Once dropped should it stay that way?

[blue2006]

Hi, lo is 11 and a half months…

I BF at 7, 2.30/3 and 6.30/6.45  I dropped the 11 successfully a few weeks ago.  And last night was the first night with no night feeds!

Anyway a few days ago Liam seemed adamant to feed at his old time or 11am.  I refused and tried to give him water and rice cakes while I sorted an early lunch for him.  I asked my health visitor about whether I should have given him milk and she said absolutely not!  Do you think once dropped it has to stay dropped?  Would giving it once in awhile muck his solid intake up…?

Also when is it common to drop down to two feeds a day?

Also I’m not interested in giving formula but I’ve seen in a few places the need to supplement when dropping feeds with either formula or cow’s milk/cheese/yoghurts ect… is this correct?

Oh one more thing!  Once I have given the last feed of the day would having the odd glass of wine be acceptable – no trace would be in the milk by morning would it?  (As long as I stuck to one – right? lol

Thanks for your time

Tasha

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

I asked my health visitor about whether I should have given him milk and she said absolutely not! 

Huh? Whyever not?  I mean, if you were working on weaning, and didn't want to start adding in breastfeeds, then I could sort of see not nursing at that time, but if he wants milk, why can't he have it as a snack....?  Milk/formula is still important even after a year old.  I know my oldest had milk 4 times a day (either as nursing or in sippy cups) for ages - still does, really and she's over 2.  When she still did 2 naps, I gave milk as part of her snack when she woke, along with breakfast and supper.Many kids have 3-4 milk/formula feeds after a year old.  I don't know if you ever really need to go down to 2...

I personally feel that if your child is getting enough nutrients and liquids, then the when and how is less important. You don't HAVE to use formula, but make sure the rest of his diet is varied enough in calcium etc. 

As for it possibly mucking up his solid intake if he has milk once in a while at that time - you'd have to see - it can vary between babies.

You can definitely have wine at dinner and be fine the next morning!

[Lilah'sMommy]

At one year, my DD1 was still nursing 4 times a day and eating plenty of solids.  After a year, we dropped the two mid-day feeds one by one and kept the morning and night ones for another 10 months-- but, when she was sick, she'd often want extra daytime nursings, and I gave them to her.  I don't see the need to refuse a feed he asks for unless you are trying to wean.

[blue2006]

Thanks for your reply, red.

Perhaps I should have said a breast feed rather than milk.  She said I would confuse him if I did (since I had dropped that particular feed) as he'd expect it again the next day and a habit would develop and I'd never get rid of the feed.  Do you think this would be the case?  I don't want to go back to giving him 4 regular BFs (as he seems happy most of the time on three) but I'm not against giving an extra feed occasionally but don't want to confuse him.  kwim?

Thanks Lilah's mum - when the health visitor said not to BF him ever again at this time I thought of - what if he's sick... which got me thinking why can't he have it occasionally... thanks for replying. 

[RachelC]

Tasha, I would go with your mommy instincts, which seem to be to feed him, if he's asking for it.  It may be an occasional thing, but if you notice it being a habit that you don't want to stick around, then focus on it then.

We are still on 3 feeds a day at 20 months.

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

I used to nurse my dd1 for her 2 midday milks on the weekend and she got bottles during the week (I pumped at work) at daycare.  I think you'd have to see how flexible he is with going back and forth.  I agree with Rachel - mommy instincts are usually right on!