To Nurse or Not to Nurse?

I also gave my son expressed milk and formula because my milk never fully came in so I had to do both. I would pump and give him a few ounces of my milk and a few of formula. I am saddened by the guilt trips people get for not nursing or discontinuing nursing. It is MUCH harder than people tell you and it is not for everyone. Formula is not as expensive as people say either. Walmart and Target have wonderful off brands and are the same as the namebrands and they are very affordable. It is not fair to guilt trip moms who have tried it and are choosing to not breastfeed. I would not choose to breastfeed again if I had another child and have found more moms that have struggled with milk allergies than who haven't because they breastfed that wouldn't have dealt with that if they just used formula. There are positives to both. If you want to stop, I would slowly introduce the formula with your milk like others have said. You need to do what is good for you. Formula will not hurt your baby and they will turn out just fine!

Breast is best. Why would you not continue? It will only get easier as she gets older and spaces out her feedings more. As she gets older and more active you will cherish the bonding moments that nursing brings. If you are lucky enough to have a good nursing relationship that is working for you and able to be home with her all the time, why not continue?

H.,

I am going to play devils advocate to some of the responses thus far.

1) how many mothers put up messages here about needing help weaning their baby from breast after a year or two? I dont see any mom's asking 'how do i get my baby off formula'

2) obviously you know breastfeeding is best, and probably don't need statistics shoved down your throat, but if YOU choose to switch to formula, I assure you your child will not end up stupid.. she may even go to Harvard.

3) Yes breast milk is yummy and delicious i'm sure, but I have never thought formula smelled like sour milk, and if it did, I wouldn't feed it to them - my 4 bottlefed babies all still maintained their sweet smelling baby's breath. but the fact is,... even yummy delicious sweet chocolate will take on a sour smell once it's mixed with stomach acid, so... it stands to reason that even breastmilk will.

I'm not pro formula or anti-breast, i simply believe that nobody has walked a mile in your shoes and know what is best for YOU and YOUR family. It is absolutely possible to do both formula and breast - if you are enjoying your experience thus far, and it's still feasible to continue but you wish to have a break, or whatever your reason for it, supplement a few feedings, but understand that the breast works on supply and demand. less demand, less supply. so once you cut down, it will be doubly hard to increase. it's an easy choice to breastfeed but once you go down the road of stopping, it's hard to turn back.

H., the very best of luck to you and your daughter... congrats on your new baby :)

It is your baby and your decision. Only you know your unique situation, so don't let anyone make you feel badly for wanting to switch if that is the decision you choose.

I fed my child expressed breastmilk for the first 5-6 months then switched completely over to formula. My baby is doing fine. It is true that breastmilk is the ideal food for your baby, but formula will not turn your child into a deviant of society like some people will have you believe.

Do your research, weigh the pros and cons, consider your family situation, and make the decision that is best for your family. Really, you can't go wrong either way.

Hi, H.. I was a sahm when my son was born, and he nursed every 2-4 hours. I'd done lots of research, so it was my intention to nurse for 12 months (or until I got bitten, whichever came first) but I didn't want my son to have formula at all, so I began pumping for one feeding each day for a week and letting my husband bottle feed him my milk. You could do the same with formula. My son was difficult to wean; he'd gotten used to being held and nursed and was NOT happy about having his time with Mommy cut back, but once I showed him that Mommy was all dry, he got used to drinking from the bottle with Daddy. Every week, I pumped for anotehr feeding, until we got to the point where he was only BFing once a day, as soon as I got home. (And that was mostly for me because I missed him terribly when I went back to work.) That's what worked for us! Good luck!

H., congrats on breastfeeding this long.

I breastfed my son for 13mo. Once they start solids they need to nurse less often. Near the end I was only nursing before his nap & before bed. If you enjoy nursing, I would recommend sticking with it. If you don't have a particular reason for wanting to stop, then I would continue. Do whatever is best for you & the baby. You've already given your baby a great start by breastfeeding for 4 months, so if you do decide to stop, don't beat yourself up about it. However, I would not recommend stopping just for the sake of stopping. Good luck!

P.S. Regarding someone's comment "1) how many mothers put up messages here about needing help weaning their baby from breast after a year or two? I dont see any mom's asking 'how do i get my baby off formula'"....I think this is an ignorant comparison. Weaning from a bottle of formula & weaning from the breast are 2 very different things. It's not just the consumption of the milk we wean them from, it's the close, physical time w/ mom that feeding from a bottle doesn't quite match. It's also the emotional component we have to be concerned with when weaning from the breast.

