Hi, Sir/ Madam!
My daughter is 10 months old. I'm feeding her with homemade cerelac daily morning. Other than that I'm not at all giving her any food except milk because I have plenty of milk. If she doesn't have milk I feel pain in my breast because of lumps which forms. Is it okay to give only milk and cerelac or else should I give her some other food items.

Question

Accepted Answer

While breast milk is very nutritious, at 10 months of age, your daughter needs additional foods to support her growth and development. Breast milk alone is not enough to meet her nutritional needs. It's important to introduce a variety of solid foods along with breast milk.

Here’s what you can consider:

1. **Balanced Diet**: Apart from homemade cerelac and breast milk, it’s essential to introduce other food items like:
   - **Vegetables**: Carrot, sweet potato, pumpkin, peas (steamed and mashed)
   - **Fruits**: Banana, apple, pear (mashed or pureed)
   - **Grains**: Rice, dal, or oats porridge
   - **Protein**: Lentils, soft tofu, paneer, or well-cooked egg yolk
   - **Iron-rich foods**: Include foods like mashed spinach, beetroot, or fortified cereals.
   
2. **Frequency of Meals**: At this age, a baby typically needs 2-3 solid meals per day along with breast milk. You can start with small portions and increase gradually.

3. **Breastfeeding**: Continue breastfeeding on demand, as it still provides important nutrients and comfort for your baby.

4. **Addressing Breast Lumps**: If you're experiencing pain from lumps in your breast due to excess milk, try expressing a small amount to relieve the pressure. You could also use warm compresses or gently massage the area. However, reducing milk demand slightly by increasing solid food intake might help balance your milk supply.

If you’re concerned about introducing new foods or the pain from lumps persists, consult a pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can provide further guidance on your baby’s diet and managing your milk supply.