Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Luke's 1 and Doctor's Crazy Advice....

by Andrea
(NOLA)

Luke just had his first birthday visit and he is healthy of course. His doctor, who I usually love, Said I should stop nursing, it would be better for him....HUH??????

He also kept suggesting whole milk and vitamins. I just don't get it. This from a DOCTOR????

I just know in my heart that breast milk is still good for him. I also told my sister who is a little fearful of nursing when her new baby comes to go to the grocery and READ the ingredients in formula....it convinced me for sure.

I also would like to tell ALL people out there....DO NOT FEED THINGS TO PEOPLE"S BABIES WITHOUT ASKING!!!!!

I went to a party at a friends house and a woman I just met put HOT DOG, like the worst food ever, in Lukes mouth!!!! I walked up after she fed him the first piece and flipped!

The doctor was trying to convince me that I should never night nurse either anymore.

I do feed solids and nurse in between throughout the day and at night if he wakes, I don't see a problem, both of my kids co sleep...

And I read it was normal at this age to wake in the night to nurse. He did say juice has no nutritional value, at least one thing that made sense.

So Do I offer water during the day? or strictly nurse for liquids? Sometimes I feel so confused..
I know what I am doing is good for him, but so many people just don't get it!

Answer:

Hi Andrea,

Luke is looking as adorable as ever! It's good to hear he's healthy - and it's really strange to hear that his doctor said you need to stop nursing.


There is NO reason for you to stop breastfeeding. And if you're fine with nursing at night, there's no reason for him to stop that, either. Children grow just fine while nursing and eating solid foods.

Think about solid food meals as different from nursing - Luke can have his "regular" meals - and if he wants to nurse between meals (and at night) well, that's fine. There's no reason for him not to.

You can give him drinks if you want to. Milk if you feel comfortable, but you don't have to if you don't want to. You can give him water, too. Sips with his meals can be a good idea. You can also provide a sippy cup of water for him to have around the house if you'd like. Galen has one that I keep filled with water for him, and he still nurses a lot.

Adding in other liquids doesn't necessarily mean the end of breastfeeding - many toddlers drink milk, water, herbal teas, etc. and still nurse lots.

Go with what you feel is right for Luke. Don't feel bullied into weaning him just because of your doctor. You don't even need to discuss the nursing relationship with his doctor - when he asks how Luke is eating just tell him about his solid food meals.

You do what feels right for him. Watch his signals and cues. But things don't have to be "either or" - you can offer him water or other drinks and foods and still nurse too - for as long as both of you want to nurse!