The Breast Feeding Support Thread

Cunning Stunt · 21-01-2016 12:15pm

How Strange wrote: »

At that age there is no such thing as a bad habit. If co sleeping helps the baby sleep then it helps you. How can that be a bad habit?

As lazygal said, this is the 4th trimester and they just want to be close to their mother.

Just wondering if this also applies for a 3 month old. My one is 3 mnths today and she will mostly only fall asleep if shes welded to my boob in the bed. Thats fine for nighttime but its a bit of a pain to get her down for daytime naps. I can get her to sleep in the bed, wait 20 min, put her in the cot and within 15.mins she is awake and looking for me. I have a toddler too which makes it a bit awkward to go to bed with baby in the day. Has anyone had success with putting baby down in cot to sleep during day and then co-sleeping at nite, or am i asking too much of her? She refuses to take a soother as well.

lazygal · 21-01-2016 1:20pm

Cunning Stunt wrote: »

Just wondering if this also applies for a 3 month old. My one is 3 mnths today and she will mostly only fall asleep if shes welded to my boob in the bed. Thats fine for nighttime but its a bit of a pain to get her down for daytime naps. I can get her to sleep in the bed, wait 20 min, put her in the cot and within 15.mins she is awake and looking for me. I have a toddler too which makes it a bit awkward to go to bed with baby in the day. Has anyone had success with putting baby down in cot to sleep during day and then co-sleeping at nite, or am i asking too much of her? She refuses to take a soother as well.

Could you put something that smells of you in the cot? I also found it helpful to develop rituals arond naps, like telling them it was nap time and giving them the same teddy and saying the same shushing things. I did resort to a small bit of letting them cry it out sometimes, or the car for a nap on very difficult days.

contrary_mary · 01-02-2016 1:00am

Anyone got any tips for leaky boobs? I have an issue with one breast that seems to have a huge supply and is constantly leaking. I soak through breastpads in no time and my bras and tops are constantly damp. Baby (4 weeks old) was just crying with wind pains and I was comforting him against my shoulder - the crying must have triggered let down and within a couple of minutes I'd soaked through my pad, bra, top and his babygro. It's the same whenever I've to feed from the other side - I end up soaking. It's uncomfortable to constantly feel damp.

Has anyone else ever had this and did they come up with any solutions? I'm using the Johnson&Johnson pads as I find these the best of the disposables but once they soak it leaks out the bottom/sides. Reusable pads were a total disaster as they don't have the waterproof backing . Help! I know it's a minor complaint but it's damn uncomfortable at times.

olaola · 01-02-2016 8:21pm

contrary_mary wrote: »

Anyone got any tips for leaky boobs? I have an issue with one breast that seems to have a huge supply and is constantly leaking. I soak through breastpads in no time and my bras and tops are constantly damp. Baby (4 weeks old) was just crying with wind pains and I was comforting him against my shoulder - the crying must have triggered let down and within a couple of minutes I'd soaked through my pad, bra, top and his babygro. It's the same whenever I've to feed from the other side - I end up soaking. It's uncomfortable to constantly feel damp.

Has anyone else ever had this and did they come up with any solutions? I'm using the Johnson&Johnson pads as I find these the best of the disposables but once they soak it leaks out the bottom/sides. Reusable pads were a total disaster as they don't have the waterproof backing . Help! I know it's a minor complaint but it's damn uncomfortable at times.

I'm afraid your boobs are gonna be leaky until your milk regulates at about 3 months! You can get these 'shells' that collect the milk, which you can re-use (both the milk & the covers) On the pads I found the Boots own brand pads the best. They are very absorbent. The reusable/washable ones weren't worth a curse!!

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 01-02-2016 10:10pm

Yep, the only solution I found was time! Having a constant supply of muslins on hand helped. And layers of dark coloured clothing. Also, if you haven't already done it already you could try a few different brands of breast pads. Some are better than others. Even now after a year, my left one will leak if I feed from the right one first thing in the morning

contrary_mary · 02-02-2016 2:24am

Thanks both - I've tried loads of brands of pads but I'm actually not sure if I've had the boots ones so I'll pick them up tomorrow. I tuck a muslin underneath my boob when I feed to catch leaks/dribbles and it helps but not fully.

