EBF for how long?

[sraplayas]

I'd like to know what you'all think! DD was ebf for the first year and then we introduced some cereal, lentils, avocado, etc. She did great!

DS is 7.5 months. I was planning on EBF him for the first year as well but I ran across some information recently that is making me question this decision.

What do you think---babies have a store of iron that lasts them 6 months. After this period, they iron in their diets that they can't get from breastmilk. I can't believed that I missed this bit of info with DD!

Thanks for the feedback!
BTW, DD nursed for 3.5 years and I am hoping that DS will self-wean also.

[pinky]

In addition to iron, older babies can use some other protein sources in their diet. As your baby gets older, the fat content of your milk increases and the protein content of your milk decreases. (And just FYI, it's thought that the iron stores are only insufficient past 6 months because of the standard birth practice of early cord clamping.)

I can't think of any reason not to start offering food in the second half of the first year...it is fun exploration and a social activity. And some babies really enjoy eating solid foods--my second dd was a big eater from a relatively young age.

[ann_of_loxley]

I am confused about this as well.
Because along with that - you are also told that food before a year is just for exploration (learning how to chew and move tongue about, learning about smells, touch- on hands in mouth, etc), not for nutritional content.

[cdmommie]

There is no real way to know if iron is going to be a problem for any baby in particular without blood tests. AND just FYI, at 8 months my first daughter was NOT on any solids yet and the wic office did an iron test and it was more than sufficient. I really think the 6 month thing is rubbish since every woman has different lifestyles and eating habits. I personally believe in self-feeding just because it only seems natural (unlike cereal and purees which are ofcourse man made). I just wait until the baby is ready to feed themself soft finger foods. If that's at 6 months great, if it's at a year that's great too. Just do what you would do if you didn't have society, baby food companies and random people telling you what to do. Just an opinion here though

[ann_of_loxley]

I have to say, even if your baby was happily eating solids at 6 months, I can't think of much a baby would eat at that age that has iron in it. Unless you give them processed foods, formula, and steak. lol

[ann_of_loxley]

As always, really good info from kellymom website! hehe
The iron in breastmilk is more bioavailable, so whilst compared to formula, iron fortified foods, etc - there is 'less' iron in BM...more iron is absorbed from BM than from other 'iron rich' sources.
So its poppycock! lmao - Carry on breastfeeding as you will. Take your babies lead. You are doing great! hehe

[KangaTwo]

I am also interested in pursuing self-feeding. The milestones I want to see before DS gets solids are sitting up independently (he can sit up but not for long), no tongue-thrust, and a pincer grasp. MIL is pushing for solids, DH is hinting that maybe we should but he's not gung-ho, my mom and I agree that DS looks fine on just the milk, and our ped was pushing us to start on solids, just because DS is 6 months. I just smiled and nodded, knowing that we won't be in there for another 3 months any so it's pretty much a moot point as far as he's concerned!

My older boys started on solids around 6.5 months, because it seemed like a fun new thing to do. And then it was a pain and a hassle I am in no hurry with this one, especially with cloth diapers. I'm quite fine with breastfed poo!

[tessie]

Originally Posted by ann_of_loxley

I have to say, even if your baby was happily eating solids at 6 months, I can't think of much a baby would eat at that age that has iron in it. Unless you give them processed foods, formula, and steak. lol

Meat, hard-boiled egg, beans and lentils? Wholemeal bread, chickpeas, apricots and avocado? There tons of iron rich foods that six month olds can eat. At least mine did.

Unless there is a specific medical reason there is no benefit in withholding solids past six months. Plus most children like to be able to sit at the table and be involved in meal times. I took my nine and a half month old for dim sum today and she had an absolute ball.