I think this question is based on the false assumption that the benefits of breastfeeding are due to the breast milk itself and its various constituents (see my RG question asking (unsuccessfully!) for evidence for this). As far as I know, there are no dose effects for breast milk shown for any infectious or intellectual outcome after six months of age. If so, then what really matters how the infant is fed. For example, if breastfed in bed at night, it is likely to get dental caries.

Hello Anthony.

Well, I've read your RG question and all the answers. It's is very interesting. I guess I haven't expressed myself very well. I don't speak about other benefits of breast milk. I only ask if breast milk is nutritious enough for a baby after six months of age. I work very closely with mums and some of them think that their daughters and sons don't need anything else but breast milk. Any evidence about this matter?

Thanks a lot

By the moment

Sorry

Breast feeding is recommended to be done exclusively for the first 6 months of life, and then other foods should be added.But in my opinion, mother and baby know best. if the baby kefir and healthy and gaining weight appropriately on breast milk. Alone beyond six months, there is nothing wrong with continuing. If Mum is willing and. Happy with it.

I would give him/her a little more time before incorporating other foods. Perhaps wait a month and then try again. You don't want to create food aversions.

Care needs to be taken with infants and a general lack of appreciation that introduction of solids is a Developmental stage, rather than a nutritional one. When infants become interested in oral sensations and textures, somewhere between 4 and 7 months usually, then it is important that this is capitalised on and they are stimulated with oral experiences, tastes and textures, learning different oral movements etc. if you miss this stage and only provide one sensation (breast milk) then they can become orally defensive and this will affect feeding, but also, and perhaps more importantly, speech and development. So when a baby starts looking at food, watching others eat, and tries putting things in their mouth that is the time to introduce solids. It is NOT the time to stop breastfeeding, that should contine, but they will also need to try small amounts of tastes and textures. You have to watch the baby and see when they are ready. We would not dream of trying to stop them walking when they are ready, feeding should be no different.

Interesting question,but I would have more questions to ask like ,why is this child liking only breast milk? Is the water content ,leave aside the other components, enough for a 6 month old? Is the weaning food appropriate for the age .is it being forcefully fed ? Is this child having normal suck /swallow coordination. Is this child generally happy and content , alone ,with signs of distress on changing routine ? I agree with christine about feeding at the right time ,when the child shows interest and not to miss the window of opportunity with regards to initiating solids.

Thanks all of you for your interesting answers. I agree with Christine and Ajay about to introduce solids when the baby shows interest. But sometimes, some childs need a little more time like Emily says, or in a lot of cases, when a breastfed baby is feeling sick, he or she refuses any solid food.

In this case the baby is happy and the mother thinks that her baby doesn't want solid food due to the summer's hot weather here in Spain and she wants to wait a little more time instead of forced him.

There are two other variables to take into account.

1. Cultural aspect: I have noticed that cultural perception can make a difference regarding breastfeeding as well. In Spain it is considered normal practice to give the child the breast whenever it wants it. (my colleague here has just had her baby) This is not the case of a number of Northern European societies that I know of. (I breastfed in Holland at the time)

2. Working mum: is the mother off to work in this period?. Having to combine work and breastfeeding can be problematic and will affect the choices that are made.

Unfortunately our mothers start weaning at 3-4months orit start bottle much earlier so is no longer exclusive breast feeding

Dear Lola,

From your Question:

"I only ask if breast milk is nutritious enough for a baby after six months of age".

As recommended by all pediatric organizations, after 6 months, neither breast milk nor bottle milk alone is enough for a growing healthy full-term baby. We should add supplementary food items. If a baby depend only on milk will lead to malnutrition and IDA.

Thanks Esther, Muhammad and Jasim for your answer:

Yes Esther, breastfeeding on demand is a practice commonly used in Spain in the last decade, and I think that it's one of the reasons that have increased the rates of breastfeeding in our country.

Muhammad, what do you think about the reasons for early weaning of your mothers?

Jasim, I Know this usual recomendation of six month of exclusive breastfeed or bottle feed but, anyone can show me what papers have shown this evidence?

Kind regards

Thanks every mother complain that child is not eating though the weight gain is normal advertisement on media and commercially propaganda has played a adverse role

"I Know this usual recomendation of six month of exclusive breastfeed ... but, anyone can show me what papers have shown this evidence?"

Investigations on populations with high infant mortality in developed countries a century ago for example show greatly increased mortality and morbidity in the non-breastfed, at least up to about 9 months of age. Six months is more a practical or political target than an evidence-based one.

"If a baby depend only on milk will lead to malnutrition"

There are many studies finding breastfeeding for beyond 12 months, especially in bed at night, to be harmful, leading to malnutrition. This is one good reason for doubting that the benefits of breastfeeding have anything to do with the milk itself or anything in it.

Dear Anthony G Gordon,

Could you please mention the reference about your claim regarding the increasing mortality if non-breastfed up to about nine months?

Thanks in advance.

Exclusive BF should be continued at least 6 months

I believe more than 6 months will be fine...more senses. Natural and effective #Godisking #JesusisLord #TimetoknowJesus