Is my baby too big to breast feed?

Raghda - posted on 02/06/2010

There's nothing more nutritious n healthy than breastfeeding, ur baby needs it n will need it even when u start feeding him, I wud also suggest you start feeding him as a baby this size won't feel full with milk only... :)

Nichola - posted on 02/06/2010

Hey Cherie... breast is best...Zara is off the chart, a big girl born 9/9/09 and 7lbs 5oz. A few days off from 5 months and she weighs 18lbs 12 oz... I have had persons say she is sooo big, she looks as though she should be WALKING, LOL. Don't look to please others...you know your baby's age, 12 months is not too long... i breast fed my first till he was 18 months, though not exclusively.... he is my boy wonder, it enhances a child's development...do not deprive him to appease ANYONE!!! everyone has an opinion, so let them say whatever they want

Kim - posted on 02/06/2010

That lady is crazy!! Breast milk is the best thing you can do for your baby and obviously you are doing a great job if he's a big HEALTHY boy!!

Karen - posted on 02/06/2010

Breastmilk is full of everything your beautiful boy needs. You must be doing a wonderful job of feeding for him to have grown so well. Do not fix something that is not broke. Formula feed when you are ready if at all. If he is sleeping well and not always looking for food he is fine.

Sarah - posted on 02/06/2010

i fed my little boy till he was 1 and he was a big boy and i now have a 8 kg 4 month old baby girl... you should only stop breast feeding when you want to and not because you care what other people think... you are awesome for breast feeding... you should keep it up

Danielle - posted on 02/05/2010

WHO CARES!!! im gunna feed m,y lil girl un 12 months shes 4.5 months and 16 pounds and 25 inches long BIG i still brteast feed

Niki - posted on 02/05/2010

my son is 4.5months and 20lbs... and i've heard of women breastfeeding untill the child is 4/5 years old! that woman needs to butt out. if everything is going good for you, then keep it up

Chantelle - posted on 02/05/2010

i breastfed my oldest till she was a year and i loved it one of my friends breastfed her oldest till he was three and i have yet another one who breastfed her youngest till she was 4 and my daughter who is 5months and at first i wasn't sure if i wanted to keep breastfeeding past 6months at first but as it gets closer i have decided to keep going its such an awesome bond that bottle feeding does not give you

Rakel - posted on 02/05/2010

It is wonderful that you provide so well for him and that he is big and healthy!! congratulations on doing so well! also when you start introducing solids breast milk will serve as a protector for several food allergies such as gluten allergy and help with several issues that could follow such as constipation and etc. So keep on going as long as you and your son feel like it.
Some people are really still stuck in their old ways and have no idea what they are talking about and that lady should REALLY mind her own business. Now here in Sweden they are giving out pamphlets in the maternity ward for grandmothers and older mothers telling them that the whole issue on breastfeeding has changed to the recommended amount of 12 months and as many times a day the baby needs and how important it is that they realise that times have changed from when they had their babies, even if it was only a decade ago.

Good Luck

Karen - posted on 02/05/2010

What would I do? I would continue to breastfeed my baby and be proud of the fact that he is so big and beautiful. Forget those other mothers. Breastfeeding is great for your baby. I nursed one of my children until they were two years old and talking in sentences. Girl, feed your baby the way you feel comfortable. Bottle feeding may actually cause more weight gain.

Melissa - posted on 02/04/2010

my son is off the growth charts as well, and i only breast feed him. i have no inclinations of stopping. i hate it whenever strangers make rude, ignorant and unnesessary comments.

Nalize - posted on 02/04/2010

Cherie, my daughter is now 4.5months old she weighs 8Kg already and believe me the lady that told you your little guy is to big can go and jump in the lake. Breast feed for as long as you can it is only good for them and they don't get as often sick as bottle/formula fed babies. You could if you feel uncomfortable in public express milk and give it to him in a bottle, like they say breast is best always.

Emma - posted on 02/04/2010

My baby was 4.03 kilos at birth and was 8 kilo's at 15 weeks so imagine what he is now at 18 weeks - at least 9 kilos I am sure - he certainly feels it!!! I will be breastfeeding until 12 months - hopefully even 18 months. Just remember for every person who makes stupid comments like the one this lady made to you - there are heaps of people who think what you are doing is fantastic! So do what is best for you and bub!

Sandra - posted on 02/04/2010

I would continue breastfeeding. If you want to do it and it's the best for your baby go ahead. My baby has the same weight and I continue breastfeeding him.

Stephanie - posted on 02/04/2010

I say if he is gaining weight then I would do what you want. I nursed my first born until she was 14 months old. When she was born she weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz. Plus now he is old enough to start solids to. So I am sure he is getting enough food.

