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Breastfeeding
from six months to one year
The main event in this period is the introduction of solid
foods. However, breastfeeding continues to be important
nutritionally as well as psychologically. The immune benefits are
still important too.
- Even if you have introduced solid
foods, always offer the breast first. During this period,
breastmilk should provide most of the nutrition of your baby.
- It's too early to give your baby cow's milk. Don't do so
before your baby is 12 months old.
- You may give your baby some juice if you like (out of a cup
preferably). However, make sure you don't give her or him more
than one cup of juice a day. Otherwise, juice might replace
nutrients that are more important (especially breastmilk). Giving
bottles of juice may promote tooth decay.
- Demand feeding continues to be a
good idea.
- People might suggest that your baby is too old to nurse and
that you should wean. Ignore them!
Breastmilk continues to be an excellent source of nutrition for as
long as you care to breastfeed. Your baby's immune system is still
immature (a one-year-old's immune system is only 60% as efficient
as a normal adult's), and the antibodies in
your breastmilk are still very valuable to your baby.
Breastfeeding is still an excellent way to comfort your baby and
help her or him go to sleep. Remember: a breastfed baby is a happy
baby.
- By this time, your breasts are so accustomed to making milk
that you can probably afford to be away from your baby for half a
day without worrying about your milk supply. Enjoy your new
freedom! On the other hand, breastfeeding is likely to be such a
joy at this time that you might not want to be away from your baby
at all.
- See also: Dealing with
criticism.
Back to: The breastfeeding
page
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