BFing – why wait for rice cereal?

[Anonymous]

I’m BFing my 3 mth old and was wondering why it’s suggested to wait till 6mths for solids.

As you all know, adding that rice can help a lot.

I’m hesitant to do that though since we just started on prevacid. I’m thinking the reflux will be better and all will be well soon. On the other hand, I wonder if the rice would help her spit up less or help her sleep longer at night.

I am all gung ho for waiting, I just wondered what the theroy behind it is. If it’s not a big deal, then I’ll just add the rice.

[hellbennt]

are you asking about adding rice to actual breastmilk? this isn’t really possible, as the enzymes in the breastmilk break down the rice so it won’t do what it’s ‘supposed’ to do (thicken)…

or, are you asking why one might wait to introduce solids in general?

there are links from my welcome/intro

& http://www.kellymom.com is an excellent resource too

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/reflux.html#thickenedfe ed

hellbennt2006-12-6 8:32:54

[Anonymous]

I was asking about adding it to the BM.

Interesting. didn’t think of that. so it would be useless.

I’ll look at the links when I have time–thanks.

[hellbennt]

from the kellymom thickened feed link http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/reflux.html#thickenedfe ed

“Note that rice cereal will not effectively thicken breastmilk due to the amylase (an enzyme that digests carbohydrates) naturally present in the breastmilk.”

[Anonymous]

I used to add cereal to breastmilk for Bryce. It’s true. It never actually got thicker, BUT it did help. I think it must add weight in the stomach even if it doesn’t actually make the milk thicker. He always seemed to spit up less with the cereal. (We “thicken” with bananas now, but same thing with that). I know everytime I gave him straight breastmilk he’d spit up MUCH more.

[Anonymous]

As far as the theory behind why not to start until later… I THINK?? that babies on breastmilk have all the nutrients that they need until that point while babies on formula need more at an earlier age because the formula isn’t as complete as the breastmilk? That’s what I’ve read anyway.

[Anonymous]

My understanding is that babies can not digest it until 6 months. I think it is not suggested for any baby on formula or breastmilk. They just aren’t ready for it. It can cause constipation. Reflux meds in and of themselves can cause constipation so adding rice could make that worse. As far as it making them sleep better that has never been the case for either of my refluxers. There might be some moms on here that can say that their baby slept better, but there is no research proving that. I would wait until six months, but if you do decide to try it I hope for you that it does help. I know I tryed everything with my boys. You might want to talk to your ped about it and see what they say. I’m sure they could give you the warning signs of allergies and constipation. That way you could be prepared. Also, if you were to call the office because something was wrong they would know that you had started cereal. Oh, also if your baby has a milk into. gerber rice cereal has milk in it. It just doesn’t state that on the pkg.

[Anonymous]

i guess you can try it as well.. shane did ok on it at 2 mos.! in his bottles.. but yes there are a lot that cant do it. i started spoon feeding it to him a week b4 he turned 4 mos. sooo maybe you can wait a couple weeks and see if she would want to do that, if you dont think it would work well adding it to breastmilk. and yes the theory is that they cant digest it well. but, my mom and mother in law said that they fed their babys around a couple months old. soo you never know, i guess each baby is different, and if you do it, and see that she cant handle it i guess you can always stop right?

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