses. Pat yourself on the back for being wise enough to realize that the breast is still best. This is very common and can be resolved with continued nursing.
About Me: I am mother to 5 and grandmother to 7 (soon to be 9)I am a nurse-midwife, lactation consultant and starting a business in Solana Beach called GRANDMA TO GO.