by Amy Spangler
August 27, 2009

Much has been written about introducing solid foods to babies, including what to give, how much to give, and when to give it. But it seems there is very little written about how the introduction of solid foods affects breast milk production and breastfeeding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Breastfeeding in its breastfeeding policy statement recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. However, the AAP Committee on Nutrition took exception with the policy statement and recommends instead a period of 4–6 months (the following footnote can be found in the AAP Breastfeeding Policy Statement):

“There is a difference of opinion among AAP experts on this matter. The Section on Breastfeeding acknowledges that the Committee on Nutrition supports introduction of complementary foods between 4 and 6 months of age when safe and nutritious complementary foods are available.”

For the purpose of guidelines and recommendations, it may be convenient to group all babies together. But in the real world, parents know that every baby is different; that each baby will demonstrate a readiness for solid foods when the time is right, which can be anywhere from 4–8 months. Parents simply need to follow their babies’ readiness cuesYou will know that your baby is ready for solid foods if he can:

• sit up with little support
• hold his head upright
• pick up finger foods and place them in his mouth
• swallow without gagging, spitting, or choking

Once your baby is ready for solids foods, there are lots of questions still to be answered.

How will the introduction of solid foods change your baby’s breastfeeding schedule? When solid foods are first introduced, most mothers find that their breastfeeding schedule changes very little. Only small amounts of solids are given at first—one or two spoonfuls. (Note: A spoonful of cereal mixed with 2–3 spoonfuls of breast milk is often recommended as a first choice but many nutritionists consider meats an even better choice since they are a better source of iron.) As more solid foods are introduced, you may see a decrease in the frequency and length of breastfeedings.

Over time, a baby who breastfed every 2–3 hours day and night will gradually adopt a pattern of three or four meals (in addition to several snacks) each day. Solid foods are meant to complement breast milk not replace it, so it is best to offer solid foods when your milk supply is at its lowest (usually late afternoon and evening). Also, solid foods can’t begin to replace all the nutrients found in breast milk, so continued breastfeeding is recommended for at least the first year of life or beyond.

How will the introduction of solid foods affect my milk supply?
As your baby’s intake of solid foods increases your milk supply will gradually decrease. One of the amazing parts about breastfeeding is the ability of the breasts to readily respond to a change in demand.

Do I need to pump if my baby breastfeeds less often, or should I let my milk supply adjust naturally to the change in demand?
It is best to let your breasts adjust naturally to the change in demand. If you remove additional milk by pumping, you will make more milk than your baby needs and you may experience periods of engorgement or leaking.

How can I be sure my baby is getting enough breast milk?
If your baby is happy, satisfied after breastfeeding, and growing well, you can be sure that he is getting enough to eat.

Do I need to offer any other liquid in addition to breast milk?
Your milk is the only liquid your baby needs. If you would like to teach your baby to drink from something other than the breast, you can offer expressed breast milk or water in a cup. If you decide to offer fruit juice, use 100 percent fruit juice and offer small amounts (no more than 1/2 cup). Because fruit juice is a high calorie beverage with few nutrients it should be offered infrequently (no more than once a day or perhaps every other day). Never introduce cow’s milk before a child’s first birthday.

Will my baby continue to breastfeed day and night?
Yes and no. Some mothers introduce solid foods hoping that their babies will sleep through the night and are disappointed to find that the nighttime feeding pattern stays the same. This is especially true if nighttime feedings are a source of comfort rather than an expression of hunger. Other mothers find that the addition of solid foods decreases the number of nighttime feedings, but increases the number of daytime feedings. Much depends on the age of the baby.

Introducing solid foods is the first of many milestones. There are lots more to come, and there is a right time for each and every one. As parents, it’s important to remember that while guidelines and policy statements can be helpful, you know your baby best, so respond to your baby’s feeding cues and enjoy those gooey hands and faces!