Re: [ozmidwifery] Introducing solids too early

[Barbara Glare & Chris Bright]

Hi,   I always get a giggle (in a wry sort of way) when I hear it said that the 6mnth regulations are *new*.  When my eldest, now 13, was a baby, Nursing Mothers, now the Australian Breastfeeding Association, even then said introduce solids at 6mnth, in line with WHO recommendations.  I was sadly harrassed into introducing solids when he was 4 mnths old by my Maternal and child health nurse.  The next 2 started solids at 6mnths and probably 8mnts, by the time she got organised.  We didn't get Guan til she was 10mnths, but she'd had solids since about 4 mths.  They all eat are good eaters, though Zac(the eldest) was picky til he was 8 then would eat anything in the kitchen not nailed down.   I remember selecting from the breakfast bar in the big Western style hotel in China, wondering what on earth Guan might eat for breakfast.  The young waitress with a look on her face that indicated that westerners had no idea told me firmly that "China babies eat congee"  Then chopped up a hardboiled egg into the congee (rice porridge) and srinkled a couple of teaspoons of sugar over the lot and mixed it in.  Yup, China babies sure love that.   BTW, has Essential Baby done anything about the medically unsubstaniated claim that probiotics in formula are of benefit to babies?   Barb ----- Original Message ----- From: Ken Ward To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2006 6:13 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Introducing solids too early I was curious as to what age solids are introduced.  As I said, my eldest 3 had solids from about 3 months or so, and no problems. The youngest at about 9 mths, and all sorts of probs getting her to not only eat, but to try to eat. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Carol Fallows Sent: Thursday, 8 June 2006 10:53 AM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Introducing solids too early Hi Kelly, In the 1930s babies were not weaned onto solids until they were around eight or nine months and it was a slow process - many were also weaned onto cow's milk at this age. Up until the 1970s it was thought that once a baby had teeth he should be put on the bottle. Weaning onto solids only became a big issue as society became more prosperous after the second world war. It is very interesting to go through some of the old baby books - Spock, early Penelope Leach, Penny Stanway, Christopher Green - it becomes apparent that their attitude to breastfeeding is probably one of the main reasons why babies were not breastfed, why weaning onto solids was introduced far too early and why commercial baby food became 'essential'. On the subject of other cultures, in many Asian countries babies are weaned onto rice foods such as congee which is sieved and mixed with lentil juice, in Africa first food is also rice or maize porridge and in South America it is traditionally corn and potatoes.It seems obvious that babies are weaned onto whatever the staple food is (and quite often it is rice which coincidentally is considered to be the least likely to lead to allergies) . Hope that's helpful Carol Fallows ----- Original Message ----- From: Päivi Laukkanen To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 5:20 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Introducing solids too early Hi Kelly,   I can'r remember of any studies now, but the book "Rediscovering Birth" by Sheila Kitzinger (I think it was in that one) has interesting information how in different countries we use very different foods to start solids. In Finland the first solids have traditionally been potato and carrot! and banana and brunes. In US it's rice cereal. but it differs a lot between cultures. Too bad I can't remember the rest. I would love to get a copy of your article, when it's ready.   Päivi ----- Original Message ----- From: Kelly @ BellyBelly To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 1:28 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Introducing solids too early I’ve come across so many mums who are introducing solids far too early and as a result I am writing an article on it and trying to gather information from studies. I heard there was a study in the US which indicated one possible complication was juvenile diabetes. Does anyone know of any studies or resources in regards to solids and early introduction and where I can find them? Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Creator, BellyBelly.com.au Gentle Solutions From Conception to Parenthood BellyBelly Birth Support - http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth-support