Hello solids, goodbye nursing?

DD has been on solids for just over a month (she is 7 months). Since I've introduced the solids she seems to have become disinterested in nursing. I feed her solids first (as her ped recommended - she said that DD should start to get nutrients from her food as well as breast milk, so food first, milk second - she also said that it's not surprising for a baby to reject that boob when solids are introduced.). After her solids, when I try to nurse her she resists a lot of the time, or only feeds for a minute or 2 each side - I know she's not getting enough milk in that amount of time. She's constipated which I know can happen with intro of solids but I wonder if she's just not getting enough fluids too.

I find that my BM has reduced too, I feel empty most of the time and I know that's not the only way to judge but compared to what I had say a month ago it's much less. I'm worried about it. She takes a bottle more readily than the boob it seems - we've been supplementing with formula at night for about 3 months now because my milk is practically nonexistent then.

Anyways, just wondering if you ladies found the same thing and if you have any advice for a worried mommy.

Re: Hello solids, goodbye nursing?

I have to disagree with your Pediatrician. You should be breast feeding first then giving food. At this point she still really only NEEDS breast milk, food is sort of icing on the cake.

I would change your route if you want to continue to breast feed, and start with milk first, then food. But that is just me, i tend not to always listen to Dr.'s.

Re: Hello solids, goodbye nursing?

Re: Hello solids, goodbye nursing?

I've been told that until the age of 1, the majority of nutrition should come from breastmilk or formula. That solids are really just for practice etc. Also that you should give the least appetizing item first, then the more "flavorful" item - depending on what your child likes.

Sounds like your DC likes solids more, so I would nurse first, then give solids.

Re: Hello solids, goodbye nursing?

I completely agree with PPers...can you blame your DC???...i wouldn't be hungry after a meal either! lol!

I always treated solids and BFing as separate meals..never offered them together...If my DC was eating every two hrs I would offer a solid meal in the middle after an hr..or 2 hrs if the feedings were 4 hrs apart (you get the idea)

Solids are 2nd to breastfeeding when it comes to nutrients until their 1st birthday! right now it is just for experimentation!

I would def space out the solid/Bfing sessions! and if you do offer them at the same time offer the bm first!

Message edited 7/15/2010 9:27:05 AM.

Re: Hello solids, goodbye nursing?

I would nurse first then offer solids. As some of the PPs mentioned, their main source of nutrition at that age should be coming from breast milk and/or formula.

We tried giving solids first a few times and DD would barely take her bottle after that.

Re: Hello solids, goodbye nursing?

Thank you so much for that advice - you all confirmed what my gut was telling me. I'm also giving her 3 solid meals a day - do you think that is right too? I am going to switch to BM first then solids.

If I do that do I still give her the equivalent to one small jar of food (I'm making my own baby food so finding a measurement per meal is difficult, I've found).

Thanks again ladies.