Is my infant too dependent on me due to breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding and Infants - Am I helping or hurting?

I am starting to wonder if one of the main benefits of breastfeeding can be a hindrance in the future . I have been my child’s primary food source since she was born with the exception of a few bottles and solid foods. Currently, she is going through a stage in which all she wants is me. I was less than 5 feet from her today and she threw a fit, she wanted to be in my arms. Lately when I put her down with her toys, she fusses until I am on the floor playing with her as well. I love spending time with her but this new stage is exhausting me. Doing housework with an additional 20 pounds on my hip has not been easy.

Breastfeeding and bonding with your child.

I do enjoy the bond that we share due to the closeness of breastfeeding but I don’t want to stifle her in any way. Often times I think that I am reading too much into the phase – I want her to feel secure and know that I am always there but I also want her to be independent.

What my doctor said about breastfeeding my baby:

My pediatrician did warn that a breastfed baby will be more hesitant to switch to solid foods than a formula fed baby. This has been the case. She often tightens her lips as I try to feed her baby food, however, she is receptive to eating food that is on my plate. My next step is to introduce more and more solid foods to offer variety and excitement. With the addition of solid foods, she may want to nurse less and less. This change may make her less dependent and not feel the need to attach to my hip.

Too much breastfeeding information?

This is another situation in which I will go with my gut and enjoy every moment with her. Soon there will be a new dilemma and this “worry” will be a topic of the past. Besides, as she grows I’m sure someone will write a “how to” book to teach her independence if there isn’t one on the shelf already. Sometimes the more we know, the more accessible information we have, the more we question.