Hi H.,

My daughter is 10 months old and I am still breastfeeding. My daughter has always nursed every 2-3 hours until recently and now she'll go 4 hours. I started her on cereal and veggies at about 5 months. Her nursing schedule didn't really change until about 8/9 month once she was eating 3 meals a day. There have definitely been times for me when I've thought I would stop breastfeeding but I haven't for many reasons. The closeness that I have with her while nursing that I don't feel when I'm giving her a bottle. We still bond but it's not the same after nursing solely for so long. Also the convenience everything is right there ready to go. It's free. Right when my daughter turned 9 months is when I noticed weight loss for myself I can fit into pants that I couldn't even wear before I was pregnant, Thanks to breastfeeding. As far as nursing in public there are front carrier slings that make it possible to nurse while using (Urgo, Mei Tais,or wrap), nursing tank top, light weight nursing wrap.

There are times when I need to give her a bottle of formula instead of breastfeeding and it doesn't effect my supply and I don't have to pump. It does get easier as she grows and eats more solids. Hang in there it's only a few more months, that's what I keep telling myself. Now that we are 2 months away from her 1st Birthday (my original goal) I'm in no hurry to stop nursing.

Hope this helps and enjoy your little angel.
Happy Mother's Day,
C.

I nursed my son for 6 months. I'd originally intended to do it for a year, but my return to work when he was 3 months old made it difficult. If you're not sure that you're ready to stop nursing, then don't. Those Mommy's Milk storage bags are heaven-sent if you want to get some outside time. If you decide to switch to formula, start adding a small amount of it to your milk in her bottle, gradually increasing the ratio until eventually she's drinking all formula. It will usually take a couple of weeks. If your sweetie doesn't like the bottle, she may old enough to be introduced to a small sippy cup (the simple 4-oz cup w/out the valves). My son was your daughter's age when I tried it with him, and by 6 months, I was finished washing bottles. Even though he was no longer nursing, we were still able to fit in our quiet time together. I really hope this helps.

I won't comment on whether you should or should not switch to formula - there are already plenty of responses on that. But you do ask whether it is possible to nurse just a couple of times a day, and I don't see many responses on that. While I have known some women who could do that, it did not work for me. We gave our three babies one bottle of formula per day from about 4 weeks up til the time I went back to work at about 5 months - the rest was from the breast. I had hoped to be able to continue nursing just a couple of times a day in the mornings and evenings, but my body did not cooperate. There just wasn't enough milk to satisfy my babies anymore so that the attempted feedings were incredibly frustrating. I have at least one friend who had the same experience. It may work for you - I hope so! - but just wanted you to know that it COULD be a problem.

I don't think there's a right or wrong choice here - it's whatever you are comfortable with. You've provided breast milk for the most important time, the beginning of your baby's life. You can nurse at night & in the early morning and use formula in between (talk to your pediatrician about how much formula vs. breast milk your baby will be receiving to find out if she will also need vitamin D supplements). However, your milk supply will probably decrease rapidly with the fewer feedings unless you are pumping in between. As long as you're ok with that, I say that everyone has to find out what works for their baby and their lifestyle and go with that. Congrats on your baby!!

I am a working mom and nursed all three of my children 12 - 14 months (the last two had trouble weening) -- the first six months I only breastfed them and then I introduced them to foods. They were healthy size kids and slept well. I nursed them on demand both day and night. I did not have to give them formula as all -- I pumped while away working. My advice is to do what you are comfortable with -- your the mom and you will do right by your child. Nursing is healthy for them. Formula has fed thousands of children and they turn out just fine. Either way you decide will be OK. Good luck!

Wow- I read some other responses, and I think you need to do what's best for you. I personally find nursing to be easier because you don't need to wash or prepare bottles, and you don't have to bring much with you. Also, warming a bottle when you're out is a pain!

I also need to add, I was working when our first was a baby, and pumping at work was taking up too much time, so at about 6 months I stopped pumping at work and just nursed morning and night. It worked out great and lasted until 9 months. Also on weekends I nursed more during the day and it was fine. Now with our 2nd (9 months) we give a bottle (of formula) if we're out somewhere that I don't feel comfortable nursing and if we're at home I nurse her. (I hate pumping- it more than doubles the time needed to feed.)

