Solids and BFing

[ethan david's mommy]

I'm not sure how one can answer this question but I thought I'd give it a try.  And I'm not sure if I should post this here or on the BF board. 

Anyway,  I started my LO on solids about a week ago and I am BFing at the moment.  As a bit of background, I also BFed my first but only for 3 1/2 months as it seemed as if I didn't have enough to satisfy him.  I wasn't convinced that BFing would work this time, and have struggled with it.  I hate that I can't see how much he is taking in, and I'm not totally convinced that he is getting enough, but that's another story.

Anyway, knowing that solids should not replace breastmilk, and that his consumption should remain the same, how am I supposed to know that since I can't "see" how much milk he is taking in?

[Bryony]

I don't think you can "know" - but you can try to make sure it doesn't affect the BF by giving solids AFTER BF (eg an hour after) rather than before, and by keeping quantities low for the first few months.  We also did baby-led weaning (BLW) where you start on finger foods from day one, which means that quantities are pretty small until around 7-8 months as they don't have the dexterity to get much in.  I am sure others will have other ideas, but this is what we did!

Bryony

[Freya'sMum]

For bf, you go by time really rather than quantity, so if you notice that your lo is latching off after a significantly shorter time than usual, this might suggest a decrease in consumption - but it's not an accurate measure!

We did BLW too, is great for EBF babies, why don't you check out the FAQ and Recipes sections for starter ideas, to see if it's for you, or come and ask some questions on the most recent BLW support thread (stickied at the top of the main page).

Ax

[lovedtodeath]

There is a good chart for the amount of solids if you are worried about breastfeeding...http://www.mother-2-mother.com/samplemenus.htm

[Samuel's mum]

Regulating solids intake yourself and scheduling bfing 'first' is the only surefire way. Some bfers continue with milk 'first' up to 12 months to be certain their LO is receiving enough milk. Going by length of feeds can be tricky as the pp mentioned as feeding efficiency can really kick in around the time solids start.

[lovedtodeath]

Regulating solids intake yourself and scheduling bfing 'first' is the only surefire way. Some bfers continue with milk 'first' up to 12 months to be certain their LO is receiving enough milk. Going by length of feeds can be tricky as the pp mentioned as feeding efficiency can really kick in around the time solids start.

Also want to mention the distractable nurser who is at the breast for 20 minutes but won't work enough to get let down, resulting in only 5 minutes of true nursing.

[ethan david's mommy]

Thanks for all of your replies.  I knew there was no surefire way to tell, other that the ways you had mentioned.  I'm just so paranoid about the whole BF thing, especially since it didn't work out the first time.  I want to make sure I'm not doing anything to undermine it.  Oh and thanks for the website.  It's great!