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Nursing the older baby

Katie - posted on 01/01/2009 ( 4 moms have responded )

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Just wondering how often those who are nursing older babies (six months+) nurse a day? My son (who is 7 months old) eats 2 meals of solid food (just cereal and veggies at the moment) a day and nurses 4 to 6 times a day. Sometimes it seems like he hardly ever nurses (but honestly, I don't keep track very well anymore). He nurses at least once a night (and sometimes twice and sometimes never...). I'm under the impression that breastmilk is still his #1 source of nutrition and introducing solids shouldn't decrease the number of nursings (until 8 to 10 months or later), but seems to be whether I like it or not.

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Barbara-Anne - posted on 01/16/2009

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I also nurse my 9.5 month old before feeding him solids.  But he eats a full dinner - he can eat half a small chicken breast!  I don' t keep track, but I probably nurse him around 6 times a day.  He gets up once at night usually for a snack, but then he's right back to bed.  I find that giving him a good dinner is key...if I don't get enough solids stuffed into him he's up 4, 5, 6 times a night.  Introducing solids did decrease the amount I nursed him but when he's teething or doesn't feel well he goes right back to nursing more. 

Christine - posted on 01/16/2009

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My guy is 9 months and nurses 6-7 times a day, with 2 meals and snacks. He wakes a couple of times during the night for a little nibble, but then drifts right back to sleep. Breastmilk should be their number 1 source of nutrition until they are a year old. Maybe the number of nursings have decreased, but the amount could be the same? I know my little guy sometimes nurses less often, but gets more fulfilling servings. Why, I don't know. If he is happy, I wouldn't worry. If you want to make sure he is getting enough milk, nurse him prior to a solid feeding.

Heather - posted on 01/02/2009

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I have an almost 10 month old that does what your little guy does. A few meals of solids, and nurses about 5 times a day with a few at night. If your guy seems happy and is growing and thriving, then I would think he's doing just fine. That's the guideline I use with mine. I have found that he nurses more when I'm stressed and when there's a lot going on. And I'm not an expert, but it sounds like you're doing it right!

Emily - posted on 01/01/2009

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My older nursling is two years and four months. He nurses about six times a day and twice a night most nights. Not much often than he would like.

I am also nursing a two months old 'on-demand.' He nurses about ten times a day and three times a night most nights. Each day is different with each of them. My older son also eats a variety of other foods. My newborn has my milk only (direct / no bottles.)

Children can thrive on breastmilk only for a long, long time, especially if you do not restrict them.

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