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By Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, Ameda Products
Co-author of Breastfeeding Made Simple and The Breastfeeding Answer Book |
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| You know how much your milk still matters to your baby. And it feels great to see your baby thrive on your milk. Here are the basics from 6 to 12 months. |
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| FUN FACTS |
- You will make milk as long as your baby breastfeeds. Your baby drives your milk supply.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least one year.
- Babies begin to need other foods, too, at about six months.
- Babies get teeth and learn to sit up, so they can help feed themselves. Now meals get really messy!
- As babies take other foods, they need less of your milk. As they take less milk, your milk supply should go down.
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| WHAT TO EXPECT |
- Weight gain should slow down. A good weight gain now is at least 2-4 ounces (57-113 g) a week or ½ pound (228 g) a month.
- At this age, breastfeeding helps to comfort as well as feed.
- Babies love to play during breastfeeding.
- Expect lots of growing, crawling, and walking!
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| THINGS TO LEARN |
- Try each new solid food for a few days before starting another.
- Try a cup at around 8 months.
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| SOME REASONS TO SEEK HELP |
- If breastfeeding hurts or your baby bites during breastfeeding.
- If your baby gains weight too slowly.
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To find a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) near you, go to "Find a Lactation Consultant" on www.ilca.org. |
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| Even when breastfeeding is going well, you may still experience some of the following: |
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- Your baby has fussy times.
- She wants to feed again soon after breastfeeding.
- She wants to feed more often.
- Your breasts no longer feel full.
- She wants to feed less often or for a shorter time.
- She wakes a lot at night.
- She will take a bottle after breastfeeding.
- You can't express much milk.
- Your breasts may or may not leak milk.
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| You know you have plenty of milk when your baby gains well on breastfeeding alone. |
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| FROM 6 - 12 MONTHS: |
- Your baby should gain 2-4 ounces (57-113 g) a week or ½ pound (228 g) a month.
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| This is general information and does not replace the advice of your physician or healthcare provider. If you have a problem you cannot solve quickly, seek help right away. |
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Every baby is different, and your baby may not be average.
If in doubt, contact your physician or other healthcare provider. |
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