Do you need to sterilise the shells? I'd be worried about them overflowing but it would be nice to use the milk.

How Strange · 02-02-2016 9:14am

I found tommy tippee best on my son. He was my first child abc I leaked a lot until 12 weeks. They were the most absorbent

RentDayBlues · 02-02-2016 12:25pm

I used tesco ones and at its worst I double padded! Which given the size of my boobs only made me look more top heavy but saved leaks

olaola · 02-02-2016 12:56pm

contrary_mary wrote: »

Thanks both - I've tried loads of brands of pads but I'm actually not sure if I've had the boots ones so I'll pick them up tomorrow. I tuck a muslin underneath my boob when I feed to catch leaks/dribbles and it helps but not fully.

Do you need to sterilise the shells? I'd be worried about them overflowing but it would be nice to use the milk.

I would say so (God I've forgotten, even though it's not that long ago!) I'd say they'd hold a good deal more than a pad & you could take a quick look to see if they're full and empty into a sterile bottle that you keep in the fridge? You could keep topping it up during the day.

John Mason · 08-02-2016 5:12pm

I am looking for some advice on weaning a 21+ month toddler.

Don't want to go cold turkey. I have tried explaining it to him but he is having none of it.

olaola · 08-02-2016 9:43pm

John Mason wrote: »

I am looking for some advice on weaning a 21+ month toddler.

Don't want to go cold turkey. I have tried explaining it to him but he is having none of it.

I'm waiting until he's two. But still haven't got a clue about how I'm going to do it. He's not going to be a happy bunny... I'd be interested to hear how you get on!

Electric · 08-02-2016 10:17pm

Does any one else's child wake frequently during the night?

My 10 month old has been waking two to three times at night absolutely starving. It seems to be an issue that has gradually crept up on us. In hindsight I'm wondering if there was something that we should have done differently, but he genuinely seems to be very hungry at night.

I've tried offering a bottle of water, or getting my other half to do cuddles, but it doesn't really work, and he waits us out until I eventually feed him.

I don't know if it's just a habit that's developed or if he needs extra milk. He's crawling and nearly walking.

If anyone has any advice, it'd be greatly appreciated! I feel like we are back to the newborn stage and are struggling to cope with the lack of sleep.

bovril · 08-02-2016 10:30pm

My little girl woke on and off at night until about 13 months. I put it down to needing more food because she was active like your baby. Could also be a leap. I just went with what baby needed and fed her. By then night feeds were very short as she was so efficient.

Edited to add, you could also try giving slightly bigger portions of solid food during the day if you haven't already increased portions.

Electric · 08-02-2016 10:37pm

bovril wrote: »

My little girl woke on and off at night until about 13 months. I put it down to needing more food because she was active like your baby. Could also be a leap. I just went with what baby needed and fed her. By then night feeds were very short as she was so efficient.

Edited to add, you could also try giving slightly bigger portions of solid food during the day if you haven't already increased portions.

Hi, thanks for the reply. It's wonderful to know I'm not the only one!

Yeah, the night feeds themselves are short enough, it's more the disturbance. When he wakes at 4am I'm so tired we end up co-sleeping, which seems to be no sleep for anyone but him!

I've tried upping his meals during the day, but they can be hit and miss. He doesn't seem to be hugely interested in solid foods.

bovril · 08-02-2016 10:51pm

Electric wrote:

Yeah, the night feeds themselves are short enough, it's more the disturbance. When he wakes at 4am I'm so tired we end up co-sleeping, which seems to be no sleep for anyone but him!

That is exactly how it was for us too!!!