You don't really need to decide at a certain point to stop or maintain a schedule. You're actually better off phasing it out and gradually introducing more bottles. You will avoid engorgement that way. If you have had enough and are definitely ready to stop, then do so, but if not, just go with whatever seems to work at a given time. If it seems you're mostly giving bottles during the day your body will adjust. She should start going longer between feedings soon too. That helps a lot. Maybe you can try to hold her off longer and then she'll eat more and go longer the next time. If mine were busy they would forget about eating entirely. Good luck!

My plan was similiar to yours but once I reached the point of starting solids (6 mos) I realized how much I loved breastfeeding my daughter. At one point I did try to switch her to formula, it was a nightmare, probably the worst two weeks of my life and hers. I just couldn't do it to her and now at 11 months she's a happy breastfed baby. After drinking sweet milk for 4 months you'll likely have a hard time convincing your baby to drink something that tastes worse than soured milk.

And like others said, breastfeeding gets so much more wonderful over the next couple of months. The feedings will space out, less time spent feeding, my daughter went from 45 min sessions down to 10 minute ones every 3 - 4 hours.

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EDIT: I feel the need to edit my response after further examining what I wrote. I was in no way trying to discourage you from switching to formula. Afterall, my first child was entirely formula fed. I just got the feeling that you were hoping for breastfeeding to get better....and it does. But if you are set on switching for other reasons, by all means do what is best for you ... your child won't suffer because of it.

As for the comment on formula not smelling/tasting worse than soured milk...have you actually tasted it? I gagged after sampling warm formula, yet breastmilk tastes like sweet cereal milk.

Just because I wasn't successful switching my daughter to formula doesn't mean you won't be. I did attempt to gradually add it but my daughter straight refused, the same with bottles.

I wish you luck in whatever you decide!

I know you got a ton of advice...besides all the healthy reasons to nurse...it is very convienent, especially in the summer. It is cheap/free.

I have found that my friends that supplemented with formula ultimately had to stop nursing.

Anywho...do what is best for you and your family! In the end that is what matters

I am going to have to agree with what Andrea said.

It does get so much easier as they get older. She will nurse less and at pretty predictable times.

Most people are torn because they are going back to work and it can be tough to pump when you are away. Since you are at home, it will be so easy to continue to breast feed your daughter.

B.

I know you have gotten lots of advice. I didn't even read them all when I saw you already had 40. I just had to add my 2 cents. I am still nursing my almost 14 month old so of course I am going to say PLEASE KEEP NURSING your sweet little baby!!! It really is the BEST thing for them physically and emotionally. The AAP reccomends nursing for AT LEAST the first year of life, and the WHO reccomends 2 years. You will never be sorry that you continued to nurse but you may be sorry if you stop prematurely...

Hi H.!

I'm just a huge advocate for breastfeeding, so I say "keep it up!". You will never regret breastfeeding your child, and your daughter will be healthier because of it! There are some big advocates for nursing even into the toddler years, which I have not done, but there are huge health benefits. My new doctor recently told me that if you nurse a girl until she's four years old (WHOA! Not sure I could EVER do that...), she will be immune to breast and ovarian cancer (unless she goes on birth control later in life)! I was amazed by that statistic, and although I don't know if I could nurse a child until the age of four, I KNOW the benefits outweigh any hang-ups we might have in society today.

So, I want to encourage you to keep going! Formula is not nearly as good for your daughter as the food your provide, and that bond will never be replaced once you stop breastfeeding. Good luck with all of your decisions, and enjoy every minute with your daughter!

Also, if you need help and encouragement to continue, you may want to contact La Leche League - they're a GREAT resource. Many blessings to you!

Absolutely! You can definately still nurse at bed and naptime and 1st thing in the am! However, once you stop nursing all the time, you will cut back on your milk production, so pumping is a good idea. You can also use the pumped milk and supplement with formula to wean her onto the formula and the bottle. That way you will have an easier time weaning her off nursing all together when you are ready to be done. Good Luck!

Why wouldn't you continue to nurse? It's the best thing you can do for your child. I nursed my daughter til she was 16 months old. When she started solids, I nursed her first thing in the morning, then a few times during the day, and then last thing at the night (and sometimes in the middle of the night). My pediatrician told me to nurse her first and then feed her solids, as the breast milk is highly nutritious.

