Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding From Six Months to One Year

The main event in this period is the introduction of solid foods. However, breastfeeding continues to be important nutritionally as well as psychologically. The immune benefits are still important too.

• Even if you have introduced solid foods, always offer the breast first. During this period, breastmilk should provide most of the nutrition of your baby.
• It's too early to give your baby cow's milk. Don't do so before your baby is 12 months old.
• You may give your baby some juice if you like (out of a cup preferably). However, make sure you don't give her or him more than one cup of juice a day. Otherwise, juice might replace nutrients that are more important (especially breastmilk). Giving bottles of juice may promote tooth decay.
• Demand feeding continues to be a good idea.
• People might suggest that your baby is too old to nurse and that you should wean. Ignore them! Breastmilk continues to be an excellent source of nutrition for as long as you care to breastfeed. Your baby's immune system is still immature (a one-year-old's immune system is only 60% as efficient as a normal adult's), and the antibodies in your breastmilk are still very valuable to your baby. Breastfeeding is still an excellent way to comfort your baby and help her or him go to sleep. Remember: a breastfed baby is a happy baby.
• By this time, your breasts are so accustomed to making milk that you can probably afford to be away from your baby for half a day without worrying about your milk supply. Enjoy your new freedom! On the other hand, breastfeeding is likely to be such a joy at this time that you might not want to be away from your baby at all.
• See also: Dealing with criticism.

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