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By now, you know that breastfeeding isn’t only about nutrition. It’s a journey and a relationship—one that is constantly evolving between you and your baby. You’ve come through the newborn stage and early infancy, and now you’re moving into the world of having a mobile baby. Breastfeeding an older baby can certainly be an adventure, but one worth embarking on!
Your Wiggly Baby
Gone are the days of feeding for 30 minutes with a sleeping baby in your lap. You may find that your infant becomes a bit of a snacker, eating quickly and efficiently throughout the day.
He probably wiggles and squirms right through every nursing session, too. Your little gymnast is still getting used to how his body works.
Nighttime Feeding
It’s normal for your older baby to still want to breastfeed at night. Although there’s a lot of social pressure for babies to sleep through, don’t worry if you find yourself nursing a few times in the midnight hours. This will pass as your baby continues to grow.
Introducing Solids
Babies who are eating solids may want to nurse a little less, but solids shouldn’t replace nursing. Offer solids after—or in addition to—breastfeeding, rather than in place of it. Be sure to continue to expose your baby to lots of new and interesting flavors through your breast milk.
If you find your supply decreasing because your baby is feeding less or is more distracted, make the effort to feed more often. Nursing in a dark room can sometimes work to get a distracted infant interested in feeding. Pumping will help with your milk supply.
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