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Fruits and Vegetables • Portion size: 1–2 tablespoons per serving • Servings per day: 2–3 each Grains (including bread, rice, pasta, cereal) • Portion size: 1–2 tablespoons per serving • Servings per day: 3–5 Protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, tofu) • Portion size: 1–2 tablespoons per serving • Servings per day: 2 Dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese) • Servings per day: 2–3 • Milk: 16–24 oz per day (whole milk unless otherwise advised by doctor) • Yogurt: 1/4 – 1/2 cup • Cheese: 1/2 oz (about a slice or small cube) Fats (healthy oils, nut butters, avocado) • Offer small amounts throughout the day. Let your child decide how much to eat—portions are guidelines, not limits.
In the UK, after 1 year old, they don't HAVE to drink milk, as long as they are have 2-3 portions of calcium rich foods like yoghurt and cheese then it's fine!
@Rachel thankyou! I think she does eat a lot of calcium rich food. I just didn't think she would suddenly stop breastfeeding. She was drinking breastmilk 5 times a day until 3 days ago (she just suddenly stopped drinking any) I've been very uncomfortable. I thought breastfeeding was supposed to be continued until 2 and beyond. I literally just quit my job because she was so reliant on my milk. She is teething and biting my nipple instead of latching on properly and drinking. My mum said I'm over feeding her solid food which is why she isn't drinking milk x
Seems like she has weaned herself off, which does happen. As Rachel said, as long as she is is eating 2-3 portions of calcium food and drinking water no need for any sort of milk x
@Kimberley I really wasn't ready for her to wean herself off 😞 she's got sore gums I think. She's biting on her comforter and she doesn't really put things in her mouth normally. She's become very attached to her comforter these last few days instead of wanting milk. She bites me instead. I don't think I'm producing any milk anymore. It'll be 4 days tomorrow morning. Feeling very emotional 😢 x
My son weaned onto solid foods really well too, and at about 8.5 months he completely stopped breastfeeding. Similar story to you, started biting and just refusing, not interested at all! I kept offering for a few days but in the end thay was it, he decided he was ready. I then tried formula until 1 year bc everyone bangs on about milk and makes it scary when they don't take it, but I believe babies know when they're ready so all we can do is offer. Some days I would be lucky to get 4/5oz into him all day, other days he would take 12oz, but lots of fussing and biting and refusing the teat still with the bottle instead of the nipple. No allergies or anything, just not a milk guy! Now your little one is over 12m she doesn't actually need milk as long as she gets yogurt and cheese etc as others have said she should be fine, and maybe add a multivitamin as well. Some babies go for the full 2 years but some just decide they've had enough, it was very abrupt for me so you're not the only one!
She’s already full from the solids. A bottle of milk is like 100-120 cals. The meals are probably already 100 cals atleast. They look like balanced meals and healthy meals. So don’t worry too much if she’s not drinking milk
@Lydia Thankyou so much for sharing Lydia. You are the first person I have found to have a similar story! I selfishly wasn't ready to stop. I don't think I have any more milk left now though. Today is day 4. I thought it was just her teeth, but maybe she's biting me to say she's had enough
Could be a bit of both, but in my case my boy has never looked for the boob again since, not once! When he comes into our bed in the morning he points at my nipple lol but he has never tried to feed again or anything. He is 14.5 months now and still very strong willed!! As long as she is eating well she will fine her way. I actually don't miss the feeds at all now, i love that he can be independent from me and explore life for himself 🥰 good luck!
@Lydia I was feeling a little bit mixed about it. I could see she was getting a little dehydrated in the mornings, so I was worrying and giving her more water and food before bed. She started feeding last night through the night though, so I'm not sure if we are starting back up again or not. We've been so busy going out every day so she's probably been too distracted to want any milk and it takes a while for the let down to come in. Thank you for sharing your experience. I feel better knowing that she will be ok if she chooses not to have any. Doctors called it a nursing strike yesterday and said it doesn't usually happen until 18-24 months. They weren't very helpful at all
They can only use averages/statistics/trends, which are definitely helpful for an overall picture but not really when your child doesn't follow them! If you feel happier with her feeding in the night then that's great, it definitely helps to reassure. With dehydration worries just also make sure water is always available. We tried a few different cups but when we got the right one for him, he was drinking like a fish! I hope all goes well for you :)
@Lydia thankyou!! She drinks water really well out of a sippy cup but doesn't seem to drink anything else other than water 💖
Look at the achievement you have accomplished by giving her your milk for so long already! You have done so well and now she's telling you "mumma thanx for all your hard work and commitment, I'm happy with food now" and as mentioned teething can play a big part in weaning off too, give lots of hugs for comfort now x
Could you pump to keep your supply up? I hate for you to lose your supply if it is just a phase.Hugs!
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@Cindy I tried pumping but I couldn't get barely anything out, unfortunately. 😞 She is back breastfeeding at nighttime. I do think my supply has dropped quite a bit though. I realised I was a bit dehydrated and wasn't filling up (apparently hormone fluctuations affect water retention, and I've just come on my period). I'm trying to drink lots of water to see if this helps. The doctor called it a nursing strike. I think she was overeating as every time she refused the breast, I panicked and gave her a snack with water instead, so she wasn't returning to me for milk 💖 she's gone from 5 times a day to 3 times yesterday (first time returning after the 5 day strike). We have also suddenly been out everyday so she's probably been too distracted too, but we have been back chilling out at home for a couple of days now
Yes, dehydration and your period are awful on supply! I never made much milk and dreaded my period, knowing it would be worse. I am glad the strike is over, and she is nursing some. Hopefully, your supply will go up some. I missed it when my kids stopped nursing, and it is good for them to nurse till at least 2, but of course, your mental and physical health is important too. You just really sounded like you were not ready to be done. It was breaking my heart since I have been there! I do hope you are able to continue. I work full time and pump at work, but my son has stopped drinking breastmilk from anything but me, so he just nurses in the morning and all night. The night feedings are exhausting, but the bonding is worth it to me now. Sending lots of hugs and well wishes!
@Cindy thankyou. I wasn't expecting it to happen so suddenly. I feel like something must have changed to make her stop so fast. I think a load of things have all been happening since her birthday, and we've been a lot busier. Hopefully, she continues for a little longer. I would prefer it if she weaned herself off slowly. Do you find pumping has helped to increase your supply? I don't feel the letdown much after this strike, so I don't think she is getting very much. She's been feeding through the night, but I don't think I have that much milk for her anymore. I left my job because she was so reliant on me for breastfeeding, she was on 5 times a day only 6 days ago
Baby should be offered 3 balanced meals a day 2 snacks. Cows milk 16-24 ounces or Breastmilk at your discretion if you’re still nursing. The fat content in milk is pretty important for brain development. If he’s not drinking, please make sure he is eating healthy high fat foods. I doubt you’re over feeding! At this age their body naturally understands when they are satiated.