Baby juice and breast feeding?

Chantal - posted on 02/09/2010

Oh Maria, you should not feel ashamed of breastfeeding. You are doing a wonderful job & if they are your friends, they would not expect you to stop breastfeeding around them. If you really do want to give him something else when you are with them then water is better than juice. It will take a while for him to accept it because it doesn't taste as good as your milk!

Jennifer - posted on 02/06/2010

The reasons are their digestive systems aren't ready for it yet, they can develop allergies and digestive problems when solids and juices are introduced too early. Also, juice has no nutritional value to the baby yet and will dimish appitite for the good, nutrition rich milk, so the baby could become malnurished as well. They simply don't need juice yet, it's not a good idea, they'll have their whole lives to enjoy good food and other drinks, stick with the breast milk at least for the couple extra months, I think the baby will be healthier and happier in the end.

Aimee - posted on 02/06/2010

definately dont give him any juice, he just really doesnt need it!! chances are hes not taking water from a bottle because he just doesnt want the bottle, he wants you!! babies at this age do not need any other liquid other than breast milk or formula. Juice can be harmful and it will only fill him with empty sugary calories and he will very soon want to be fed again anyway because he will not be satsified. Alot of people like to breastfeed in another roon while visiting as being in a nice quiet room is better for letting your milk down if you are feeling uncomfortable, dont feel like you are doing the wrong thing . You really should not feel embarrassed or ashamed, you are doing such a wonderful thing for your son and your friends should make you feel comfortable, especially those that are mothers themselves!! try using a wee thin blanket or crib sheet as a cover to pop over your shoulder to keep it private if you want. Or definately start expressing milk and feed him from a bottle if you really need to, just remember that when he feeds from a bottle you will need to make sure you are expressing that feed from your breasts otherwise your supply will be affected, and thats not something you probably want to do around your friends either? you are a wonderful mum for carrying on breastfeeding while you can, just carry on and feel strong in the knowledge that it is such a wonderful gift you are giving him with every feed. Hold your head up and do what makes you feel comfortable. He only needs your milk, nothing else!!

Caty - posted on 02/05/2010

Its ok as long as you give them less than 4 ounces I have also asked my pediactric and lactation specialist at the hospital and through wic. the juice is more of the reason being that the sugars can be harmful towards the gums but if you get gum cleanser that should be ok but ya never give them straight juice or and for dairy not untill at least a year.

Caty - posted on 02/05/2010

i personally think juice is fine used it for my younger brother and now my son as olong as its not something very acidic like grape cranberry or apple and one part juice to 3 parts water. it helps really well if they haven't pooped in awhile.

Jessica - posted on 02/05/2010

I breastfeed as well... I'd given my little girl tastes of liquids that I have often (dabbed my finger in a smoothie, cranberry juice, etc.), you know, just to see if she would be interested in the taste of things. Then my best friend who's a CNA, and my house visitor strongly advised against it. I asked them both why, and they both gave me the same reason:
It can cause them to be allergic to things later in life (especially dairy products) if things are introduced to their little digestive systems too soon. If they react badly to it, their bodies will remember what it had attacked, and then if they ingest it later in life, they'll have the same reaction.
If you don't feel comfortable breastfeeding in front of other people, then I would suggest pumping a good amount and freezing it so you can bring some milk to bottle feed him any time you want..

Lise - posted on 02/05/2010

Juice is empty calories with a ton of sugar... I'd delay it as long as you can. What about pumping a little milk and giving him that in a bottle?

Maria - posted on 02/05/2010

im the only one out of my friends to have breast fed their baby and its difficult to feed my son infront of then when they are all bottle feeding, sometines Kerr only wants a drink and i thought he would be ok just getting juice for that as when i have tryed giving him water he turns away to it then i have to then cover up or leave the room to give him a drink.

Chantal - posted on 02/02/2010

Why do you want to give him juice? I rarely even give my 2.5 yr old juice. Breastfed babies don't even need water because breastmilk gives them everything they need. You also don't want to fill him up on juice so that he doesn't breastfeed as often - that will affect your milk supply.

Melanie - posted on 02/02/2010

i probably wouldnt advise doing that just yet for 2 reasons, babies can have reactions to fruit juices and it can also cause liver problems if introduced too early!! maybe you should consider changing health nurses if she isnt answering your important questions!!