The Nursing Baby - Q&A

One mother asks:
My 10-month-old baby refuses his bottle/cup with a breast milk - and demands to be breastfeed ever since he had a cold 3 months ago. I would not mind to continue breastfeeding, but he seems to like it too much. He wakes up at night demanding the breast, and won't touch a bottle from anyone at night of throughout the day. Other food is not too much interest to him either if he knows that I'm around. He will cry/scream if he doesn't get what he wants making our, and his care givers lives miserable.

Should I not worry and comply with my son’s demands or set some rules, possibly stop breastfeeding so he has no choice, but to eat other things?

Babyhood is when we set the stage for later eating problems. It is best to remember that you can offer baby a wide array of food choices, but what and how much baby eats is up to him.

Nursing is a bit different, because it is an interaction between two people. Nutritionally, all your baby really needs to thrive is you. Food is great for experimentation at this age, but there is no need to push. In fact, most nutrititionists expert on babies recommend that no more than 25% of baby's diet be composed of solids (max, for babies 9 to 12 months old).

Your baby may be feeling very stressed by the time apart from you. Why not let him nurse all he wants while you are together? It's true that he can't nurse when others are caring for him, but that isn't a reason why he can't get "the good stuff" when with you. Some babies eat very little when apart from mom, and prefer to "reverse cycle nurse". That is they nurse more at nighttime, and eat little formula, breastmilk in a cup, or solids when away from mother. Make sure your caregivers are aware of this pattern, because it is less common.

Keep in mind that many babies this age that are still breastfed are breastfeeding anywhere from 5 to 20 times per day. The frequency and duration is less important than whether baby is happy. Sometimes babies at this age begin to depend on nursing for comfort when scared or bored. I believe this is a good, solid relationship between baby and mother. Babies that can rely on mom at this early age have a strong trust in their mother, and it can lead to easier times in toddlerhood. It sounds like your son knows his own mind and is a determined little baby boy! Nurturing a determined personality can be difficult, but very rewarding as they blossom into very independent minded little people!

These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.

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