The Breastfeeding Support Thread

[Little]

I noticed quite a few of our newer members are going to embark on a breastfeeding journey soon, and we didn't have anyplace special for their questions and concerns! Until now
I'm 9 months into my journey and showing no signs of slowing down, and I'd like to share my knowledge and support with you, and get the same from more veteran nursing moms.

[Little]

So, I'll start it off with my own question:
My son is 9 months old and I'd like to encourage him to wean off his early night feedings. If I could have just 6 hours of baby-free sleep, I'd be happy! He has a bedtime routine and sleeps until his first waking, when he comes into the family bed for snuggles. This can vary from just an hour later or 4-5 hours later.
Anybody got any ideas on how to get that 6 hours? He's a bit young for Dr. Jay Gordon's technique. I tank him up before bed, and starting today I'm initiating more daytime feedings.

[CaliforniaRed]

At nine months, hopefully you've begun to initiate supplementing with cereal (rice cereal is a good start). Give him some cereal before bed along with his usual nursing. He will probably sleep longer. Also, get a copy of Nursing Your Baby by Karen Pryor and her daughter. It's a fabulous reference. It helped me understand the various stages babies go through. At nine months, your little guy is probably going through a growth spurt - that means he's going to nurse much more often, so supplementing with solids, some cereal, vegies and fruit will help fill him up and progress toward eating solids. Meanwhile, your milk is still the best nutrition. You're doing great!