Weaning questions

[Uiscebeatha85]

Have started weaning DD at 25 weeks on recommendation of the HV due to slow weight gain. She has been Ebf until now.

She has taken to it better than I expected. I started on Saturday afternoon with avocado, next afternoon sweet potato, yesterday and today I've given her breakfast of porridge and banana mashed up plus a veg mash in the early evening (carrot and potato). She's also eating a bit of fromage frais. Doe that sound ok? She is opening her mouth for the spoon and seems to be enjoying it. I'm worried that I'm overloading her a bit.

Also concerned that she hasn't had a poo since starting, so since Saturday morning. Doe this mean she's constipated or is it usual for bowl movements to change when starting to wean? She doesn't seem uncomfortable in herself or straining to get a poo out.

Any insight gratefully received! (First DC!)

[Uiscebeatha85]

Forgot to say, she is also having all her breastfeeds as normal too.

[HandbagFan]

Sounds fine. If she stops accepting the food or starts bringing it up, drop down the quantity a bit.

Bowel movements do changes as they start weaning. And you're giving her banana, porridge and potato which will all bind it up. I'm sure she'll be fine in a day or two. Mine used to go up to a week without a poo when he was smaller.

Honestly I sat my DS down one day and gave him cucumber, carrot and pitta bread all in finger sized pieces and off we went. It takes a while, and some nerves on your part, but they get there.

Hope it continues well for you both!

[HandbagFan]

Ps pear always seems to get things moving if you do get worried.

[Uiscebeatha85]

Thanks Handbag that's reassuring. I have been giving her bits of finger food but not a whole lot yet, keen to do some more baby led as time goes on. Thanks so much for the tips

[DappledThings]

Kiwi fruit is amazing for getting things moving. But you do end up with nappies full of seeds!

[Uiscebeatha85]

dappled thanks a mill for the kiwi advice. I'll make a note to add it to my shopping list.

The poo came this morning, it was enormous. Ive never been so fascinated with a poo before in my life. I even took a pic for DP. Poor thing must have been uncomfortable with it. She seemed relieved when it was out!

[HandbagFan]

We were sending texts with emoji poos on them to describe how much there was! It peaked at 💩💩💩💩!

[Highlove]

Glad the poo arrived. Love a good early weaning poo; I used to find them fascinating!

My DD used to get quite constipated when we started. Sweet potato always did the trick for us - still does of needs be! Roast in chunks was a big hit in the early days of BLW.

About to do it all again with DD2 - can't wait!

[Uiscebeatha85]

Am trying to include some BLW but she doesn't seem to be that bothered feeding herself, as in nibbling on finger foods I give her. She's very happy for me to spoon feed her but gets frustrated when I'm not quick enough. She's also happy for me to hold something to her mouth for her to suck on. Will this change in time? I hope it does!

[Highlove]

It will change in time, yes. If not, it's going to pretty awkward if you have to go with her on dates to feed her.

Honestly, just be led by her. Keep offering bits of finger food, either as well as or instead of spoon feeding. And try offering her a pre-loaded spoon to see if she can get it in her mouth herself. It's amazing how quickly they figure it out.