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 08-02-2016 10:54pm

How is she feeding during the day? I found that once my little girl was on the move and crawling, she got to a stage where she was just too busy and distracted to feed during the day and would only feed while asleep or sleepy. So instead of feeding throughout the day, she added back in a night feed. Now she feeds first thing at 7am, again when she is waking from her afternoon nap, at bedtime and I give her a dream feed at around 12am. It is a pain in the árse staying awake to feed her ( I would normally go to sleep around half 10 or 11) but it is better than going to sleep at my normal time and being woken by her screeching at 3 or 4am

spottybananas · 08-02-2016 11:34pm

My 10 month old wakes every 1-2.5 hours since birth. Nothing makes a difference. He went to sleep at 9 tonight and was back awake crying at 10. I try not to think about it or I'll weep.

No advice, just support!

jlm29 · 08-02-2016 11:38pm

I had this with my first, around 9 or 10 mths (I know it wasn't long before I went back to work, And with a long commute, I knew I wouldn't be able for broken sleep every night). I tackled it with bottles of water- he wouldn't take it, but that's all I offered. I walked the floor with him while he cried. The first night he woke 3 times, the second twice, the third night once, and then he was back sleeping through the night. Before this, I also added an extra meal before bed, so I knew he was well fed, and unlikely to be hungry.

Electric · 09-02-2016 9:20pm

Bella Most Rubble wrote: »

How is she feeding during the day? I found that once my little girl was on the move and crawling, she got to a stage where she was just too busy and distracted to feed during the day and would only feed while asleep or sleepy. So instead of feeding throughout the day, she added back in a night feed. Now she feeds first thing at 7am, again when she is waking from her afternoon nap, at bedtime and I give her a dream feed at around 12am. It is a pain in the árse staying awake to feed her ( I would normally go to sleep around half 10 or 11) but it is better than going to sleep at my normal time and being woken by her screeching at 3 or 4am

To be honest, feeding during the day is a bit of a struggle. I've been offering extra feeds almost on the hour in the hopes of 'tanking' him up for the night, but he's not interested.

Also the amount he eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner has dropped off. He insists on only feeding himself now, but the amount of food that actually makes it into his mouth (as opposed to his clothes and the floor), seems to be negligible sometimes.

Electric · 09-02-2016 9:24pm

spottybananas wrote: »

My 10 month old wakes every 1-2.5 hours since birth. Nothing makes a difference. He went to sleep at 9 tonight and was back awake crying at 10. I try not to think about it or I'll weep.

No advice, just support!

Thanks spotty! It actually really helps to know I'm not the only one. All of my friends finished breastfeeding at 6 months and never had this issue.

Electric · 09-02-2016 9:30pm

jlm29 wrote: »

I had this with my first, around 9 or 10 mths (I know it wasn't long before I went back to work, And with a long commute, I knew I wouldn't be able for broken sleep every night). I tackled it with bottles of water- he wouldn't take it, but that's all I offered. I walked the floor with him while he cried. The first night he woke 3 times, the second twice, the third night once, and then he was back sleeping through the night. Before this, I also added an extra meal before bed, so I knew he was well fed, and unlikely to be hungry.

Can I ask, when you were doing the bottle of water with your son, how long you ended up being up with him?

We have tried the bottle of water thing before, but after an hour or so he's still awake and I've ended up giving in and feeding just so we can all get back to sleep.

Part of me wonders if I'm giving in too easily?

But the other thing is that when he gets really, really upset he pukes everywhere and I don't want to go down that route in the middle of the night.

Am I being naive to think that this issue will resolve itself when I finish breastfeeding? I had planned on weaning him when he's a year old.

jlm29 · 09-02-2016 10:22pm

Electric wrote: »

Can I ask, when you were doing the bottle of water with your son, how long you ended up being up with him?

We have tried the bottle of water thing before, but after an hour or so he's still awake and I've ended up giving in and feeding just so we can all get back to sleep.

Part of me wonders if I'm giving in too easily?

But the other thing is that when he gets really, really upset he pukes everywhere and I don't want to go down that route in the middle of the night.

Am I being naive to think that this issue will resolve itself when I finish breastfeeding? I had planned on weaning him when he's a year old.

