My Nine Month Old Only Wants to Breastfeed

I have four children and nursed the last two for two years each... I think he is going through a stage and it will pass. If you get frustrated, he will feel it. Relax and let nature take it's course- the more he nurses, just like in growing spurts, your milk will adjust. If you decide to move him to foods then you just need to be consistant. Still offer the table foods, very nuetrally and he will eat some in time. It is amazing how many todlers and young children use food as a bartering tool- I think it starts right at the breast. Let him WIN for now, don't make it an issue. He will eventually eat, and then go to college faster than you can imagine... Nursing my children was truly a very special short lived experience that you can NEVER get back. Enjoy it!
M.

I didn't go through personally, but I didn't feed my first one (now 5) until he was 6m but am now starting my second one (5 months) on cereal. From everything I'm reading, most of the nutrients they need, they need to get from breastmilk or formula until 1 year anyway. I would just keep trying to feed him his favorites for now knowing that he is getting what he needs at this stage. If it's continuing after he turns one, I would talk to his doctor and see if they have any suggestions. It may be he enjoys the cuddling. Have you tried holding him on your lap when you feed him instead of him in a high-chair? It may be messier for you, but might help.

Hi C.,

contact your local La Leche League at

www.LLLi.org

Good luck. D.

I agree with the other responses you got. My first thought was teethting and he just needs the comfort while going through that very uncomfortable stage. They definately do not need the food right now for nutrition or calories. It is more of a learning stage. I do know that sometimes finger foods or doing it themselves at that age helps, but I wouldn't worry right now. I'd guess it would last 2-3 weeks and he'll be back to eating actual food again. Even as toddlers they would seem to go on hunger strikes, but it never lasts long. Keep trying the solids, but don't get discouraged if he doesn't want them for a while.
Good luck!

What a great answer you have already gotten, I was just wondering if it was teething? Sometimes the sucking helps their gums feel better when those teeth are trying to break through.

All 2 of mine regressed periodically and wanted just milk at times. Sometimes we would discover he was fighting off a cold or just wasn't feeling great during that time. Or maybe they were feeling a little anxious and needed extra snuggling and the comfort of nursing. It always passed and they would return to normal eating after a little while. Continue to offer foods at each meal, but don't get too discouraged. Another thing you can do to is give him more control and let him try some self feeding. We have really cool spoons that are bent to be shaped like their hands which worked great for all of mine in the very beginning. Have you tried any finger foods yet? Maybe give those a try. The Gerber puffs are great because they dissolve really quickly so it's hard for them to choke or even gag on them. Earth's Best teething biscuits are nice too because they hold their shape and gradually dissolve as they gnaw on them. It's messy, but it all washes and it might spark a renewed interest in solid foods.

What your describing is totally typical for a breastfed baby. Your milk is enough for him right now! Many sources recommend that for the first year the bulk of calories, 75% or more, comes from breastmilk.

It can be hard and frustrating, but remind yourself that these days won't last. In a year or three, we'll be wishing for these days again.

My DD is 15 months old now and up until a year she barely ate solids. Sometime around 13/14 months she just took off with solids. Now she nurses mainly before naps and at bedtime. If we're out and about and doing stuff, she rarely asks (she signs "milk"). There have been a few occasions where she's gone most of the day without nursing; but that makes me sad because she's growing up too quickly. Unless she plans otherwise, we will be nursing to at least two.

This may also be related to development. Any big milestones on the horizon like cruising or walking? Any teeth coming in?

Good Luck Mama! You can do this!!

S.

I agree with everyone here, sweetie, and my dd did the same thing. It's pretty exhausting, isn't it? Just make sure you make time to also take care of YOU (sometimes overlooked by nursing Mommies). Enlist the help of family members and explain to them that such nursing marathons can be a little taxing on your energy level. Grab some snacks for yourself with a good protien content (shakes are great...add some silky tofu..you can't taste it!). Try (haha) to get a little extra sleep and remember, "This Too Shall Pass" (and later we all look back and are sorry it did). :)

HI C.!
I breast fed my eight babies for different lengths of time. They let me know what they needed and then I gave what I could give! It was different with each of them, due to life circumstances and my own space. Babies are remarkably resiliant. That being said, it sounds like your baby is going through something and understandably, you have a lot on your plate especially at this time of year. Maybe your baby can sense this, and is feeling a need for closeness with you. I am sure this will pass. I don't see how you can go wrong by nursing in doable intervals like every three hours, and holding her as much as she'll let you. The time that they need us and want us around goes by rather quickly. Now is the time to savor the baby wanting your closeness, so that you can let her go when she decides it is time. I hope this helps you.
God bless,
N

Hi C.,

It is completely normal for your baby to only want breastmilk at this age. Up until 12 months of age, breastmilk should make up the majority of your babies diet. Babies who are exclusively breastfed until age 1 or even longer do fine. The only reason to introduce foods prior to age one is for the experience. If your baby isn't interested in foods now, then he probably isn't ready at this time. Keep trying and eventually he will start liking them. You are doing a great job - and don't worry - eventually your baby will love to eat foods!

J.

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