I made my monthly trip to Whole Foods today and loaded up on produce and other delicious goodies for the little guy. He's going to try some kale tomorrow and tried a bit of kiwi tonight. Asher is not too picky overall, which makes my life easier. He especially loves bananas and peas. About a month ago, I gave Asher Stonyfield organic yogurt and it's been a huge hit. I even put the thinner kind in his sippy cup from time to time because it's easier for him to drink than most liquids. He's not too crazy about egg yolk, but is beginning to like it more. He has liked mozzarella cheese and even has had some tahini, but wasn't too sure what to make of the that.
There are a few food books that I have found especially helpful in navigating the world of baby feeding. They are, Super Baby Foods, by Ruth Yaron and Real Foods for Mother and Baby by Nina Plank. I can't rave enough about Plank's book and think everyone should read it. It's particularly good for women thinking of having a baby -- lots of info on what to eat both prior and during pregnancy. I wish I would've read it earlier!
And now the dilemma of when to stop giving Asher breastmilk? I HAVE NO IDEA! His nutritionist, therapists, etc have all suggested a year (next month!), but I don't know if I'm quite ready to stop. I've been pumping this entire time and Asher is getting about 50% of his daily calories from breastmilk. Those of you who know me well know that I usually want to throw my pump out of our 3rd story window, but the benefits of mother's milk are so extensive that it's hard to imagine stopping now. I know babies can be introduced to cow's milk at a year, and Asher will definitely be getting some at that time, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to stop giving him breastmilk entirely.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
For all you pumping mama's out there, there are a few products I simply cannot live without. One is the PumpEase, which allows me to pump hands-free. I cannot recommend this enough for anyone who pumps a lot! The other 2 product I couldn't live without are Traditional Medicinals mother's milk tea and More Milk Plus supplements. Pumping without nursing can be very difficult, and these things really have made it easier for me to be in it for the long haul!
Here we are tonight. Asher is showing off his post-bath flufffffy hair!
6 comments:
I would say don't stop if you do not want to. As with most things with parenting I think our instincts really are good guides-and if you are not ready to stop yet then don't. And when you are-then do:) My simple thoughts. You rock as a mom by the way!!
Have you checked out Wholesome Baby Food.com? I love that website! :)
Miri was on breastmilk for most of her life, but now we are almost all formula because the pumping just wasn't working out for me. :( I think if I was at home with her she would probably never have needed formula! In any case, she is likely going to stay on that for awhile after she is a year because of her weight issues...
But I don't think there is any harm in pumping and feeding him the breastmilk as long as you want. People nurse their kids until they are two or older...it's no different!
Thanks for the shout-out about PumpEase. We are always thrilled to hear from a happy customer.
@em - will whole (full fat) cow's milk or better yet soy milk not help your daughter with gaining weight just as well as formula? As far as I'm concerned, formula should be a last resort, but that is just me. :-)
All the best,
Wendy Armbruster Bell
http://www.PumpEase.com
I had VERY low supply the entire time I pumped for Lillian (5 months) but I wish I could have gone longer. Turns out my milk had fewer calories than formula.
I just couldn't continue to pump 8-12 times a day and still give her the attention she needed.
If you can swing it, I say keep on pumping! But I wouldn't blame you for throwing it out the 3rd story window either ;)
Wow that is such a good job on the pumping!!! I pumped for 10 months with Isaac (well until I got pregnant again and my supply dropped dramatically!) and I wished I could have made it to a year!! Its such a commitment!!
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