I can't remember exactly (he's 4 now), but I don't think it would have been an hour. It's hard to know really, and it's just awful to see them so upset, especially if you're worried they'll get sick.
Good luck!

jlm29 · 09-02-2016 10:26pm

My 10 week old is gone on a bottle strike! He had a few bottles of expressed milk when he was quite small (to give my poor nipples a break) no problem. Then 2 weeks ago he had two bottles no bother (one from me, and one from someone else). Last thur he took one from his dad under duress. Now- not a hope. It's like he finds it offensive, unless it's coming directly from source! Just when I thought I'd go for dinner or something!

olaola · 09-02-2016 10:32pm

jlm29 wrote: »

My 10 week old is gone on a bottle strike! He had a few bottles of expressed milk when he was quite small (to give my poor nipples a break) no problem. Then 2 weeks ago he had two bottles no bother (one from me, and one from someone else). Last thur he took one from his dad under duress. Now- not a hope. It's like he finds it offensive, unless it's coming directly from source! Just when I thought I'd go for dinner or something!

Eep! Your milk could possibly have that enzyme in it (that I can't remember the name of!) That makes it taste funny after a few hours? Lipase?
Have you tasted it yourself?

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 09-02-2016 11:05pm

jlm29 wrote: »

My 10 week old is gone on a bottle strike! He had a few bottles of expressed milk when he was quite small (to give my poor nipples a break) no problem. Then 2 weeks ago he had two bottles no bother (one from me, and one from someone else). Last thur he took one from his dad under duress. Now- not a hope. It's like he finds it offensive, unless it's coming directly from source! Just when I thought I'd go for dinner or something!

Same thing happened me around 12 weeks and I never got her to take a bottle of expressed milk since. She won't take expressed milk at all, even if it has been expressed immediately before. Funny thing is, she drinks loads of water from a plastic water bottle no bother :rolleyes:

madeinamerica · 09-02-2016 11:20pm

jlm29 wrote: »

My 10 week old is gone on a bottle strike! He had a few bottles of expressed milk when he was quite small (to give my poor nipples a break) no problem. Then 2 weeks ago he had two bottles no bother (one from me, and one from someone else). Last thur he took one from his dad under duress. Now- not a hope. It's like he finds it offensive, unless it's coming directly from source! Just when I thought I'd go for dinner or something!

We had to work really hard to get my guy to take a bottle of ebm when I went back to work. My oh offerede him one bottle every day for a few weeks, from about 9 weeks i think. He wouldnt take it for ages but kept gently offering it every day and he eventually took it. He didn't seem to like how it was coming out of the bottle, the flow was different I guess. We tried lots of nipples and he eventually took the very first one we tried (typical!). I guess my point is that it took us a fair bit of effort over a few weeks to get him to take it, so perhaps some babies at that age take a bit of convincing!

spottybananas · 09-02-2016 11:35pm

Electric are you on Extended Breastfeeding in Ireland page? I can categorically tell you that there are at least 45 other mums there with babies 9 months and older like this

Thanks to a recent post there I know this

Electric · 09-02-2016 11:40pm

spottybananas wrote: »

Electric are you on Extended Breastfeeding in Ireland page? I can categorically tell you that there are at least 45 other mums there with babies 9 months and older like this Thanks to a recent post there I know this

Noooo..... *goes and googles*

Thanks Spotty that's really helpful! It really is such a relief to be realising it isn't because of something I'm doing or haven't done!

spottybananas · 10-02-2016 12:55am

Electric wrote: »

Noooo..... *goes and googles*

Thanks Spotty that's really helpful! It really is such a relief to be realising it isn't because of something I'm doing or haven't done!

Sorry its a group on facebook, excuse the mistake of not including that info, I'm a tad sleep deprived

jlm29 · 10-02-2016 1:24am

olaola wrote: »

Eep! Your milk could possibly have that enzyme in it (that I can't remember the name of!) That makes it taste funny after a few hours? Lipase?
Have you tasted it yourself?