Keep nursing!

You should definetly continue to nurse. Nursing up until 1 year has amazing benefits for your daughter - you should research the benefits but it has been found that breastmilk improves a child's health and intelligence.

Solids should not replace nursing and there is no reason to stop nursing during bed times. The American Pediatrics Association recommends strictly nursing for the first 6 months so if you can do it I say go for it! And if you're able to nurse for up to a year then that's even better!

Hi H.,

First of all, enjoy EVERY moment with your daughter. Do you pump at all? If not, try that. If you have some stored milk you can skip a "breast" feeding every now and then and someone else can give her a bottle while you're doing things you need to do. Everyone is right, you have made it through the tough time. Feedings will begin spacing out farther and farther once you introduce foods. I was very fortunate in that my body adjusted well to decreased feedings. I am still breastfeeding my daughter and she just turned 2 on Tuesday. I only feed her before bed. It is ABSOLUTELY the best part of every day. So my advice would be if you can and want to continue breast feeding do so and don't pay attention to what ANYONE else feels. This is a decision for you and ONLY you.

I agree that it might be difficult to get your child to switch back and forth between formula and breast milk, even when starting solids. They do taste incredibly different. Also, it could confuse your child is already starting to deal with new taste and texture sensations with solids. I suppose you would have to try it, because each child is different. My son would not take a bottle or formula in any form after he fully aclimated to breast feeding. It was a bit demanding of mom but in the end I was glad.

I also think you should keep nursing your little one as long as you are able. I went back to work full time in November of 2006 and thought my then just turning one year old would wean herself. Well, here we are, she is 2 1/2 and shows no signs of weaning. She nurses most nights at bedtime, asks sometimes to nurse in the morning but there usually isn't time with four older kids to get off to school. Molly rarely asks to nurse anywhere but at home, and does seem to increase her requests on weekends when we have more time. I feel it is our connecting time, since I feel awful having to go to work when she is still so young. I do ask her sometimes if she is getting milk and she says yes, she is getting yummy Molly milk. So she knows that time is special just for her.

As a soon to be divorced mother of five, I am glad to have that 'make up' time in our day.

H.,

Why substitute an inferior for a superior one? The longer you can nurse your baby, the better off she will be. You only get one chance, and then it is over. I found it to be much easier and always handy also. In todays world, I thought that giving my children the best start possible was important. I believe that if you can nurse for at least a year, even part time, you really give your child a major advantage in life and a great start! Ok, there's my two cents. Hope this helped.

D.

I encourage you to check out these websites before you make your decision. We all have heard breast is best, but these explain why in a great way.

www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html
www.breastfeed.com/articles/issues-for-mom/the-case-for-t...

It does get easier, and you have food always handy at the right temp when you breastfeed. You can learn to discretly nurse, and can do it just about anywhere.

Also, someone posted that they knew people dealing with milk allergies that wouldn't have if they had used formula, is probably mistaken. How do they know they wouldn't have dealt with allergies? The research says it's better to breastfeed as far as allergies. Perhaps she meant that the mom had to change her diet rather than putting baby on a soy formula - but as far as children deleloping allergies it's best to nurse.

If you do decide to switch, maybe you could try to pump and give a bottle to see if bottle feeding really would be easier. I just think you've made it over the toughest part of breastfeeding and now would be the pay off time, where things really start to get easier. No bottle to wash, no packing the formula in the diaper bag, etc.

By the way I have a 4 months old, 2 year old and 4 year old. So I do know it gets easier! Those first few months are tough. If you do decide to keep breastfeeding, www.kellymom.com is a great support.

And if you need a nursing bathing suit I brought one off ebay (new with the tags still on) that's not fitting me quite right. I may be looking to pass it on, if I can find another one. (They can be quite pricy, but I got this one for $20)

Human Milk is for human babies. There is absolutely no reason to ever give your baby formula unless you have a medical condition. Formula is an inferior infant food. Why would you switch to something that is nurtritionally inferior at such a young age? Even solids are inferior to breastmilk and there is no reason to start solids until 6 mo. Your daughter will continue to benefit from breastmilk as long as she nurses. Adding anything else to her diet at this time leaves her more suceptible to illness. The AAP recomends 6 mo as the age to start solids. Formula is only recommended for babies whose mothers are unable to breastfeed.

