Is ebf for 6 months still recommended?

[DuckChowMein]

I've had two previous dc, both of whom i bf exclusively for 6 months as per the recommendation at the time (9 and 6 years ago). I was planning on doing the same this time but have come across research from 2011 which questions whether it's necessary and suggests it may actually be bad for babies who don't get the necessary amount of iron.I know studies have also linked it to increasing the risk of allergies.

Does anyone know what the current recommendation is?

[BringBackCabinPressure]

Yes it's still recommended but obviously all babies vary at what age they are ready for solids. As I result I personally did baby led weaning with mine - where they started stealing off my plate at 24.5 and 27 weeks respectively

[Abracadabra1]

Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months then to carry on bf alongside weaning diet until 2 yrs is the world health organisations recommendations. Breastmilk has enough iron in it until the baby can get iron from other sources ie food.

[BringBackCabinPressure]

Abracadabra - just a slight tweak - breastfeeding is recommended alongside food to AT LEAST 2 years old, not UNTIL 2 years old

[GinAndSonic]

Yup, as above. My dd was ebf till 10 months then just tasted solids really until a year. Opting for delayed cord clamping increases the babies stores of iron, as they get the blood from the placenta back that way. There is less iron in bm than formula, but it is more bioavailable. if weaning before 6 months, most solids offered tend not to be naturally high in iron anyway.

[DuckChowMein]

Ah, thanks for that. Very reassuring.

[DuckChowMein]

I wanted to delay cord clamping with each dc but never managed because there was always a problem at the last minute that meant they needed to assess them.

[GinAndSonic]

I didnt delay it with my first due to induction with the drip, but my second was a very different labour. If you are thinking of trying blw wheb introducing solids it shouldnt matter much anyway, i gave both of mine chunks of red meat to suck on at about 6-7 months (though dd wasnt interested!) And you can offer fortified cereals / yogurts if you prefer to spoon feed.

[DuckChowMein]

I'm definitely going to go down the blw route. I did with my second dc and found it much more enjoyable and far less stressful than purees.