As a lactation professional, you support families through all stages of lactation. From prenatal advice, as they introduce solids, and even through fully weaning from breastfeeding, you can support all stages.

While you are not an IBCLC, registered nutritionist, nor pediatrician, it is within your scope to provide education and support surrounding the introduction of solids.

As a CBC, you can help parents reach their breastfeeding goals even after solids are introduced. It is common for parents to reach out to trusted sources. If you supported a client during breastfeeding initiation, it is likely they will reach out as other lactation questions arise.

Here are tips to support breastfeeding parents as they introduce solids:

Always Provide Evidenced-Based Information

As a certified breastfeeding counselor (CBC) it is vital you provide your clients with evidence-based information. What your clients choose to do with that information is fully up to them. It is not your role to convince them to do anything. You simply provide them with information and support them as they navigate their breastfeeding journey.

Some important evidenced-based information to provide clients with is:

• Current guidelines recommend exclusively breastfeeding for about six months, then adding complimentary solids.
• During the first year of life, breast milk or formula remains an important part of a human infant’s diet. It should remain their main source of nutrition. Food is complementary, not a replacement.
• Many sources recommend iron rich foods during the second half of their first year. During the first six months of life, babies have iron stores from being in utero.
• It is recommended to continue breastfeeding at least one year, with the World Health Organization suggesting two years, and then as long after as mutually desired.
• It is not nighttime breastfeeding which increases the risk of cavities but rather nighttime breastfeeding when food particles and bacteria from food remain on baby’s teeth. Good oral hygiene before bed reduces this risk.
• Currently, it is not recommended to avoid common allergens unless directed by a doctor. Most now believe early introduction reduces the risk of food allergies. Parents should check with their doctors.
• Baby led weaning is a safe option for many infants and might encourage more feeding autonomy, texture exposure, and oral development.
• There are circumstances where purees are preferred or necessary – this is not for us to decide for any parent.
• Babies should be sitting independently with only a little bit of support and no longer have the tongue thrust reflex before introducing solids unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

Know When to Refer to Another Provider

There are times where the introduction of solids goes beyond our scope of practice. When this occurs, we may need to direct parents to an IBCLC, pediatrician, feeding therapist, etc.

Just like with breastfeeding, many infants do well with just a little support. However, there are circumstances where additional professional support is needed. If a client has questions about or is struggling with these things, it is important to refer them to an appropriate provider:

• Any concerning weight loss
• Concerns about oral aversions
• Allergy concerns
• Feeding a premature baby
• Questions about exact quantity, caloric needs, or special diets

Reassure Parents to Trust Their Instincts and Desired Feeding Goals

When it comes to introducing solids, it is not uncommon for family, friends, or even strangers to suggest breastfeeding is no longer necessary. However, research shows that breastfeeding for at least one year, and often longer, has significant benefits.

If the parent desires to continue breastfeeding, you can be a source of support and evidence as they navigate unhelpful advice.