Of course it is, you can nurse when ever you want. I nurse my first child for 3 years and my second for 2. All children and parents are different, you do whats right for your family. I would be more thatn glad to help with any other questions or support. ____@____.com Good luck, G. Chambers

I just weaned my 16 month old and went through a similar though process when she was about 4 months old. But when you start solids they start nursing less and less often, and by 8 months or so was just nursing 4x/day. A breeze! She got bottles occasionally with no problems, and even started drinking milk from a sippy cup around 8.5 months. Every baby is different and you do what's best for you, but I'd say give it a few more months when it gets so easy! And the cuddly time is nice :) Good luck.

Keep nursing of course! I am currently nursing my 4th child, so I have 8 years nursing experience over the last 12. I just let mine wean themselves naturally, around 2. I agree that there's really no reason to stop now.:) Keep up ther good work!

I say, nurse for as long as possible. The benefits for your baby girl far outway the short duration of nursing, if it's six months or for the first year. There are health and intelligence benefits to your daughter. It is over before you know it and you'll never get that bonding time back again.
Personally, I nursed my daughter until she was 15 months. Gradually, drop one feeding a week. In the end, I only breastfed her in the morning. It works fine.

Have you been to any La Leche League meetings? These are very helpful and supportive on just such questions. I have nursed both of my daughters (the youngest is now 21 months), well past 6 months. Neither took solids until 8-12 months. It is not any more difficult to continue nursing than to begin (and I think it is much easier!), it is just a decision for you to make. When you introduce solids, the nursings will likely decrease in frequency. You can also try increasing your own fats - things like coconut oil or avocadoes - to have the same effect.

Hi H.,
KEEP NURSING!!!!!!! You should do it until 9 months. Children who were breast feed for 9 months or more score higher on IQ tests.

Wow...you have had a lot of responses to this question! I am sure you are sick of reading all of the responses so I will make mine quick....Keep breastfeeding if it is working for you! I nursed both of my kids until 14 months. It really does help their immune system to receive your antibodies. My kids were never sick while I was nursing them. Absolutely no ear infections, colds, etc. I really believe it was due to breastfeeding. They are still pretty healthly compared to most kids. I just recently heard that it also benefits their future learning and cognition. Good Luck!

You've made it past all the hard part - why stop now?? Here's a few good reasons to consider continuing:

1. As you add solids, she'll start to cut back on her nursing so it will be even less trouble than it is now. Soon she'll space her feedings out to every 4 hours, then every 5, etc. By the time my son turned one he was down to feeding only 3-4x/day (and 2 of those were immediately upon waking and right before bed). It was very little trouble.

2. Boobs are always ready. No bottles to wash, always have the right amount, etc. Don't have to worry about keeping milk cold or warm, or how long you can store it, etc.

3. It's FREE!! Have you looked at how expensive formula is these days??? Wow.

4. Baby formula is ok if you need to do it, but it's not nearly as good as breastmilk for a baby. Have you noticed how they're always adding something new to the formula (DHA etc)? It's because suddenly we discover yet ANOTHER great thing that is in breastmilk that isn't in formula. Why mess with it when you can have the real thing?

5. Breastfed babies have higher IQs than formula-fed babies. See http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24482257/

If you decide that you would like to do a mix of breast/bottle (not the end of the world, I should add - nor does it make you a bad mom. I just don't think it's any easier, but that's me) yes you can cut back and breastfeed part time. Don't do it too suddenly, and make sure you space your nursing sessions at regular intervals throughout the day/night. This will help you keep your milk supply going.

Some moms want to keep nursing (for the bond it creates) but the bond if already formed in the early months. It can be more of a problem or confusion and sometimes frustration for babies to be on the breast, bottle, and food. The older they get the more stubborn they are to switch nipples later. It's a 50/50 proposition that's up to you mommy. Happy Mothers Day.

I say keep going. It only gets easier here on out. You have tackled the hard part of breastfeeding and it will just get easier. Even nursing from the 6 mo to the 12 month marker is way easier and less demanding than anything before 4 months. You are on the home stretch so just go for it.

I understand the need to want to switch to bottles, however nursing is soooo good for your baby. You can do both. Bottle during the day or when you are out of the house. Then continue to breast feed in the mornings and evenings. Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby and every little bit helps.

