#asktheexpert mam my baby is still breastfeeding 40%,is it okay or harmful.

Question

#asktheexpert mam  my baby is still breastfeeding 40%,is it okay or harmful.

Accepted Answer

its ok

Accepted Answer

no my baby is 23 month

Accepted Answer

It is absolutely okay for your 2-month-old baby to still be breastfeeding 40% of the time, as long as they are also getting adequate nourishment from other sources, such as formula or complementary feeding, based on your pediatrician's advice. At this age, the most important factor is that your baby is receiving enough nutrients to support their growth and development.

Key Points to Consider:

1. Breastfeeding at 2 Months: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, as breast milk provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and promotes bonding. However, if your baby is receiving 40% of their milk from breastfeeding and the rest from formula or other sources, and they are gaining weight well, it’s still fine. Some mothers may supplement with formula for various reasons, and this is perfectly acceptable.

2. Breast Milk Benefits: Even partial breastfeeding offers numerous benefits, such as boosting your baby’s immune system, supporting gut health, and providing important nutrients like DHA (important for brain development).

3. Formula Feeding: If you're supplementing with formula, make sure it's a good fit for your baby and provides adequate nutrition. Sometimes babies who are partially breastfed and partially formula-fed can have different feeding schedules, but as long as your baby is gaining weight well and developing normally, this is not a concern.

4. Feeding Frequency: As your baby grows, their feeding habits and needs may change. Babies often feed more frequently in the early months due to rapid growth. Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, ensuring your baby is fed on demand, rather than sticking strictly to a schedule, is often beneficial.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Growth and Weight Gain: The most important indicator of whether your baby is thriving is consistent weight gain and growth. If your baby is gaining weight and meeting developmental milestones, it’s a good sign that their nutritional needs are being met.

Feeding Routine: If your baby seems content with 40% breastfeeding and is not showing signs of hunger or discomfort, then it should not be a problem. Some babies may gradually transition to more solid foods and drink less breast milk as they approach 6 months, but there’s no harm in continuing to breastfeed partially.

Conclusion:

Partial breastfeeding is absolutely fine if your baby is receiving a balanced diet and continues to grow and develop normally. It’s important to follow your pediatrician's advice on how much breast milk or formula is necessary for your baby, and ensure they are comfortable and well-fed. Keep monitoring your baby’s weight and development, and if you have concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your pediatrician for further reassurance.