I’m starving my baby?!?

Question

I exclusively breastfeed my 15 week old. He has a bottle several days a week when I go to work but other than that he’s on my boobie. My mother and MIL have been suggesting I give him some kind of cereal for months. Actually, since week two. Anyway, long story long my mom asked me tonight if I’ve given him cereal yet. I replied that I haven’t but I’ll discuss it with his doctor at his 4 mth visit. To which she replied, “Well, I’m glad I never starved you or your brothers. I gave my babies food.” This has hurt me so much because I’m just trying to do the right thing. I’m FTM and to my knowledge the only mommy in my immediate family to breastfeed exclusively. My question is 1. Am I starving him? He was 9.3 at birth and 14.8 when we went to the doctor a couple weeks ago. 2. How do you introduce cereal when the baby is breastfed? Thanks in advance. ❣️

Answer

Baby cereal is empty calories. You’re filling them up, but they aren’t giving them the proper nutrition they need. So ironically your mother was probably starving you of what was needed. 
Also, babies digestive systems aren’t equipped for food before 6 months. 
There is so much updated advice out there. What our parents/grandparents did doesn’t actually mean it was the right thing. I mean they used to let babies travel unrestrained on people’s laps. But we’ve grown from those days and research has proven that’s not best practice. 
You’re doing a good job mumma! As long as your baby is following THEIR growth curve, and their doctor has no concerns, keep doing what you’re doing. This is your baby not theirs.

Answer

You don’t give cereal to a breastfed (or formula fed) baby this early. They are 100% wrong. Babies aren’t supposed to have any type of solids until they’re at least 4 months, and a lot of doctors recommend waiting until 6 months. And even then, most doctors say to skip cereal because it’s been found to have absolutely no nutritional value. The ONLY exception I’ve heard for this is in cases of severe reflux where cereal is used to thicken the baby’s bottles a little, and that is done with close supervision of baby’s doctor.
You’re not starving your baby. If you were, your doctor was concerned about weight gain, they would have said something by now and they would be suggesting supplementing with formula, not giving cereal. Your breast milk is all he needs right now.

Answer

YOU DO NOT BEED TO FEED YOUR BABY CEREAL! HE IS FINE AS LONG AS THE DOCTORS SAY HE IS. PARENTS DONT LISTEN AND ITS SO ANNOYING!!!
Your last kid was 26 years ago times have changed!!!!!!!!! Mom
Anddddd food is for fun!!!!!!!! Not for healthy calories. 
Keep only giving him the boob you’re doing great!

Answer

Cereal is empty calories and has no actual nutritional value. Baby shouldn’t be having anything besides breast milk or formula until 6 months. You aren’t starving him. 
Things have definitely changed since our parents had kids and there’s so much more information out there now. 
You’re doing everything right. Wait til 6 months for food, and don’t let it be cereal.

Answer

Your baby looks fine to me! The weight gain seems fine too; if the doc isn’t worried then you don’t need to be either. 
I’m sorry that your mum and MIL are putting so much pressure on you. That’s shitty of them. Explain to them that weight gain is fine and ask them to stop mummy shaming you - you’re doing your best, and a fine job at that!

Answer

Yeah, what everyone is commenting here is right. Plus, a "starving" baby wouldn't look so well fed and happy! You're doing everything right. Maybe direct your mom and MIL to absolutely any current resource on introducing food to a baby's diet. 🙄😉

Answer

I feel your pain so bad when it comes to this cereal debate. I have had several ppl tell me to give it to my LO especially where she has reflux issues & I finally asked her pediatrician about it just to get everyone to hush up about it, which of course she said she didn’t recommend. It’s so aggravating getting advice that isn’t wanted.

Answer

Every baby is different and definitely DO NOT listen to your mother or MIL. Personally I feel like your kiddo will be the one to tell you whether he's hungry or not. My LO is very petite and is almost 4 months old but only weighs 10lbs but getting to the point where breastmilk and formula just aren't keeping her full for long periods of time so her pediatrician has let us know that after four months we can start on cereal if we would like mixing it with formula.

Answer

Do not give him food! Breastmilk is fine alone up to 6months which is when you should begin weaning- and start with vegetables and fruit. My daughter is also 15 weeks old and was 9lb 2oz at birth and is now around 14lb 14oz and is exclusively breastfed and healthy. You should absolutely not give anything before 17weeks at the very earliest according to my health visitor but ideally wait until 6months as long as he’s gaining weight as he should and he is. He’s clearly not starved! Tell whoever it is to do some research before trying to make you do something potentially harmful to your child

Answer

Thank you ladies.  I’m a FTM and there is SO MUCH that I don’t know. I’ve been able to stave her off about things but when she suggested I’ve been starving him. Not only did it break my heart but it struck a chord. I’m sure other mama are giving cereal, and that’s fine but I think I’m going to keep giving mine breast milk. Glad that I’m not alone. I appreciate your answers.

I’m starving my baby?!?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey