To think DC *is* ebf?

[MulderitsmeX]

Please help me settle an argument with DH.

Dc is 8 months so has some solilds /pouches / BLW which I introduced just after 6 months. All his milk is breast milk. Is this ebf?

DH and I saw some BF articles about BF rates and were confused whether EBF means no formula or no solids/formula. If the latter surely no baby post 6 months is ebf? (Unless medical reasons why)

[AlbusPercival]

You’re correct

[notevenwithconsent]

I wouldn’t say ebf once they’re on solids. Sorry.

[MrsStrowman]

My interpretation is the same as yours, EBF means the only milk they have is breast milk, not sure if that's right though!

[naicepineapple]

Ebf means exclusively breastfed and can only happen if a baby has never had formula or any other food.

[OutPinked]

EBF is pre-weaning.

[naicepineapple]

That's why I think the breastfeeding studies aren't great because lots of people mix fed but afaik they aren't counted as breastfeeding which is crazy.

[apostropheuse]

He's not still exclusively breast fed if he's now eating solids.

[TheDowagerCuntess]

You're correct - exclusively breastfed for 6 months, at which time solids are introduced.

[AlphaJuno]

I wouldn't say ebf once they're on solids either. Because the benefits of ebf for 6 months are supposed to be from having solely breastmilk and no other supplements like formula/solids.

[ThatOneHurt]

Exclusively breastfed is just the bit before weaning.

Exclusively meaning only.

But it isn't only Breast feeding now, hes weaning.

You only refer to it as EBF when talking about infant feeding. I.e breast or bottle or both...

[brookshelley]

Technically EBF means the baby only has breast milk so it's prior to weaning.

However in normal conversation (e.g. LLL meetings I've attended) people will say EBF to mean "doesn't have formula" even when baby has started on solids.

[StopTheHistrionics]

Is he being exclusively fed from the breast?

Not any more, he has other food now so no, not EBF.

[KumquatQuince]

You are a bad mother, you should’ve breast fed him with no other food till he’s 2!

So glad they didn’t have such nonsense in my day, what does this term even matter?

[JacquesHammer]

Do mean exclusively breast fed or extended breast feeding?

Exclusive breast-feeding is just that, exclusive I.e. not including any other type of nutrition.

Extended breastfeeding usually refers to feeding after 12/24 months dependent on where you are

[PiperPublickOccurrences]

Totally agree that there is a confusion in terminology.

Exclusively Breastfed means that is ALL the baby is having. No food, no formula, nothing.

But lots of mums take it to mean not having formula, still breastfeeding and having solids too.

With babies over 6 months it doesn't really matter as it will be assumed that the baby is being weaned onto solids anyway. With very small babies it's also clear what the mother means as you'd hope she wasn't shovelling solids into a newborn. But between maybe 4 months and 6 months it's a grey area and in my experience, health professionals clarify if they;re not sure whether you've started solids or are supplementing with formula.

[JellyBaby666]

I'd ask why it matters. But hey ho. Congrats on hitting 8 months of breastfeeding! It's hard work. I'd just say he's weaning and is breastfed, he can't be exclusively breastfed if he's not being given exclusively breastmilk!

[lilyblue5]

Pre-weaning for me, but I wouldn’t worry about it!

[AnElderlyLadyOfMediumHeight]

Am with those who say bf can only be considered 'exclusive' pre-solids. I think sometimes the term gets used to mean other things and that causes confusion - I long-term bf all mine and sometimes people would look quizzical and ask 'does he/she eat anything else?' - this about a one- or two-year-old And I would not be saying I exclusively bf at this point - it's just that people associate bf with exclusivity, to which an inaccurate definition can attach.

[Dahlietta]

EBF means all the baby 'eats' is breastmilk.
If the latter surely no baby post 6 months is ebf?
This is correct. No baby who is eating solids is exclusively breastfed.

[diddl]

I think that your baby was ebf.

[AllTakenSoRubbishUsername]

No, because he is not exclusively fed on breastmilk.

[RedPandaMama]

The responses indicate people aren't really sure either OP!

I assumed how you put it, their milk comes exclusively from the breast. It's a bit of a daft term anyway, I always think 'I EBF Theo for 13 months' or whatever just sounds really condescending to non-breastfeeding mothers - not saying that's what you're trying to do, that's just what the term EBF comes across as to me, and I BF for 14 months.

[Nousernameforme]

You could use the e for extended as you have gone past the 6 months.
Can I ask why it matters?

[Pumpkinpie789]

Why does it matter?