Parenting Forums

Posted: 20 June 2005 at 3:24pm | IP Logged

when r u supposed to start? freds the same age as lily

Posted: 21 June 2005 at 9:46am | IP Logged

Weaning is one of those dilemas that changes every few years, a bit like the sleeping position I think over the last 30 years babies have slept in every position apart from on their heads.

When I was a baby you were weaned at 6wks old, ask your Mum what age you were I bet you will surprised.  16yrs ago when Hayley was a baby it was 12wks.  The reason it is now 16wks+ is the powers that be think the huge increase in allergies is due to infants being weaned to young.  How they come to this asumption I have no idea.

They will only reccomend you to wean before this if your baby is over 15lbs (I am not 100% on the weight but think that is the weight).  Or if for 2 consecutive weeks running lo has failed to gain weight, meaning that the milk is no longer fulfilling their needs.  The longer you leave it to wean your baby the better "they" believe it is to guard against allergies.  The medical profession will not support you in a decision to wean before 16wks and will offer no advice.

As Mum you have to do what you feel is best for your lo.  If you want to wean before the 16wks then that is your perogative.

I am going to a weaning session today, have no idea what it's about but will let you know if anything interesting comes up.

Posted: 21 June 2005 at 11:15am | IP Logged

thank you-its all bloomin confusing!

Posted: 21 June 2005 at 3:27pm | IP Logged

I'm starting to wean megan now, she was taking 8fl oz every hour on sma white, doc said it will be fine, she watches us eating and smacks her lips lol. She loves her food jus like daddy. she wouldnt eat baby rice she screwed up her face n screamed at me every mouthful lol so i gave her fruity breakfast n she had big smiles!

sam&megan 9 weeks xxxxxxxx

Posted: 21 June 2005 at 4:57pm | IP Logged

Just got back from our weaning session.  It was actually great not because it was anything to do with weaning but because there was an old friend of mine their that I used to work with and she has just had a baby too.  Anyway back to the point.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend weaning by the time lo is 6 mnths old because by then their Iron in their bodies is depleted before then they have Iron from when you were pregnant with them and it takes about 6mnths for it to run out.  What you have to remember is the WHO looks at the whole of the world and weaning and doesn't take into account different cultures. 

The other reason they recommend not before 4mnths is due to the increase in tummy upsets.  Again this is the whole world including developing countries with no fresh water or sterilising facilities.

No hv will support you before 4mnths because they are not allowed to.  They are also not allowed to tell you not to.  All the hv is allowed to do is support your choices.

They suggested 2 books that are meant to be good the NCT weaning book and also a DK book called Feeding your Baby and Toddler by Annabel Karmel.  The second book is meant to be the best.

I have loads of leaflets that I haven't looked threw if I find anything interesting in them I will post something.

Posted: 21 June 2005 at 5:24pm | IP Logged

great id heard that book was good too-think i'll buy it!