Knowing When Breast Milk Isn’t Enough

(Newswire.net — December 14, 2017) Cheyenne, Wyoming — For the first six months of a baby’s life, breast milk is the only recommended thing they should consume, with the exception of formula as an alternative, if necessary. After that, it’s all about tactfully introducing a variety of other solid foods. This is by no means an indication that nursing should stop. At six months old, a baby needs more than breast milk alone to satisfy its expanding nutritional needs to support proper growth. 

Mashes of butternut squash or potato are among the list of well-advised introductory meals, alongside fruit juices and crackers to nibble on as teething pains begin to loom. Then by the age of one, cow’s milk now becomes an available addition to your toddler’s diet. 

“According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), your 1-year-old can get enough calcium and vitamin D from 8 to 12 ounces (1 to 1 1/2 cups) of cow’s milk – or the equivalent amount of other milk products, like yogurt or cheese,” reports Babycenter.com. “By age 2, your child should get 16 ounces, or 2 cups, of cow’s milk or other milk products each day.” 

It’s important to note that the AAP further advises that breastfeeding continues beyond the first year once it’s comfortable for both mother and child to do so. After all, breast is still best but even the best does cover all the nutritional bases as your baby gets older. 

“Solids during the first year are only meant to complement breast milk, not take precedence over it or replace any breastfeedings,” states KellyMom.com. “It is more of a way to add textures to the baby’s diet, to allow the baby new experiences, and to help her develop hand/eye coordination through finger feeding. Your baby should still be allowed to nurse on demand, as your milk should be her primary source of nutrition until closer to the end of the first year.” 

So it goes without saying that a nursing mom’s diet is still something to be vigilant about. Eating healthy and restricting alcohol consumption are a few things to be mindful of. During the festive season, when spirits are usually freer than throughout the year, caution should be exercised. After enjoying a drink, be sure to wait until all the alcohol has been metabolized and expelled from the body before proceeding to nurse. 

A breast milk test kit such as the HealthyWiser™ PureMilk™ Alcohol Detecting Strips is the only sure way of knowing when it’s safe to resume feedings. Just from a sample of breast milk, the PureMilk™ analysis can inform, with 99% accuracy, the alcohol content or lack thereof. Moreover, HealthyWiser™ has a special Amazon discount promotion currently available until the end of December, ensuring that every nursing mom can easily access the safely tools they may need throughout the Christmas season.