13 month old, what does asking to nurse look like?

April - posted on 01/27/2010 ( 7 moms have responded )

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Hi. My son is 13 months. He never cries...EVER. He doesn't have any kind of facial expression or body language or gesture that lets me know he's ready to nurse. During the day, I try to offer the breast every hour but he only accepts when he is tired. That's during the day.



At night, he wakes up about every 2 hours, sometimes earlier. Whenever he wakes, I feed. His diaper is about a pound in the morning.



It is also important to note that he is almost exclusively breast fed. I try to offer solids but he won't eat except for maybe 3 cheerios or 2 bites of chicken. Basically, he eats very little in the way of solids.



So i really have 2 questions: What signs should I be looking for that he's ready to nurse? And how can I encourage him to nurse more during the day?

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April - posted on 01/27/2010

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didn't know it was possible to remain anonymous...lol. i think facebook is weird sometimes. i will see if i can fix it

Katie - posted on 01/27/2010

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My son loooves to nurse for comfort and lets me know by diving into my breasts, nuzzling them, pulling down the neckline of my shirt or reaching down my shirt, and rarely, but every once in awhile he'll do the ASL for milk.

I don't really know if I can be much help because my son seems to be more keen on nursing than your little guy. It could be just a phase for your son though and I think you're doing the right thing by continuing to offer him the breast throughout the day.
My only concern would be his appetite in general. How is his weight gain, dirty diapers/output, overall mood and energy level? Have you spoken to a doctor about it?

Minnie - posted on 01/27/2010

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What I did was every time she latched onto my breast I made the sign and then helped her form the sign with her hand. For a few times at the beginning of each nursing session, each time I offered, each time she latched.



LOL- I didn't know that it was you posting the question! COM is showing your name up as 'user.' Are you trying to remain anonymous?

April - posted on 01/27/2010

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the ironic thing is that i am deaf but he won't sign!! i've tried teaching him the sign for milk and more....but he just touches my hands and giggles. he has TWO signs...butterfly and laundry. what good is that? lol

Minnie - posted on 01/27/2010

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My 15 month old has said 'nanas' and made the sign for milk since 11 months old.



But some babies are distractible and won't ask to nurse during the day. This is when you need to just offer it. Lying down in bed in the dark every hour for a few minutes can help him focus to nurse.

Kim - posted on 01/27/2010

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Mia is almost 16 months. I nurse her on demand. She can sign "milk" and that is one way she lets me know she is hungry. I also offer when she is fussy. She does eat solids too.

April - posted on 01/27/2010

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I would also like to add that he nurses only 1 or 2 times a day, depending on the naps. He will take 1 or 2, depending on the day