Weaning--have to use formula?

[SoonerTexan]

At one point does a weaned baby need nothing to "replace" breast milk? N is getting at most one bottle a day now and I'm just not making as much as before. She still nurses at night and probably will for awhile, but I doubt she is getting very much at all.

She is a BIG eater, though. Yesterday she had a whole banana and a mini pumpkin muffin for breakfast alone. She eats 3 full meals a day plus snacks.

Honestly, I'm tired of pumping during the day (I only pump once, sometimes twice now, but I don't get more than 1 oz the second time so it isn't really worth it) and would prefer to quit, but I don't want to put her on formula. We also don't plan to do cow's milk.

I probably just need to ask the ped next week, but in summary, can she go without a bottle of breastmilk during the day if she is still nursing at night and not have to supplement formula?

[GreyhoundsRUs]

No advice since A drinks formula - but does what does she drink the rest of the day? Water? I don't know if I'm giving A too much formula - she doesn't drink water (spits it out).

No cow's milk - soy/almond milk? If she's not getting much anyway and is eating a balanced diet, I would say it doesn't matter.

[SoonerTexan]

Yes, she drinks water and occasionally some grape or prune juice when she is constipated, but that is rare now!

[SuzySunshine]

How old she is now? What do you plan to go to if you're not going to use cows milk?

I was always told that they needed the nutrition and vitamins in breastmilk (or formula) until 1 and then they needed whole milk for the fat for brain development until 2. I suppose you might be able to make up that fat in yogurt??

While I'm sure she's getting enough calories without it my concern would be the vitamins and brain development??

[Pollyanna]

Yes, make a plan with your pediatrician. The fat content in whole milk helps with the absorption of vitamins A and D so if you are foregoing milk make sure it is for an appropriate alternative.

[SoonerTexan]

She's 10.5 months. Good point about the vitamins. I'll ask about the fat--she eats avocado, hard boiled egg, cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt regularly. I almost wonder if she is getting too much solids vs breastmilk, but she is very insistent when she does want to nurse and I let her. She just prefers solids most of the time. I'm going to nix the cheerios soon, though.

[Bittersweet]

I remember wondering about this same thing. DS was/is a big eater (he takes after his mama ) and we were told we shouldn't limit healthy solids, so as they did not interfere with his consumption of breastmilk/formula. According to our ped., before a year most of a baby's calories should be either breastmilk or formula based. That recommendation may vary by provider, though.

[Pollyanna]

I'm going to nix the cheerios soon, though.

Why? They are a great fortified snack that allows her to work on her fine motor skills.

I think she is doing great. I wouldn't worry too much

[alison]

Ask her pediatrician what to do. Each kid is different. My 3 year old weighed 27.5 pounds at her cardiology appointment last week, and is just teeny tiny overall. If N's pediatrician isn't worried about what she eats then I wouldn't change what you're doing solids-wise. You'll get the right advice for your specific scenario. Also, once she starts walking her body will change.

[v-girl]

You can do goat milk instead of cow but talk your ped about doing it before 1.

[SoonerTexan]

Pollyanna...she is a Cheerio fiend! Girl likes carbs and sweets like her mama.

[HouseofWool]

Just out of curiosity, why are you avoiding cow's milk?

[ladymoreta]

I would offer formula until she's a year old. From what I understand, they don't absorb the solids as well as formula or breastmilk until their digestive systems are more mature? Here's what Kelly Mom recommends: http://kellymom.com/nutrition/starti...ds/solids-how/.

Here's the recommendation from The Baby Sleep Site for 10-month olds (http://www.babysleepsite.com/schedul...ld-schedule/):
Amounts per day:

• At least 3-4 nursing sessions per day or 24-32 ounces formula or combination of both
• No more than 6-8 oz of water or juice (to ensure they drink enough breast milk or formula)
• 2 servings (1 serving = 1-2 Tablespoons dry) baby cereal
• 2 servings grain (1 serving = 1/2 slice bread, 2 crackers, 1/2 cup Cheerios, or 1/2 cup whole grain pasta)
• 2 servings fruit (1 serving = 3-4 Tablespoons)
• 2-3 servings vegetable (1 serving = 3-4 Tablespoons)
• 2-3 servings protein (1 serving = 1-2 Tablespoons)
• 1 serving Dairy (1 serving = 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/3 cup cottage cheese or 1 oz grated cheese)
• You can also offer cooked egg yolk (but no egg whites until 1 year old due to allergens)

[Pollyanna]

Just out of curiosity, why are you avoiding cow's milk?

I was wondering the same thing. Shall we move this to the debate section? Kidding

[MrsK]

I was always told that they needed the nutrition and vitamins in breastmilk (or formula) until 1 and then they needed whole milk for the fat for brain development until 2. I suppose you might be able to make up that fat in yogurt??

S had his 15mo exam last week. Our ped told me that the AAP has changed the guidelines on this. It's whole (cow) milk until 1yo and then 2% until 2yo. He used to say forumula/breastmilk until 1yo, whole milk until 2yo, and skim milk thereafter.