So Confused...

My LO is 7 months old and I EBF and give her solids- stage 1 food still... I plan on going to as close as 1 year with the breastmilk and I supplement here and there with formula when I'm low... So question 1- after 1 year is breastmilk less effective?

Then my sister says "ur not giving her milk? Where is the calcium? Breastmilk is mostly water" and I'm like omg I don't know... My doc hasn't said anything about giving her milk... Should I be giving her milk? Where is she going to get calcium from?

I feel so lost as to what my LO should be getting and I feel like I'm always finding out that she is missing things when other people mention it. As a first time mom... How am I supposed to learn these things before it being so late? I'm so confused how everyone does this :(

Re: So Confused...

I never bf but there is no need to give dc milk at 7 mos old. Dc is getting their nutrients from bm (or formula) bm is not mostly water.

Re: So Confused...

BM has EVERYTHING your baby needs, and it's make-up actually changes as the baby grows, to continue to meet your baby (or toddlers) growing needs. BM does not become less effective after 1year and the World Health Organization's recommendation is to BF until age 2.

Also, foods like broccoli, and any dairy products contain calcium. At age 1 you can start cows milk if you want, and also continue to nurse. You don't have to stop BM just because your LO is drinking other fluids.

Check out Kellymom.com for more info.

Message edited 3/30/2014 7:03:56 PM.

Re: So Confused...

http://kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/calcium/

So Confused...

I have no idea whether bm contains calcium but I do no your bm changes to suit your child's changing needs as they grow. DD had a milk allergy and I was told to only bf until we got her allergy testing complete which was at 13-14 months. They can get calcium from yogurt, cheese, and other sources besides milk. You have plenty of time to figure it out and check with your ped. There's so much more to bm than water!

So Confused...

I remember when my Dd was in Nicu. Her calcium level was low and Neontologist told us because shes getting only breastmilk that time. They gave a formula supplement. Similac neosure

Re: So Confused...

Please do not listen to people who have no idea what they are talking about. Whole milk is started around a year before you child will be fine with breast milk or formula and the solid foods they will be getting. Do you give infant vitamins?

I breast fed both my kids. They started solids at 6 months. Please...you will soon be giving baby yogurt and cheese. You so not want to start milk this young bc it does not contain the fats and vitamins etc that breast milk and formula contain.

Please don't stress about this.

Re: So Confused...

I EBF my DS also and BM does have everything your LO needs. I was just at the GI doc this week with my DS who is also 7 months and GI told me to continue to EBF (i asked about formula bc in my case it's my mom saying that maybe my BM is not enough) and then to start transitioning to cow's milk at 9 months. DS is 21lbs and 28 inches so BM must be more than just water, lol. I only introduced solids within the last month and I still make the purees stage 1 consistency.

ETA: And this is DS2 and I'm still confused sometimes

Message edited 3/30/2014 8:26:14 PM.

Re: So Confused...

From Dr. Sears

Calcium is present in BM and it's in a form that is easily absorbed by the baby's body.

So Confused...

I think it's your SIL who is confused. You don't give milk before a year. Even if some wean before 12 months it is certainly not 7 months and you definitely don't have to. Breast milk (or formula) is what babies have for the first year. Sounds like you are doing a great job.

Re: So Confused...

Your sister is completely in the dark about BM - your are giving your DD more than adequate nutrition - go to kelly mom to arm yourself with information as people are so clueless and say the silliest of things.

Re: So Confused...

You're doing great!! Being a first time mom is ridiculously scary and there is no text book method on parenthood.
The only thing I would recommend is to go up to stage 2 solids soon. Also start yogurt if you are worried about calcium. I use stony hill baby yogurt and my DD loves it! (She is the same age as your DD).
BF as long as you want! It's great for your DD.

If your daughter is happy and healthy keep doing what you're doing!!!

Re: So Confused...

BM has all the vitamins your baby needs. Kellymom is a great resource for breast feeding.

Re: So Confused...

Thank u all so much! I feel better knowing that I have been doing the right thing... So far lol it's just scary bc as a FTM, u want to make sure ur doing everything perfectly and it's hard with family members always questioning everything.