How many breast feeds?

[Jamie's mum]

Hi

My 8 month old is now eating three meals a day, and so last week I cut his breast feeds down from 5 to 4 a day. He seems to be happy with this, but I was wondering at what age I should try cutting it down to 3 - I have read somewhere it should be at around 9 months. thanks

[the pero clinic]

Dear Jamie’s Mum,

There really isn’t a need to further reduce your breastfeeds at this stage. 4 or 5 a day is still fine for an 8month old. As his solids intake increases, he may naturally begin to feed less at each breastfeed, and therefore not be having as much milk as he previously took within the same number of feeds. Let your bub guide you with his hunger and need for breastfeeds, and consider your own plan for weaning – allow several months to gradually wean if possible. The main reason you would otherwise consider reducing his breastfeeds at this point would be if he were refusing solids due to a lack of appetite.

If you are both happy with your current feeding schedule, stick to it. 3 breastfeeds / day may suit you both better when your bub is closer to 12 months.

the pero clinic