BLW - when will I stop panicking at mealtimes???

[Mimmee]

DD is 6 months and started weaning about 2 weeks ago or so with purees etc, but I have been reading up with interest on BLW and decided to give it a go this past week.

So far it has been very successful and I have been amazed (and quite proud!) by DD who have been picking up and chewing really well (and swallowing as evidenced by the contents of her nappies!)

But...only been doing it this week and I am absolutely terrified everytime she bites off a chunk of food. I find myself panicking and stressing.

I have read up on choking and gag reflexes etc but my rational mind seems to go out of the window when watching her eat.

I know it's really early days but I'm really just looking to share experiences and a bit of reassurance that I won't be petrified at every mealtime forever!

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

So sorry that you are finding it stressful but glad that your DD seems to be enjoying it even if you aren't .

Think that you should calm down very soon, she is fine and if anything will be less likely to choke.

If its any consolation my DN choked till she was around 10 months. They did purees and everytime they tried it lumpy she gagged. Our DD started with BLW at six months and was eating roast dinners within a couple of weeks.

Stick with it, you're doing fine and if it helps to calm your nerves a bit watch a , although personally with that one I would have taken the meat off the bone!

Have you seen this website too?

[Mimmee]

Thanks Jilted that YouTube video is amazing! Don't think I'll be attempting that just yet though.....

DD really seems to be taking to it well and fortunately DP is very laid back so I will persevere.

Had a look at the website - Thank you, you've been really helpful, hopefully I will manage to chill out soon!

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

That's ok, the video is funny isn't it . Hope you do perservere as it is the easier way and I should know I've done one with purees and one blw.

Don't forget to make your own videos so you can show her boyfriends when she's all grown up!

[Flisspaps]

The other thing to do is make sure you know what to do if she does choke. Knowing how to deal with it should make you feel a bit more at ease.

[lilham]

Mine gagged on the first banana I gave her. I just gave her a thump between her shoulder blades and kept smiling. She didn't seem to mind at all.

[redbird79]

DS is 10 months and we give a good range of finger food. He gags maybe once a day or so, and I just make sure I am within grabbing distance when he has food in front of him. Not sure it's the right thing to do but I do up his straps loosely and have turned him upside down a couple of times- he doesn't mind either

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Think thats a good idea Fliss, think actually its a good idea however people choose to wean.

Mimmee your local Childrens Centre and St Johns Ambulance may offer first aid courses or there is this.

Sorry for sounding a bit pompous in my last post too, I blame the

[Mimmee]

Not pompous at all Jilted!

Thanks all, I think it's just a confidence thing (like so much else..) so hopefully will come with time.

Doesn't help that my DM and MIL think it's a ridiculous idea and slip a spoon in her mouth everytime my back is turned....!

Will look into the courses and thanks for the link for the book, think I will definately get that

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Just a good job that your DM and MIL don't have my DD then, to say she is feisty, well.....if you'd tried to spoon feed her at that age you'd either be wearing the food or she would have tried to hit you!

[Akandra]

This might help - there is a difference between choking and gagging. The gag reflex is normal and harmless. It's what your child is doing to stop themselves from choking. The younger the baby, the further forward the gag reflex is, so it will get better as you go.

I'm BLW too (8mo now) and I don't worry too much about choking - I worry obsessively about the salt on everything instead

[Akandra]

In everything, not on. I don't put it on anything ofc.