A few questions, sorry.

[Rainbowbrite]

I'm still bf my almost 17month old daughter anywhere up to 5 times a day (as much as she wants it really) & was wondering what other dairy she needs? She will eat cheese & yoghurt about every 2nd day, is not a fan of cows milk as a drink, but does have it on her cereal every morning. Is that enough dairy seeing as though she is still bf?

She is not & never has been a big fan of solids so ofcourse I am told all the time to wean her as i've fed her for long enough, if not "too long." Should I just let her wean herself when she is ready or should I be actively cutting down the amount she feeds?

Thanks

[Pinky McKay]

Hi Rainbowbrite,
You have one lucky tot!

There is a huge difference between dairy and mama's milk . Sorry but mama's milk isnt dairy! - It's far superior!

Your baby will be getting all the nutrients she needs with breast milk and a mixed diet - in some cultures children dont eat any dairy at all after weaning age - mind you, in these places they tend to nurse several years.

You dont need to encourage or force dairy - what you are doing sounds just fine. Also re weaning - this is a personal choice between you and your child. There are various types of weaning - motherled - when you choose to guide the weaning and baby-led -when you allow your baby to set the pace. You could also work on a 'dont offer/ dont refuse' basis if yoy want to encourage weaning. Regardless of what plan you may follow, trust your baby - they all do wean eventually - some nurse several years; others choose to wean sooner.

Please dont let anybody else dictate how long or how often your little one nurses - you know her best and you will know when she is ready or when you feel you need to make changes. Remember - Gradually with love is the best way to wean if you want to be pro-active. You may find it helpful to read Mothering Your Nursing Toddler - available from Mothers Direct, the ABA shop or in your local ABA group library.

[Rainbowbrite]

Thanks so much for that :) MJ will taste a variety of foods, but still prefers the breast over anything else.

Neither myself, my daughter or my husband are ready for the bf to stop yet. There is just something special about bf.

Thanks again