I haven't tasted it- for some reason, I think that would be weird! He drank it fine a couple of weeks ago- I think he's just been stubborn. I tried him myself s couple of times- I must get someone else to try again. Maybe it's just me he's on strike with! I suppose if i do get him to take it, I better keep it up, and give him bottles often. I had thought once or twice a week would be loads to keep him used to it. i hate expressing unless I really need to! Effort!!

spottybananas · 10-02-2016 1:25pm

Smell the milk, if it smells soapy it has excess lipase. Happens some of mine, not all. You can fix it by scalding the ebm before you freeze it.

Cunning Stunt · 14-02-2016 7:18pm

Hi there, can any of you advise on when baby should start solids? Our little one is showing interest at mealtimes, following us eating with her eyes and shouting as if she wants to try. Shes drooling a lot at mealtines too but she does drool at other times also, so am not sure if thats a sign. She will be 4 months next week. PHN says its normal to start around 4 months but everything i have read online says 6 months. She is my first breastfed baby so am looking for some of your experiences. Thanks!

Neyite · 14-02-2016 7:53pm

Best practice is as near to 6 months as possible, but in some cases, they sometimes start earlier.

In our case, I think he was a few weeks off 6 months when we gradually introduced solids, but it was so obvious he was more than ready and was insatiable on milk alone.

I know another mum who started her baby early - around 4m if I recall correctly. This was on the advice of her PHN, GP, and Paediatrician. Sad to say, she got a lot of stick from other mums in a FB group because of the 6 month guideline which was unfair and upsetting - they had very valid reasons for putting the baby on solids early, and researched it fully and it was the right decision. The baby is thriving.

I cant see the harm giving her a finger of toast to suck on while you are all eating, but it is totally up to you. Really until they are one, their main nutrition source is their milk, and food is about fun, learning about new textures and tastes so no need to worry too much if they don't eat a lot.

angeldelight · 14-02-2016 8:44pm

The guidance now is six months unless there's a medical reason for earlier. Even the HSEs own most up to date booklet says six months. Some PHNs seem to have some very dodgy advice about everything so I'm not sure I'd go by their advice alone

Fagashlil · 14-02-2016 10:13pm

As above, as close to the 6 month mark, babas digestive systems not fully developed till 26 weeks. FF babies tend to be weaned earlier due to the high sugar content in formula, the WHO guidelines reccomended 26 weeks, I'd always go by their guidelines rather than the PHN, a lot of them tend to be outdated with their advice. Unless of course there's medical advice and guidance and need.

RentDayBlues · 14-02-2016 10:14pm

If you can wait until closer to 6 months you can go straight to baby led weaning, basically she'll eat what you eat. No purees or spoon feeding.

But they have to be able to sit in a high chair and pick up the food pieces themselves. My second started at 24 weeks, but she was sitting up for a few weeks and had started grabbing. Now at just short of 2 she will eat anything. I cannot recommend it enough.

When you're breastfeeding they will get all their nutritional needs from you so the food is a learning experience for them, food is fun until you're one!

At her development check recently they asked if she had started to use a spoon, I laughed as she's done this since 8 months.

Enjoy the weaning whatever route you take

olaola · 15-02-2016 10:42am

Babies will show interest in putting anything into their mouths, and will shove anything in. And they will copy your actions, they don't know what food is, so it's not like they know they want it. We sat our little fella at the table with his own plate, spoon and cup (all empty) and he banged and clanged away while we ate. Try to leave it as long as possible!

tinkerbell · 15-02-2016 10:47am

Please do not start any sort of solid food before 6 months. Babies do not need any solids until then - all they need is milk. Neyite - a lot of health professionals are giving out-dated advice. The HSE, NHS, WHO, etc all recommend milk only for first 6 months. I find it hard to believe that they could realistically justify a baby as young as 4 months starting solids in this day unless they were going with out-dated advice. Babies guts just are not fully mature yet to be able to handle solids and if started early, can reduce the amount of milk consumed which is not what you want.

