Distractibility
It is common for babies to decide breastfeeding is boring and the world is captivating during this phase. Oftentimes, babies will pop off the breast and refuse to finish eating because they rather stare at the cat than eat.
Nursing Strikes
Babies in the first year of life rarely self-wean, but do occasionally strike. A “strike” means your baby is refusing to nurse at all or for a prolonged period of time during the day. This may go on for days or weeks. If your breastfeeding goals and baby’s breastfeeding goals don’t seem to be aligning, you need to be prepared with how to respond if your baby seems to be weaning before you are ready.
Overfeeding Solids
There is no set amount that is “too much” in terms of feeding solids. But, we shouldn’t see breastfeeding change a whole lot with the introduction of solids as milk is the main staple of a baby’s diet in the first year of life.
Sleeping Through the Night
Yes, your milk will adjust as baby sleeps longer stretches, but the baby may be sleeping longer than you are at this point. It is important that your breasts incrementally and gradually adjust to staying fuller longer.
Rushing/Missing Feeds
I know you are busy and baby is distracted and you are busy…but you need to be just as patient as you were in the early days. If you are ending feeds prematurely you may be causing a drop in your milk supply. A bigger baby may not ask to nurse because he is busy exploring the world! You may not notice because your breasts don’t feel as full as they used to and you are busy enjoying the fact that your baby isn’t asking to nurse all the time! If you are not careful, you may find yourself going 4,5, or 6 hours without breastfeeding! Look out, this could dip your supply.
