Expert: ruth kraft - 3/28/2010

Question
Hello, my baby just turned 7 months. I work full time and over the last few months, he has started refusing a bottle. He has shown interest in a cup, but lacks the coordination to fully use one at this time. I have been coming home at lunch and right after work to breast feed him, in addition to morning and bedtime. Over the last several weeks he is becoming less interested in his afternoon and evening feeds. He is eating solids 3 times a day, but I am concerned that he should be getting more milk (my pediatrician recommends 24 ounces at this age). He refuses anything in a bottle including breast milk and I have even tried formula. Any suggestions? It it imperative that he be getting 24 ounces of breast milk or formula daily at this age or are the solids (cereal, vegetables, fruit and meats) I am feeding him meeting his nutritional needs?

Thanks,
Natalie

Answer
He will get everything he needs if you breastfeed him on demand in what he asks for. 24 ounces sounds fabulous when you are counting formula ounces. however, Breastmilk is far more nutritious for one, and secondly, the baby , while nursing may be getting much more than you realize. In fact, giving him formula is not really good for him at all as you are making him not want to nurse even more. and therefore he will get less nutrition. as formula doesnt come close to breastmilk. SO, I would suggest, to follow your babies lead. and unless he stops having wet diapers or becomes delayed in milestones, then don't worry :)

Good luck!