Cunning - drooling, showing an interest in what you are eating are not signs your baby wants to eat a solid meal. They are interested in all the things you are doing at that age. Wait until 6 months. The WHO recommend exclusively breastfeeding until 6 months and then offering complimentary solids alongside breastfeeding up until at least 1 year (ie not replacing milk feeds with solids).

tinkerbell · 15-02-2016 10:47am

Please do not start any sort of solid food before 6 months. Babies do not need any solids until then - all they need is milk. Neyite - a lot of health professionals are giving out-dated advice. The HSE, NHS, WHO, etc all recommend milk only for first 6 months. I find it hard to believe that they could realistically justify a baby as young as 4 months starting solids in this day unless they were going with out-dated advice. Babies guts just are not fully mature yet to be able to handle solids and if started early, can reduce the amount of milk consumed which is not what you want.

Cunning - drooling, showing an interest in what you are eating are not signs your baby wants to eat a solid meal. They are interested in all the things you are doing at that age. Wait until 6 months. The WHO recommend exclusively breastfeeding until 6 months and then offering complimentary solids alongside breastfeeding up until at least 1 year (ie not replacing milk feeds with solids).

How Strange · 15-02-2016 11:12am

Both of mine showed the typical signs of readiness is watching you when eating, grabbing, drooling etc but I waited until 6 months and both of them weren't bothered with solids until 7-8 months. I reakly would hold out to minimum 5 months and then just see how you go. At 5-5.5 months perhaps a little taste of food like sucking on a pear you're holding won't do them any harm but try to stretch out the full weaning until as close to 6 months as you can.

Cunning Stunt · 15-02-2016 11:25am

Ok so the general concensus is 6 months. Thanks for all the advice!

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 15-02-2016 12:29pm

I started my formula fed little boy on solids at 4 months on gp and phn advice as he had reflux and wasn't putting on weight at all. I felt awful for doing it and still regret it a little but as soon as he started, he began thriving.

I waited until 6 months with my breastfed little girl and was so glad I did. She was able to manage normal food (non pureed) from the beginning and just worked away at her own pace feeding herself with her hands. So much easier. It is tempting to start them earlier, in my case I had my mother and a few others asking at every turn when I was going to start her on the purees :rolleyes: But I just laughed them all off and waited until my little girl was ready (which was when she was exactly 6 months old and decided to steal a chicken drumstick off my plate at a party

)

tinkerbell · 15-02-2016 2:16pm

How Strange wrote: »

Both of mine showed the typical signs of readiness is watching you when eating, grabbing, drooling etc but I waited until 6 months and both of them weren't bothered with solids until 7-8 months. I reakly would hold out to minimum 5 months and then just see how you go. At 5-5.5 months perhaps a little taste of food like sucking on a pear you're holding won't do them any harm but try to stretch out the full weaning until as close to 6 months as you can.

Those are not actually signs of readiness for solids at all - the signs that they are truly ready for solids are that they can sit well without support (so as to prevent choking) and that they have lost the tongue thrust reflex.

tinkerbell · 15-02-2016 2:17pm

I also don't actually understand the rush to start solids. It actually is hard work. Life is so much easier when you are just breastfeeding. Plus the whole solid food nappies should be enough to put anyone off attempting solids early!!! :pac:

Neyite · 15-02-2016 2:39pm

tinkerbell wrote: »

Please do not start any sort of solid food before 6 months. Babies do not need any solids until then - all they need is milk. Neyite - a lot of health professionals are giving out-dated advice. The HSE, NHS, WHO, etc all recommend milk only for first 6 months. I find it hard to believe that they could realistically justify a baby as young as 4 months starting solids in this day unless they were going with out-dated advice. Babies guts just are not fully mature yet to be able to handle solids and if started early, can reduce the amount of milk consumed which is not what you want.
.

You've just proved my point, really.

Unless you are a Paediatric consultant and have physically examined my friends baby yourself, then why do you feel that you know more than the qualified ones who dealt with the baby's digestive conditions on a weekly, sometimes daily basis? It was a final resort for the team to suggest, after 4 months of pain and discomfort for that child.