Christy - posted on 02/04/2010

Well like the other women I would say do what you think is best. If your baby is happy and healthy then keep going. My son is now 5 months and he is over 8 kgs. I tried breastfeeding, but he rejects me now. So we are almost exclusively bottle fed. Plus he is moving to solids. If your baby is enjoying the breastfeeding and you are too, then keep going.

I can understand your shock...usually people say nice things when they don't know you - you know break the ice.

Good luck!

Abbi - posted on 02/04/2010

I would say breastfeed as long as you can... I'm sure you already know that it's best for your baby... my mother breastfed my sister as well as myself past the age of 2 years. Just keep doing it as long as it works well for you... I hate when people try to discourage you from doing what you (and they) know is best!!

Michelle - posted on 02/04/2010

Don't stop breastfeeding. My first son was a "big" baby. He weighed 29 pounds at 9 months i guess that's 13 kg and he was average height. All sorts of people would stop me and say, "What a cute baby but he looks overweight, Have you asked your doctor about his weight, Wow how much does he weigh", ect.... My doctor told me he was overwieght at 3 and 4 months....i did not listen and i changed doctors. I breastfed him until he was 15 months. At around the same time he grew lengthwise and didn't gain any weight. So he now is average weight and hieght. All children are different. My second son eats the same amount just as often as my first but he is significantly longer and leaner.

Please listen to your mommy instinct...never let anyone make you feel bad about what you know is right for your baby. It will eat you up.

Deb - posted on 02/04/2010

keep breastfeeding! No reason to change your plans because your baby is growing well. That is a sign that you are doing the right thing. I breastfed my 1st child untill he was 18months. The last 2 months it was only at night. But breastfeeding was a large part of his diet untill 12 months. There is no reason why you shoulkd switch to a bottle for a 4 month old unless you are having problems. If you are ok with it, keep to your plan and tell nosey people that it is none of their buisness.

Beth - posted on 02/04/2010

Definitely not too big to be breastfeeding! I'm going to let my baby self-wean whenever he is ready. He is 5 months & I can't imagine taking my breast away from him in just another month. He would be devastated! I say go with the flow & do what feels right with you & your babe.

Naomi - posted on 02/04/2010

Sorry Amber if you misinterpreted my last post. I meant that bf didnt work out for ME as I had planned. If i would of had it my own way i would be breastfeeding to 6mths at LEAST. I was not recommending anyone to put their baby onto formula! I just thought it would be nice for others to hear what happens with mums and babies on the other end of the spectrum. My main recommendation is....do what suits you! You are mum and you know best for your baby.

Amber - posted on 02/03/2010

Don't listen to her. Breastfeeding is best, so if you can do it for 12 months without putting your LO on formula then please do! Why change a good thing?!

Hanli - posted on 02/03/2010

Hi, my son weighed 4kg at birth as well. He and his weight started to drop because my milk just couldn't sustain him anymore and he couldn't sleep through the night either.
I understand how you would want the best for your son. And if you can give it to him why not? If your milk is enough and if he seems fine to you. Then go for it. your around him 24/7 and knows what he needs better than anyone. BF is much better than formula for millions of reasons.

Naomi - posted on 02/02/2010

On the other end of the spectrum...i have a bottle fed baby. He is 9.4kg at the same age. My child health nurse is telling me he is excessively overweight. They expect me to starve him for 3.5hrs between feeds....its not happening. If he is hungry i give him a bottle otherwise the world comes to an end! My partner was also a large breast fed baby....If i had breastfed him my nurse would say he is healthy as you offer the breast when they are hungry and they eat till they are satisfied. Double standards! If i were you and were comfortable in yourself about continuing breast feeding, keep going :)

Kathy - posted on 02/02/2010

Renay, I'm intrigued - why would you put a baby like this baby on the bottle? Just because of his size?

Julienne - posted on 02/02/2010

My bubba is almost 5 months and is 9kg. She was born 4kg as well. She is exclusively BF. And hasn't had any solids yet. My SIL told me that if i put her on solids maybe she wouldn't drink so much and wouldn't be as fat... WTF?

Don't worry about any comments you get, you are doing the best thing for your baby by BFing. Why switch to formula when your son is doing so well on the breast

Anna - posted on 02/02/2010

That's silly of someone to say and quite rude. You do what feels best for you and your baby.

Yun - posted on 02/02/2010

It's silly to think that the size of the baby dictates how long he should be breastfed for. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until they are at least 2 years of age, which is obviously going to be heavier than what your son will be at a year. My 2 year old is still breastfed once in the morning and he's around 11 kg. Every mom knows what the best thing is for their baby, just go with your gut and don't worry about what misinformed people tell you.

Erika - posted on 02/02/2010

Your baby sounds happy and healthy, breastfeed him for as long as you want and let other people mind their own business, no mom that nurtures and loves their kids ever looks stupid!

