My SO is against me breastfeeding for more than 6 months!!
I'd like to start off by saying that I EBF.
About a month ago, I asked my SO how long I should bf for. He told me "until our son is able to eat solid foods, so about 6 months."
So I asked him....."so does that mean you want our son to drink formula when he turns 6 months?"
He said, "no he can drink regular milk."
I told him "no, he can't hun. Babies can't drink cows milk until they are 1 year old."
He didn't have a comment for that. So, to me, I never got an answer from him.
You might be asking: why do I need to get my SO's approval when it comes to BFing? Because I want his support, I don't want him to be against me bfing after a certain amount of time.
So, again, I asked him about 2 weeks later, hoping this time, I would get a clear answer.
I asked him: "how long do you want me to bf for?"
He said: "I told you, as soon as our son can start eating solids."
I told him that "I know you gave me that answer but then I also told you babies can't drink cows milk until they are a year old. Then you never commented back."
He said "that's right, because I didn't know what to say."
He did tell me that he feels if the baby is old enough to ask for milk or food, that they shouldn't be bfing anymore.
I don't agree with that. I think that my son should get the same opportunity as my oldest son had, and that was he weaned himself off of the booby. So I want my youngest son to have that same option.
I would like to bf until either he weans himself off or until he's about 16-18 months.
What should I do?
I don't think that he's beeing fair at all. So what should I do?
Maybe he needs to have a chat with your pediatrician. Can he come with you and your son to his next check up? Beyond that, present him with some articles on what foods are appropriate for what ages. Sounds like he just doesn't understand babies. As for breast feeding, explain that breast milk is what's best for your son and needs to be his primary nutrition source for at least the first year (the World Health Organization recommends bf for the first 2 years, American Pediatrics Association recommends at least until the first year). Also, show him how much formula costs (formula is expensive). Good luck hon. Ultimately, the mama and baby decide how long to breastfeed.
I bf'd my youngest until she was 3-1/2yo. She did not really eat much food until she was 2yo, then she ate table food, not baby food. We saved a lot of money that way (the money angle may work on your SO)!
With my older children, I worked full-time so it was more difficult. With the first, we switched him to formula at 5 weeks. The second bf'd until he was16mo. The third until he was 6mo, at which time I switched him to formula. He did not seem to mind what or how I fed him; and after being pregnant, nursing for 16 mo (4 mo into the next pregnancy) then being pregnant and nursing for another 6mo, I was tired of it. LOL
So, it really is a personal decision. I say if YOU want to do it, and you feel that it is best for your baby, then do it. What right does your SO have over it? It is a mothering decision. I really don't get that part. However, I do agree that 6mo is too soon for cow's milk. Babies need more nutrients and DIFFERENT nutrients than that, well, unless you gave birth to a calf.
Quoting piwife:
Tell him when he grows boob he can make the decision of how long he can breastfeed... other then that tell him to shove it. Show him info and stuff if he still being an ass.. then sucks for him.
Just tell him you will breastfeed at least until he's 12 months and maybe longer....
It's really not up to him, he's clearly not well informed on any of it and his opinion shouldn't hold much weight until he does some research
I would just explain to him the benefits and also point out the drawbacks of stopping at 6 months... he's too young for milk, formula is expensive IF your baby will even take formula... it tastes AWFUL and probably double nasty after sweet breastmilk. If your son doesn't take a bottle there is the challenge of getting him to take any kind of fluids. Good chance you'll have a very unhappy baby on your hands!! In addition, you won't be very comfortable... if he's not weaned over time you'll get engorged.
A question for those who have kids close in age..
When was your due date and when did you give birth?
- vinalex0581
on Aug. 3, 2012 at 12:27 PM