How many times a day should I be BFing my 7mo?

[willowsmyname]

Hi there

My DS is 7mo and a really good eater on 3 meals a day. He takes some water from a sippy cup at meals and won't take BM or formula from a cup at all. I've reduced the number of breastfeeds down over the past month or so and we're now on 3 per day. For various reasons I want to stop BFing altogether but he's not having any of it so I think we're stuck at 3 per day for now. My question is is that enough milk feeds in a day for his age? He's receiving milk in other forms from his food e.g. rice pud, cereal. Will I be able to cut down to two a day at some point soon? What are peoples' views?

Cheers!

bumping this as dd seems to not want as much and wondered how much she needs.

How much each baby needs can be completely different. If you feel they aren't hungry and wet output is sufficient (still 4-6 wet nappies), then it should be OK. I'd hold off trying to cut down to two feeds a day for a few more months, but that's personal opinion. BM/FF should be the main component up to a year.

picklebum: In your case I would try and feed on demand and trust her as your not trying to cut down her intake artificially. It is common for feeds to become even shorter and she may be increasingly distracted of late. Just try not to push the issue and keep offering little and often if needs be. Also try in a darkened quiet room. If she seems happy enough then trust her.

Thanks penguin you certainly hit the nail on the head, she is at the stage where she has disovered the world and loves it lol. I was upset thinking she didn't want bm anymore really don't want to stop yet. Thanks for advice i'm trying to feed her where it's quiet but not always easy. Will this get easier?

willowsmyname: ooh I have the exact same question with my 7mo DD2 - I would like to stop BF but she's having none of it either. I'm down to 3 feeds a day and (not that I usually give a rats what she says but) that's what Gina F advises for this age, along with a bit of water with meals.

I don't know about you, but I'm finding it hard to imagine a day when DD will settle at bedtime without a BF... DD1 loved her bottle by this age and settled really well with a FF in the dark etc so this is all new to me. How do you think you'll make the transition when you finally stop BF? Are you going to wait till your DS seems happy to stop or are you going to take the lead?

If you were formula feeding they'd need three bottles a day, so I'd say 3 breastfeeds is probably a minimum.