I'm sure you'll receive plenty of emails about the importance of breastmilk the first year of life. That being said, every individual is different so if you feel strongly about adding formula that's definitely your perogative. Don't be deceived by the notion that adding solids will replace breastmilk 1 for 1, though. For the first year, solids is really play for them. It's all about learning how to eat and exposing them to different textures & tastes as well as an opportunity to eliminate any allergens they may have an aversion to. Solids don't become substantial until after the first year. Even then, I've heard many babies will drink nothing but milk/formula and not eat solids well at all. I thought the same as you, that solids would fill him up and give him more nutrients, but I've learned differently in the past year.

As far as nursing to sleep, I still do it with my 17 month old. He doesn't necessarily need it to sleep - he does fine when I'm not around. If you want to try adding formula so you won't have to nurse as much during the day, it is definitely possible to decrease nursings to a few times a day. It's probably best for your body and milk supply to do it gradually though. Maybe replace a bottle for one nursing session every 4-7 days until you're down to a few nursings a day. I'd be worried that to stop the extra feedings cold turkey would trick your body into stopping your milk supply. It would take a lot of determination to get it back up again which sounds like something you wouldn't be willing to do.

If nursing has been successful for the two of you, I'd say follow her cues. The frequency will decrease as she gets bigger and more efficient at nursing. I think I remember my son going down to every 4 hours at 5 months. Would that make things any better? You can also try to "train" her to nurse more at each session by stretching the frequency little by little. I know some women do that when they need to go back to work so they don't have to pump as much at work. You could add a feeding at night if you want to eliminate one in the a.m.

One last bit of advice: read up on formula vs. breastmilk. There's lots of info on www.mothering.com/discussions Also, taste the formula before you give it to her. I finally did taste his enfamil and it was disgusting! It almost had a metallic taste to it. I did end up adding formula for a little while after he turned 1 to "fatten him up a bit" - not sure if that worked! It is by Baby's Own Organic formula. You can find it at Whole Foods. I prefer the dairy formula rather than the soy - it doesn't taste as good IMO.

Don't forget that you can always try to pump at night when she sleeps longest. Then one of your bottle feedings can still be breastmilk. Whatever your decision. Good luck! Another website you might want to research is www.kellymom.com It's all about breastfeeding - it's helped me out of lots of hurdles!

I think you should nurse as long as you can but in my case I had to quit at 4 months. We put our son a soy formula for 2 months and then he went on regular milk at 6 months. I know that most doctors will disagree with that but it worked great for us.

Our son is now 17 years old, 6' 2" tall and weighs around 185#. He is very healthy, has played many sports (football, wrestling, soccer) and has only been sick about 2 or 3 times in his whole life. To this day he drinks 2 to 3 gallons of skim milk a week. Formula is not as natural as cows or goats milk so we chose to switch at 6 months with or Dr. blessing.

Our doctor is a doctor of osteopathic medicine. We chose not to go with a pediatrician because we wanted this to be our sons doctor well past his youth, if he wished.

No matter what anyone else may say the decision is up to you and your husband.

I am currently nursing my third child. My oldest nursed 15 months, my second nursed 7 months & stopped only because I completely ran out milk once I hit the 2nd trimester of my third pregnancy. My son will soon be 6 months and is still nursing. Nursing through the summer is great - no carrying bottles in the heat every time you go somewhere. With solid food coming, the demand on your time and body will decrease. I don't want to come acrossed pushy, but I do believe nursing as long as you can is the best. You will never regret the time you spend nursing - it is an investment in your child only you can make. Enjoy it as much as you can - it doesn't last long! And yes you can split the day time bottles with night time nursing - just be careful that you don't lose your milk supply by reducing your day time feedings too quickly. And remember that the night feedings are the hardest to stop in the nursing world, at least they were the longest lasting at my house. Good luck & enjoy your baby!

the more you nurse the more your body produces so its always possible to just nurse at bed time etc.. you do what works best for you.

This is such a personal decision - but if you're a stay at home mom - why not just go till 6mo (your initial goal)? I found nursing so much easier than bottles (nothing to prepare, wash, etc...) - not to mention the cost savings of nursing. They are only little for a flash - another couple of months will fly by. Good Luck with your decision!

Nurse as long as you can! Later you'll look back fondly of your sweet child and the tender moments that nursing creates!

