solids or not

I really want to continue to exclusively breastfeed Caprece until 6 months and think she would really benefit from that as she already has a bit of excema already.

However she feeds at least every 3 hours and some days it more like every 2 (this is day and night) she has both sides and seems pretty content after the feed. The thing is all this feeding and not much sleeping is really taking a toll on me, I'm so tired and feel really sick (like I'm guna spew) all day. I take iron pills and have a berocca to get me going in the morning and a few complan milkshakes throughout the day but I still feel like crap. I know its only for another month and a half but I can just remember how great it was once Jack started on solids.

Anyway any advice would be much appreciated

I had low blood pressure while pregnant so maybe thats it. Thanx spudling I think I may go to the dr, I just thought it was from lack of sleep.

Hi RachandJack, you poor thing you sound like you are having a really tough time of it. Don't really want to advise anything with regards to solids as it really is up to you but as shellandbella said I would be looking for signs that she is ready and if so would probably go ahead with it. Spencer has been on solids for a couple of weeks, he only has a tiny amount 1-2 teaspoons, it hasn't really affected his feeding, he still feeds 3 hourly and had just started sleeping through before he had them but he has fallen into a more regular routine which has helped as all our days were a bit random before that.

Are you taking a good multivitamin, if you are feeling run down you might not be producing the best milk and then she feeds more you feel worse and it is one big downward spiral. I too would see the doc, if your iron is really low I think they can give you a jab which takes effect quicker than taking tablets.
Also is there anyway you can get a break, are you able to express enough for someone to take her for the evening so that you can catch up on some much needed sleep?

And I totally agree with Shellandbella if she is ready she is ready, just go with the flow, 6 months is a guideline only all babies are different. My sisters baby has only just started showing interest in solids at 12 months old whereas Spencer was interested at 3 months

Was there a particular reason for waiting for 6mos? The guideline is actually 4-6mos. I tend to introduce solids around that 4m growth spurt because the 2-hourly feeding drives me crazy! and I take it as the baby's sign that they are ready for more substantial food in their tum.

This is why I want to wait solids and breastfeeding

I have plunket in a week or so, so will talk to them then. I might go to the dr this week tho and mention it to him. I'm not too sure if she is ready for solids cos she is pretty happy with the milk and doesn't particuarly look at me while I'm eating which is also why I want to wait.

I'm sorry but I don't place much stock in that kind of thing. IMO if your baby is hungrier than bm can supply, then go for it. It's not like you're going to be starting on 3 meals a day or anything crazy like that.

I started Gia on solids when she was just over 4 months as she was doing the same - feeding every 2 hours. That is my guide to when they need solids. I don't think she woke every 2 hours at night, but was waking more often than she had been.

It's up to you of course, but if it's taking that much of a toll maybe just one feed of solids a day would help til she's 6 months? At least so you both can sleep longer at night.

All the best.

(Oh & comment from your other thread about Caprece being dropped on her head - Poor wee girl!! Hope she's ok!!)

maybe she is feeding so often due to other reasons...ie tired (i noticed you said she wasnt sleeping). If you want to hold off do. IMO and some medical professionals opinions too their digestive systems arent ready at 3-4 mths and it does reduce the risk of allergies too, it is also a lot more work.

Oh Rach that must be so tough I think maybe go and see your Dr- you could maybe even talk to him/her about getting a refferal to a nutritionist (or just harass Nikki some ) and if you have a good relationship with your Plunket nurse they might have some advice too.

I'm holding off too- Kate is now at the same stage that we started Charlotte and she seems so ready but TBH living with a child with a severe food allergy is horrific and anything you can do to minimise the chances I would totally recommend doing. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I think I recall you saying that Ben had some allergies as well? So her chances are probably higher than most anyway.

Good luck with your decision! Hope that you can find some things that will help with her sleeping and your energy levels

Thanx everyone, last night I thought I'd try only giving her one side each time she woke and see if she would settle ok with not as much, and she settled fine with only one side so I think she isn't actually waking for the milk but since I offer it she takes it. I'm unsure how to try and convince her to sleep longer tho, I've tried rocking her but she will only stay asleep for about 20 mins. She mostly goes to sleep on her own but every now and then I rock her to sleep cos I don't want her grizzling to wake Jack. I emailed the sleep lady so I'll see what she has to say.

Ben had the day off yesterday so I spent the day lying around and had a few naps so am feeling heaps better today. We will be holding off for solids then cos I'm not convinced she is really ready. But thanx for all the suggestions ladies