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How often should a 9 month old be breastfed?

Understanding Breastfeeding Frequency for a 9-Month-Old
As your baby reaches the age of nine months, their nutritional needs evolve significantly. At this stage, breastfeeding remains an essential part of their diet, but the frequency and duration of nursing sessions may change as they begin to explore solid foods.
Breastfeeding Frequency
For a 9-month-old, the general recommendation is to breastfeed about 3 to 5 times a day. This frequency can vary based on the individual baby’s appetite, growth spurts, and the introduction of solid foods. As babies start to consume more solids, they may naturally reduce the number of breastfeeding sessions. However, breast milk or formula should still constitute a significant portion of their nutrition during this period.
Nutritional Balance
At nine months, babies typically begin to eat a variety of solid foods, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. Despite this, breast milk continues to provide crucial nutrients and hydration. It is important to ensure that breastfeeding complements their solid food intake rather than being completely replaced by it. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to two years or beyond.
Listening to Your Baby’s Cues
Every baby is unique, and their feeding patterns can differ widely. Parents should pay attention to their baby’s hunger cues, which can include rooting, sucking on their hands, or fussiness. These signals can guide when to breastfeed, ensuring that the baby receives adequate nutrition while also accommodating their growing interest in solid foods.
Conclusion
In summary, a 9-month-old should ideally be breastfed 3 to 5 times a day, with the understanding that this may decrease as they consume more solid foods. The key is to maintain a balance that supports their nutritional needs while fostering a healthy relationship with both breastfeeding and solid food consumption. Always consult with a pediatrician or a lactation consultant for personalized advice tailored to your baby’s specific needs.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

  1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
  2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
  3. Dehydration.

Do babies drink less breast milk at 9 months?

Most children normally show less interest in breastfeeding between 9 and 12 months of age. They often lose interest in the breast if they are also taking spoon feedings. Many children wean themselves around 12 months. For easy weaning, follow your baby’s lead.

How many times should I feed my 9 month old baby?

Feeding your baby: 9–11 months old
From 9–11 months old, your baby can take half a cup of food three to four times a day, plus a healthy snack. Now you can start to chop up soft food into small pieces instead of mashing it. Your baby may even start to eat food with their fingers.

What should a 9 month old feeding schedule look like?

Feeding Guide for 9 to 12 Months

Item 9 Months
Breastfeeding or Formula 3 to 5 feedings per day or 30 to 32 ounces per day
Dry Infant Cereal with Iron 5 to 8tbs. any variety mixed with formula
Fruits 2 to 4 tbs., strained or soft mashed/2 times per day
Vegetables 2 to 4 tbs., mashed, soft, bite-sized pieces/2 times per day

How long should I wait between milk feeds 9 months?

2 – 4 hours
Babies at 9 – 11 months old have varying appetites but they should typically eat every 2 – 4 hours. This includes formula, breast milk, and solid food meals. It’s recommended to offer liquid feeds at least 30 minutes before solid food to make sure they are getting the nutrition they need.

How long can a 9 month old go between feedings?

2 – 4 hours
Babies at 9 – 11 months old have varying appetites but they should typically eat every 2 – 4 hours. This includes formula, breast milk, and solid food meals. It’s recommended to offer liquid feeds at least 30 minutes before solid food to make sure they are getting the nutrition they need.

How often should my 9 month old breastfeed?

8th – 9th Month: 6–7 ounces every 3–4 hours during the day (4–6 feedings per day) No night-time feeds.

How long can a 9 month old go between milk feeds?

A: A 9 – 11 month old can usually go 3 – 4 hours between feeds during the day and typically can sleep for longer stretches at night without a feeding. Your baby may go for a little longer between feeds if they are eating solid foods in between as well.

Does milk supply drop at 9 months?

When your milk supply regulates (this change may occur either gradually or rather suddenly), it is normal for pumping output to decrease. For moms who have oversupply, this change often occurs later (6-9+ months postpartum rather than 6-12 weeks).

How often should a 9 month old have milk?

Around this age, your baby may have about 3 milk feeds a day (for instance, after breakfast, after lunch and before bed). Breastfed babies will adapt their milk consumption as their food intake changes. As a guide, babies fed infant formula will drink about 400ml daily.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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