You mention summer arriving -- I wonder if you think it will be more challenging to nurse when you decide to spend some time at the park/zoo, etc. I guess I can't say for sure I know about using bottles, but it would seem to me more of a hassle to bring all the equipment and keep things at safe temps, etc. If nursing in public is a challenge for you, I would happily recommend a nursing cover -- I have a "bebe au lait" brand one, but there are sahm's who make them on ebay for like $15 if you look around. I whip mine out literally anywhere and nurse my baby 9 month old, and no one cares (least of all me!) because I am totally covered.

As your baby grows and gets more independent, you both will love that special quiet down time nursing. There's even a small part of me that misses that with my 2.5 yr old son (he weaned around 15 months). You know what's best, but I would just encourage you to cherish this special time with your baby. And truly, you are right around the bend from a major change once solid foods start!

T.

I am in the same boat. I have been supplementing with bottles for most of the daytime feedings but I have no real schedule. I pretty much give my baby a bottle unless he fusses to nurse. The only time I am consistant with nursing is middle of the night and early AM feedings. He seems to be fine with this. I too, planned to nurse untill 6 months but part of me feels it's time. I plan to continue doing as I am now (not wean him completely) until it "just feels right". Not sure if this helps, but hope so. Best of luck to you.

I'd encourage you to stick with your original plan of 6 months - you can certainly replace a feeding or two with a bottle without giving up nursing all together. It seems she really enjoys the experience, and a sudden switch might be very difficult for her.

But ... I'll admit I'm biased - my older son nursed til his 4th birthday, and my 2yr 3 mo old still nurses. Extended nursing has been a great experience for our family.

Follow your baby's cues on when to introduce solid foods and remember to take your time weaning whenever you do it, because you might be very uncomfortable if you try to do it too fast. Your baby should be getting her primary source of food from the breast or bottle for her entire first year. I encourage you to keep breastfeeding (it is so much easier - I've done both), and you'll figure out a schedule. She won't start eating three meals a day for a long time, so basically my advice is take it slow and watch for your daughters cues. She might not even be ready for solids until she is over 6 months. As long as you are consistant and eat enough, etc, you should be able to keep nursing just a few times a day. I wonder if some babies prefer the breastmilk to formula and so they want more breastmilk and seem hungrier when they nurse than when they have formula. Maybe that is why some moms don't feel like they have enough. I don't know. But another great resource is La Leche Leauge. You can find a group in your area and go to a meeting and there will be moms and leaders there who would be glad to help with this transition for you. Good luck!

Please, continue nursing! It's absolutely best for your little one for the first 12 months of life and however long after that you both desire. On solids, the AAP and WHO both reccomend not introducing anything until AT LEAST 6 months because the baby's system is not mature enough to handle anything other than breastmilk til 6 months or more. Introducing things any sooner sets baby up for a much higher risk of allergies, and trust me, you dont' want to go there! My 14 month old daughter is severely allergic to all dairy, seafood and tomato, and thankfully still nurses about a 4 times a day most days. If you and baby are enjoying nursing, there's no reason to quit now. You can keep nursing and then at 6 months start solids. My best reccomendation is the book/website www.superbabyfood.com. It tells you all you need to know. I"ve used it w/all 3 of my kids. Good luck to you! -J.

Interesting question. Why are you wanting to stop nursing and switch to formula? Are you going to be away from your daughter starting then? As long as there is no problems and nursing is still an option, you don't have to switch. You are going from a free, best milk for baby to second best. Not knocking anyone who formula feeds, but if you are already breastfeeding successfully and staying at home with your baby then it seems like a no brainer. Just because your baby will be starting foods doesn't diminish the need for breastmilk or the benefits of it. I breastfed for just shy of 4 years, and there are definitely benefits to extended bf. Do what is comfortable to you, but don't switch to formula if you feel breastmilk is no longer beneficial. Plus many solely bf babies will reject formula. Good luck!

One more note. I am in no way saying you are a bad parent for thinking of switching to formula. I do however, believe that if more women actually did their research and read what is (or what we are not really told) is in formula, then there would be far less formula fed babies.

i guess i really don't understand, what does summer have to do with it? your baby still needs to eat no matter what season. according to the AAP, there should be strict nursing for the first 6 months, no food including cereal, and then nursing for 2 YEARS (or longer if it is mutually agreeable to mother & child). I work 2-3 days a week and am still nursing my 23 month old and won't consider stopping until she's ready.

why would you PAY for INFERIOR food for your child?????