When is enough enough?

[kelkat]

This is my third child and I breast fed my other two. This one is also seven years apart from my other children, so I feel like a new mom. Who would think I could forget everything so quickly

My son has started getting teeth. He already enjoyed the "let's bite down on mom's nipple and pull" game, so I don't look forward to him playing with his new teeth. He'll be six monthes in 10 days. Is it okay to start weening him to food? He shows an interest in eating for himself? Any suggestions, or hints would be greatly appreciated.

[Sister]

Well at six months it's definetly time to start introducing solids. You can mix breast milk into cereal and start him that way.

Another tip...when he bites down on your nipple, remove him from your breast and say "No!" very sternly. Hopefully he will quickly associate biting with not getting what he wants.

[julspt]

I have been asking similar questions to all of my friends with older kids recently. While my son does not have teeth yet, I want to be prepared when the time comes. The overwhelming response is that every child is different. The decision to continue nursing or to wean is very personal and can only be made by you and your child. Some wean themselves early and others hold on to occasional nursing for years. The introduction of solids does not in any way mean you should stop nursing. Your breastmilk in fact will help your son to better digest the solids you are introducing. If your son is interested in solids, then let him try something. I am in the process of researching what foods are best to introduce when. There is a LOT of discrepancy. Good luck!

julspt

[Melos]

I definately think you should introduce solids as well. Waiting to introduce solids is not a good idea I think. My ex-husband did not give my eldest son solids while I was at work and we had a horrible time with his eating patterns.

[Danielle]

Don't give up breastfeeding just yet! I breastfed my daughter for 14 months. She, too, had a thing for biting me when she was around six months old. I know it's painful, but with patience (and maybe some Jack Daniels--just kidding) you can work through this. Whenever my daughter bit me, I'd immediately take her off my breast and (with eye contact made) tell her 'no'. Then try to nurse again. This works! Oh, and make sure your son has plenty of 'chew' toys for his new teeth. This is a necessity. Good luck!