Health Visitor has suggested weaning at 5 months

[Gooseybear]

I'm not really sure how I feel about this, tbh. I have just got back from getting LO weighed. He was 5 months on Tuesday and is 16lb 5oz. He is doing amazingly well; especially since he was off the charts small at one point (he is now on 50th centile)

I mentioned to the health visitor that LO had been waking up to 4 times a night over the past week or so. I had put it down to delayed sleep regression (he was slightly early 36+5). As soon as I mentioned this, she straight away said that he is hungry. I explained that I was not sure this was the cause as when he does wake, he will only drink a few ounces. She then proceeded to tell me that was "much worse" as he is "snacking". I was hoping to try BLW, but I didn't dare tell her this! It seems as though TW is the norm here. She has suggested that I give him either baby rice or a vegetable puree at lunch. I'm not sure how that will help him sleep...

I find health visitors so very unhelpful. She decided the best time to talk to me was whilst I was getting LO changed.. I had so many questions that I wanted to ask, but I felt extremely rushed! I took their advice last time in regards to breastfeeding. LO had lost weight and they advised me that I must top-up with formula. I was certain that I had lost my supply, but apparently that NEVER happens.

Ugh, I don't know. Does anyone else have any advice? I don't mind the night wakings, I can cope... But LO is slightly fussy during the day, and I do believe that is due to lack of sleep. Would early weaning help?

Just to add, I am not judging anyone who weans early. The reasons why I do not wish to wean early are that: LO still can't sit completely unaided and he still has his tongue thrust.

Also, how long does it take for breasts to completely dry up? I have not become engorged since I stopped 8 weeks ago (6 weeks completely, I combi fed for two). I still randomly get the tiniest of drops of milk leaking.

And one last thing, is there anything I can put on LO's chin? It's slightly sore from all the dribbling he has been doing lately.

Thank you for any advice. I truly find this forum so much more helpful than any health visitor. I have learnt so much from browsing this forum!

 

[tina3747]

If the tongue thrust is still there leave it!!

I tried around 19 weeks with my LO but his was still present so pretty much left it weekly but if say he didn't really eat as such till 6.5- 7 months.
If you don't think he's ready and your happy waking with him then go with your instinct. My LO was waking for night feeds till a year old and weaning did zero to help this.
If your doing blw (and I'm no expert!) give him a couple of weeks and try him with steamed carrot . I did tw but finger foods around 6 months . He pretty much played with his food and he's still no great eater but do what you think feels right, he won't Starve for not weaning yet!

 

[racheal021106]

My LO is 5 months and weighs 13lbs. I was also told her wean her at 19 weeks but I've decided not to. She wakes up twice in the night for bottles but I honestly think her waking is down to teething. I dare nt wean her just yet as its a struggle getting milk down her as is. But on the other hand my HV was a lot more supportive, she also said that the government are now saying BLW is the thing we need to be doing. (Its what I'm going to do too) I didn't with my first and she's only now getting to grips with forks and spoon (hands are still no.1 though) no advice really just letting you know your not alone

 

[ShelbyLC]

I say skip the early weaning! If your LO still has the tongue thrust, he isn't ready.

Also, post over in the breastfeeding area. You may be able to "re-lactate" and the ladies over there know their stuff and can help you out.

 

[Noodlebear]

Some babies can't sit totally unaided til they're like 8 months and it isn't advised to wait that long to wean so I don't really pay attention to that one lol. But I wouldn't wean that early either. My LO started waking in the night and wanting more feeds at 4/5 months and my HV said it was totally normal for them to do it at this age, I weaned at 23 weeks when I literally couldn't give Lucas bigger bottles and I thought that if he had them more frequently he would pop if your LO isn't like that, I'd carry on as you are x

 

[Noelle610]

I just don't see how early weaning would help. Babies younger than six months eat really basic foods that don't have a lot of calories, protein or fat. I can't see how a few teaspoons of rice cereal, purred carrots or pears is going to fill a baby up. Breastmilk and formula is much more substantial.

 

[Gooseybear]

Thank you all! Just to add, LO will only drink 6oz at a time every 2-3 hours. I don't know if this makes a difference?

ShelbyLC: would it really not be too late to relactate?

 

[Twister]

He's probably waking due to the 4 month sleep regression, as you mentioned he was born early. My LO was 15 day overdue and is going through the regression early and also wakes a minimum of 4 times a night. It has nothing to do with needing solids and since most solids contain less calories than milk I fail to see how solids would help a baby sttn, that's poor advice from your hv really.

If you don't feel comfortable starting solids, and your LO isn't ready then don't, it's your choice at the end of the day

 

[BigAl]

Agree with others, the most calorie dense food is milk/formula, so weaning won't help with that. My HV said I'd left weaning too late at 5.5 months! So just trust when you and loffeel ready for that one.

For the dribble rash I got a prescription from HV for e45, and keep him in a fleece backed bib to wick away the moisture. Seems to have worked.

 

[Casey3]

Definitely sounds like he's not ready if she still has the tongue thrust/cant sit unaided. Most babies are not ready at 5 months so don't worry! Like the others have said a little bit of solids really aren't going to do anything in the grand scheme of things not enough calories and milk is more important.. Sounds like there is a bit of a sleep regression there too which would make sense as wonder weeks are based on due date. I'd hold off until you think he's ready, its def all up to you and your baby!

And yes you could still possibly relactate, it would take lots of effort and time but there's a chance you could provide some breastmilk for LO

 

[ShelbyLC]

Thank you all! Just to add, LO will only drink 6oz at a time every 2-3 hours. I don't know if this makes a difference?

ShelbyLC: would it really not be too late to relactate?

I haven't ever done it, but there are quite a few people on here that have. I definitely think it's possible!

 

[Seity]

I would wait. My first wasn't ready until 7-8 months and it's perfectly fine to wait until all the signs are there.
You can just use a little diaper rash ointment or even the lanolin for the breasts on the chin to help with the drool rash.

 

[Twinks]

I've had friends whose little ones didn't sleep through the night and they all started weaning from one friend at 17 weeks ranging through to a friend that weaned at 4 months. The weaning didn't help any of them at all. My LO wasn't weaned until 6 months and since 4 months has slept 12 hours a night? Think sometimes it's down to the individual baby. I'm sure it's probably worked for others weaning early though. Go with your gut mummy instincts on what feels right for your lo x