I Have a five month old baby and was wondering if this was safe or not?

Question

i am breastfeeding only and i want to breastfeed "only" for a year without giving baby food to my baby is that safe

i am more then a month late on my period and i was wondering if me breastfeeding is what is causing this to happen

Answer 1

Yes! Many say that's best.

Answer 2

Some people do exclusively breastfeed for the whole first year. Usually, this is in the case of a family where there are really bad allergies and they are trying to hold off on solids until baby is older.

Most breastfed babies will want (and need) to start solids somewhere in the middle of the first year, say 6-9 months of age. It's commonly recommended to start them around 6 months.....but you want to look for the signs of readiness. The Kellymom links below will give you more information on that.

You can absolutely continue to nurse FREQUENTLY even with the addition of solids. Baby's nutrition should consist of at least 75% breastmilk for the entire first year. Starting on solids doesn't mean that they are eating 3 solid meals a day or even eating solids every day! If you'll be out and about and it would be easier to nurse instead of bringing along solids, that's fine too.

All three of mine were ready and started solids around 6 months of age. All three continued to nurse well beyond the first year. (Son - weaned at 3.5 years & daughter - weaned at about 22 months & daughter - still nursing at 3.5 years.)

Also.....you're going to find that the child will eventually be grabbing for your food or diving after your plate! You'll most likely see that your child is interested far earlier than a year. You can hold them off some, but unless there is a severe family allergy problem, waiting a whole year may not be realisitic.....but breastfeeding can and should definately continue with the addition of solids

ADDING -
Have you taken a PG test?

Answer 3

When I only breastfeed I don't have a period. But with this one I've been giving her formula during the day and nursing at night and I just started having periods again. She is going to be 4months on the 10th. And as far as safe yes your milk has all she needs, however as your baby grows so will her/his appetite so be prepared to feed all the time.

Answer 4

Dont listen to the ones telling you You should bc obviously they haven't been there. I strictly breastfed my son for a good 18 months and then introduced solids. He did on occasion have a piece of meat or some rice but not on a everyday basis. My son is now 3 years old and perfectly fine. You do what you feel s best to your baby without harming him. I think your intentions are good and if you and your baby are happy with it then so be it! I breastfed my son 26 months! He self weaned at that age ;) Good luck and do as YOU please

Answer 5

My pediatrician recommended not to start my 4 month old on anything until 6 months old. He was 14 lbs. at his last doctor's appt. She did recommend starting him on the liquid vitamins, we did try but have you ever tasted them. It is awful and my son will not take it without putting up a fight and it is usually not too hard to get him to take any meds. Also starting your baby on foods too early could cause more food allergies. About missing your period, it is not uncommon to not have a period the entire time you are breastfeeding. I have not had one yet, my mother breastfed for 9 months and didn't have a period the whole time. Good luck.

Answer 6

I didn't give my 3 kids cereal until they were 7 months old, and slowly went from there. My last two I nursed for 20-22 months. I now have a straight A student, an A-B student, and a four year old I have taught to read and write. They are all healthy, and happy. Take your cues from your baby. She will probably want some sort of texture around 7-8 months, but breastmilk as a main nutrient shouldn't hurt. God bless you.

Answer 7

I think breastfeeding is wonderful but sometimes your baby may need more then just that. I would certainly talk to your pediatrician to make sure that your baby is gaining good weight and stuff. And if there is a problem I am sure that you two can come to a solution that you are very comfortable with. Good Luck!

Answer 8

A baby can safely get all of his/her nutritional needs from breast milk until about 6-7 months old. After that, your baby's nutritional needs will change and he/she will need to eat solids in order to get the nurtition needed for proper growth. You do not need to use commercially prepared baby food unless you want to. A baby can begin eating table food very early. Things like baked mashed sweet potato, mashed banana, and mashed steamed carrots are all easily eaten by a baby. It is best to introduce rice cereal made for babies first and your baby can eat only this for several months to get the iron needed. Breastmilk stops containing adequate iron when your baby is about 6 months old. Check with your local La Leche League or check out their website for many good breastfeeding tips.

Answer 9

Breastfeeding is wonderful for a baby, but I bet around 10 months or sooner, you'll get tired of it and look forward to feeding your baby "real" food.

I would definitely check with your pediatrician; there's probably a good reason why they'd want you to start on real foods sooner than one year.

Answer 10

I breastfed my four children for a year each because I was told that introducing foods too early ...could cause allergies. I supplemented with formula when I was tired or at work with the first two.
All four of my children are in school now and have IQs over 135 each are in the top of their class, play musical instruments and all are extreme athletes.
My daughter breast fed until 18months so she ate solids at one year and breast fed...
The 3 boys were more independent.
They are healthy and best of all...no allergies have shown up ...except my oldest son is allergic to cats.
I am happy that I breast fed my children for one year...good luck.

Answer 11

talk to your baby's pediatrician about that. me personally, i would not do it. i have a five month old daughter, and milk is not enough for her. some people say that the babies get all the nutrients they need from either breast milk or formula, but i believe after 6 months they should eat something more than milk. milk might not be all that will full them. plus i think that they should have more nutrients coming from different kinds of foods. also if you just give your baby breast milk for the first year and no baby food, they might not want any food when you introduce it to them after you breastfeed. it might also be hard for them to learn how to eat if they never was taught. might be tricky, but i don't know. good luck!