You are doing exactly what my friend experienced on her FB group - dismissive of healthcare professionals, dismissive of valid medical reasons and being hugely critical of mothers that have reason to introduce food slightly earlier, because, guidelines.

Some of us have pretty good PHN's as well. My own GP has a speciality in paediatric care. I trust that he knows a damn sight more about my child's development and welfare than the WHO does, having examined him since birth. I also read up on best practice, and made a decision based on all of those, as it seems Cunning has also done. And if she decides to introduce solids a little earlier than six months, that is her decision and she deserves not to be talked down to by another parent who decides to do things their own way either.

tinkerbell · 15-02-2016 3:06pm

The problem is Neyite that a lot of health professionals ARE giving out dated advice. Your friend had to do what she was advised and perhaps that was the best advice given her situation.

But I've heard of far too many stories about mothers being told to wean early for no apparent reason other than it was what was done in the past. You are lucky in that you have a decent PHN but plenty more are hopeless and give out dated advice. I'm not being critical of mothers at all - I'm not sure why you think that? I'm critical of some health professionals not being up to date on the latest research. Parents can only do their best and what they are advised by their GP, etc. I'm not being critical of parents at all.

And yes it is Cunning's decision but it is also important for Cunning to know about WHO, HSE, NHS guidelines also as they are not just there for no reason... They are there because of scientific research.

Cunning Stunt · 15-02-2016 3:33pm

In that case, our previous PHN was definitely giving outdated advice, and that was not even 2 years ago. Our son was formula fed from 2/3 weeks old and she told us at 4 months to start him on baby rice. Him being our first, we believed she was the expert, but I remember trying to get him to take some baby rice and he just cried and spluttered - a bit traumatic for him really - so we left it for a few more weeks and then he was ok with it. Thats why I was hesitant to go the same route with our daughter now. But going from the majority of responses here we will just wait until she is older. Thx again

Neyite · 15-02-2016 4:00pm

Go with your gut Cunning, I think often us mums don't trust our instincts half as often as we should. Your baby, you know her best.

And yes, the rice at 4 months standard that some of them trot out was outdated a good decade or more. Could be worse though, my MIL was putting rice in a bottle at 6 weeks back in her day on the advice of her midwife. :pac:

Does anyone here watch Call the Midwife? Apparently it's portrayal of that era is very authentic. Seeing the tea in a baby's bottle and heavily pregnant women puffing away in front of a doctor who was also puffing merrily away.

How Strange · 15-02-2016 4:04pm

tinkerbell wrote: »

Those are not actually signs of readiness for solids at all - the signs that they are truly ready for solids are that they can sit well without support (so as to prevent choking) and that they have lost the tongue thrust reflex.

Yes I know that. I meant the typical signs as they are the ones your mother, auntie, phn etc will tell you are sure signs the baby is half starved and needs solid food
I had a great phn on my son until it came to weaning and I have to say I was very disappointed with her advice. I left it until 6 months and then she said I HAD to start a 6.5 month old on 1 spoon of puréed Apple working up to 3 spoons then switch to a stewed carrot for a week etc etc.
I know there are times that babies need to be weaned early such as reflux but if there's no medical need then I don't see the big rush. It just makes more work for us. I tried puréeing and found it such a pain in the ar5e that I stopped after a couple of days and moved to finger foods and fork mashing our own dinners.

olaola · 15-02-2016 4:06pm

tinkerbell wrote: »

I also don't actually understand the rush to start solids. It actually is hard work. Life is so much easier when you are just breastfeeding. Plus the whole solid food nappies should be enough to put anyone off attempting solids early!!! :pac:

Me neither, and there is research ongoing regarding the increase in allergies/intolerances being attributed to the fact that some foods are being introduced too early and not within certain specified windows. If you look at the fact that internal stores of some vitamins/minerals run out by 6 months, it seems obvious that this is the time to start on a varied diet.

The Breast Feeding Support Thread

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