Weaning
and
Introducing Solid Foods
Most physicians recommend to begin weaning by cutting out one feeding per week. Try cutting out a midday one, because some of those are typically smaller in quantity; therefore, your breasts should have less of a problem adjusting. You can also breastfeed a shorter amount of time at each feeding or even feed the baby a little later at each feeding. Most women cut out the night feeding last.
Do not completely stop breastfeeding all together, because it could cause some serious problems including the following:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says to give the baby exclusively breast milk for the first 6 months of life (so no water, formula, pacifier, etc.). After six months, the AAP says you can begin introducing other foods but to continue breastfeeding for up to one year. They recommend weaning when your baby is one year old. You may begin introducing solid foods at 4 to 6 months. When you begin introducing solid foods, use a baby spoon instead of putting the food into a bottle.
Most physicians recommend to begin weaning by cutting out one feeding per week. Try cutting out a midday one, because some of those are typically smaller in quantity; therefore, your breasts should have less of a problem adjusting. You can also breastfeed a shorter amount of time at each feeding or even feed the baby a little later at each feeding. Most women cut out the night feeding last.
Do not completely stop breastfeeding all together, because it could cause some serious problems including the following:
Engorgement:
- Mother’s
breasts begin producing
milk after birth causing the breasts to become swollen.
- Breasts can feel heavy, tender, and warm
- Some mothers may experience a low fever as well as being achy.
Treatment:
- Before breastfeeding, use a hot compress to warm the breast which will ease the flow of milk.
- After breastfeeding, use a cold compress to cool the breast which will help to reduce the tenderness and swelling.
- If engorgement becomes severe, see your doctor immediately because if left untreated, your breasts could become infected.
Mastitis:
- Infection of the breasts.
- This happens when the areas around the milk ducts become swollen and tender causing redness and pain in the breasts.
- Fever and body aches can also occur in some mothers.
Treatment:
- Keeping the milk flowing is the best prevention and treatment.
- Milk that sits too long in the breast becomes thicker and can clog the ducts which can lead to infection.
- If you feel that your breasts are infected, seek help from your doctor.
- Simple antibiotics will cure the problem.
Clogged
or Plugged Ducts:
- May feel a sore lump in the breast behind the nipple or surrounding area.
- Plugged ducts prevent milk from flowing.
Treatment:
- The best way to prevent plugged ducts is to keep the breast milk flowing.
- Using a hot compress before nursing can help to increase milk flow and reduce the chance of a plugged ducts.
Introducing
Solid Foods:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says to give the baby exclusively breast milk for the first 6 months of life (so no water, formula, pacifier, etc.). After six months, the AAP says you can begin introducing other foods but to continue breastfeeding for up to one year. They recommend weaning when your baby is one year old. You may begin introducing solid foods at 4 to 6 months. When you begin introducing solid foods, use a baby spoon instead of putting the food into a bottle.
4 to 6
months
- Give baby rice cereal mixed with either formula or breast milk at 1 feeding per day.
- Gradually thicken cereal.
- Gradually increase feedings.
6 to 8
months
- Give baby rice cereal without the formula or breast milk mixed in at 2 to 3 feedings per day.
- Give baby mashed fruits and vegetables at 2 to 3 feedings per day. Start out with a very small amount and then gradually increase.
- Introduce each new fruit and vegetable one at a time with 3 days in between each one to make sure the baby is not allergic to any particular food.
8 to 10 months
- Give baby same as 6 to 8 months gradually increasing fruits and vegetables at each feeding
- Give baby cereals still (rice, wheat, barley, oats)
- Give baby soft dairy (No cow’s milk)
- Give baby small amounts of protein (mashed meats, egg yolks, mashed beans)
- Non-citrus juices (pear, apple)
- Introduce all new foods one at a time with 3 days in between each one to make sure the baby is not allergic to any particular food.
10
to
12 months
- Give baby same as 8 to 10 months
- Give baby cut up pieces of food (toast, bagels, banana, crackers, etc.)
- Introduce all new foods one at a time with 3 days in between each one to make sure the baby is not allergic to any particular food.
*If you are having problems weaning or introducing solid foods, please talk to your doctor and/or lactation consultant for more help. Check out the resource guide for local Memphis places that may be able to help as well.
Sources:
- http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/weaning.html
- https://www.inventiveparent.com/Breast_Engorgement-Mastitis-Surgery_Ducts_Weaning.htm
- http://www.babycenter.com/0_age-by-age-guide-to-feeding-your-baby_1400680.bc
- http://www.babycenter.com/0_introducing-solid-foods_113.bc?articleId=113&page=1
- http://www.babycenter.com/0_weaning_3272.bc
- http://www.llli.org/NB/NBweaning.html
- http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HE965
- http://www.pregnancy-info.net/baby_food_nutrition_guide.html
- http://www.pregnancy-info.net/breastfeeding_weaning.html
Disclaimer: This information is meant for educational purposes only and cannot replace medical advice. Contact your doctor about any concerns you have.