Breastfeeding a 10 1/2 month old

by Lisa
(Andover, CT)

Breastfeeding a 10 1/2 month old

Visitor Question: My son is 10 1/2 months old and he has only received breast milk (no formula). He is now eating a wide variety of solids three times a day and either nursing or receiving expressed milk 4 times a day (he is now sleeping through the night).

My question is that since he has started sleeping through the night 2 weeks ago, I am only able to express 2.5-4.5 oz per session. Is this enough for him at this stage or do I need to start supplementing with formula or whole milk?

Breastfeeding Magazine Response: Your child is doing great! Remember, the ultimate goal is to get your little one to transition from breast milk to eating with the family!

There is no need to supplement with anything as long as you are offering breast milk when your little one is interested. (Remember: what you pump is not a good representation of what your little gets when eating...children can always get more milk than even the best breast pump!)

If you are concerned that he should be drinking more, then just try to offer the breast before solid food each time.

Good luck and congratulations on getting him to sleep through the night! Isn't life brighter on a good night's sleep?