research on weaning before 6 months?

[MauveCat]

Can anyone point me towards some resources to read about weaning before 6 months please? (Sorry if this has been asked loads before.)

DS is 13 weeks and EBF, and I'm considering introducing food at 17 weeks. He is a big and hungry boy and feeds up to 2-hourly during the day (although usually more like 2.5 to 3-hourly), and 3-hourly at night. Daytime feeds are not a problem but I'm exhausted after weeks of no longer than 2 1/2 hours sleep in a row. My HV suggested introducing some baby rice at 17 weeks as he is so hungry.

I feel so selfish moaning about my lack of sleep and I know it's not forever and I should tough it out. I think educating myself about things might give me a sense of control back and the confidence to carry on.

I know there are mixed opinions about giving food so early and want to read the medical research so I can decide for myself-can anyone give me some links? (too tired to Google!)

Just posted this on the other thread: the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN)'s Committee on Nutrition published a position paper in 2008 advising that complementary feeding (solid foods and liquids other than breastmilk or formula) should not be introduced before 17 weeks and not later than 26 weeks.
www.espghan.med.up.pt/position_papers/con_28.pdf

Thanks pinkpeony. Looks like it's a hot topic today!

Poor advice from your HV, there is also no evidance that weaning help's with sleep either. Some baby's just sleep others don't. There size doesn't seem to matter or how they are fed either.

Would you not consider co-sleeping to help with the sleeping issue?

DD fed every 2hours during the day untill 8months and didn't sleep through untill 2 1/2years, its is hard but they do all get there in the end.

I agree with MigGril, Many mums find that introducing solids actually reduces sleep.
Co sleeping works wonders for me. Everyone wakes up refreshed! The fact that you are breastfeeding makes it safer to co sleep. The hormones released help prevent rolling and bf mums instictively lie in a protective position.

It is hard in the early days but it gets easier

not got a link but there was a big article on it in BMJ in Jan 2011.

That mentioned increase likelihood of wheat intolerance if you wait until after 6m to introduce wheat (which you would if you waited until 6m to give first food (rice / fruit / veg etc etc)

I had a giant and hungry baby. Tried weaning at the prescribed time (about 17?weeks) he was Not Interested. Milk was what he wanted, solids took long time. Ironic.

There is a table on kellymom showing the calorie content of breastmilk, formula, common first weaning foods like rice and purée...breastmilk is the most filling!

Thanks everyone for your posts, will have a read of all of that. Tbh, I think I was just clutching at straws to make the sleeping better. My instinct is that food won't make much difference to his sleeping, I think some babies just sleep better than others. I have really enjoyed feeding him so I'll just keep going until he's obviously ready for food.

I've been resisting co-sleeping, partly because I'm a bit scared but also because I have tried it when desperate and I got really uncomfortable and sore hips. However, I'm going to try with lots of pillows wedged behind my back and see how it goes! Wish me luck!