Renay - posted on 02/02/2010

do whatever suits you its your choice in the long run but if i had a baby like that i would but the baby on bottle at 6 months when they start solids

Heidi - posted on 02/01/2010

OMG! How rude is that lady!
You can feed your son for as long as you like - the longer the better. So long as you're both ok with it. Whats the point of switching to formula in a bottle when you're still making perfectly good milk youself? Your son is obviously thriving on your breast milk and growing to his full potential.
I've got a 4.5 month old too (he's nearly 8kg) and I'm planning to breastfeed him until he's about 2 or 3 yo if its all going well... the world average according to the WHO is 4 years. By then it will prob only be a one or two feeds a day (one in the morning and one before bed) so we'll be at home and there'll be no busybodies to comment.
Be confident in your decision to breastfeed, its just that in our "western culture" we don't often see older babies being fed so we think its odd - I hope some other mother will see you feeding your son at 9 months and be inspired to keep feeding her baby for longer too. Good luck!
HH

Julie - posted on 02/01/2010

OMG how dare she! I would have had a few choice words to say to her. I am planning to breast feed til 12 mths and will be introducing solids in the next couple of weeks. How bloody rude. You do what feels right for you and bugger what anyone else says!

Erin - posted on 02/01/2010

Keep at it! That woman sounds like a lunatic!

Sarah - posted on 02/01/2010

Id keep breastfeeding if your producing enouph to do so then do it! My sons 14.6lbs and is 4 months, and hes 99% breastfead. Theres some nights where he seems to be more hungry them I can produce so I'll give him about 4 onces of formula. I'm trying to hold off on solids till at least 5 months so the extra bit of formula dose him nice. But Idk where this person gets off saying ur babys to big?

Kathy - posted on 02/01/2010

What a stupid and rude comment! What's size got to do with anything?

Casey - posted on 01/25/2010

that lady obviously doesn't know what she's talking about!! breast milk is sooo much better for a baby then formula!! sounds to me like you've got a very healthy boy.. Good for you!

Brandi - posted on 01/25/2010

Go with what you feel is best for your child. A friends of mine did it until her child was well over 12 months. I don't think it would look stupid....and she has no right telling you how to take care of your child.... All babies are diff and you of all people know you son and his needs...

Justine - posted on 01/25/2010

I've had similar comments. My little boy is 21lbs (9.4kg) at 19 weeks and exclusively breastfed. People (aquaintances - not family or professionals) have suggested he should have extra as he'll need more milk than I can produce but they don't know what they're talking about. Often it's people that either didn't breastfeed their babies or gave up quite early on - perhaps they feel guilty and are subconciously transferring it to us? If your baby wasn't being satisfied with your milk he wouldn't be thriving, as he clearly is, so stick with it and remember what a great job you're doing xx

Brie - posted on 01/24/2010

to be completely honest with you formula will fatten a baby up more than breast milk will!!! stick to what you want to do...its your life and your child... do what makes you content and don't let anyone bring you down... this coming from a breastmilk to formula mother!!!

Becky - posted on 01/23/2010

There's no such thing as too big to breastfeed! A formula-fed baby is far more likely to be overweight than a breastfed baby, as it is difficult to overfeed a breastfed baby. Your milk has exactly what he needs in terms of fat and calories. Also, it's normal for them to be roly-poly at this stage. Once he starts on solids and becomes more active, he will likely slow down in his weight gain and slim down. The lady who commented was ut of line and completely ignorant!

Marsha - posted on 01/22/2010

Keep feeding that baby the best if you know there's no reason to stop. Too big..!?...I'm gonna say so forgive my french but that's horse shit!!! There is too old..but too big? No way! My baby girl was over 12 lbs when she passed and I was still nursing her. Let someone tell me my kids were too big. I'd hurt em'!

Noreen - posted on 01/21/2010

Are you kidding?! I'm going to breastfeed Abby until she's atleast 18months or 2yrs old!!! LOL So no, he's not too big to breastfeed.

Breast is best!! That lady was crazy and stupid! Don't listen to her! Breastfeed to 12 months! It only gets easier as they get older! When I had Noah, I set a goal for atleast 6months. 6months came and went and I continued until 12months. It was so easy and convient to just breastfeed. No bottles to worry about packing for day outings, no getting up in the middle of the night stumbling around to make a bottle why the baby crys. It's always perfect tempature. And the poo doesn't smell nearly as bad!

Abby - posted on 01/21/2010

I say it doesn't matter how big he is! As long as you're comfortable feeding him what should it matter? Theres a lovely forum on ivillage.co.uk (breastfeeding support) where you'll be able to find other breastfeeding mums and I'm sure theres mums with big babies :D (cant work out the weight in lb's which is how i work... my babies over 14lb's and feeds fine)

Sarah - posted on 01/21/2010

Go with your own instinks. That woman had no right to say that to you. Mother knows best x