BLW; need some reassurance!

[Sarah2506]

So we started BLW a few weeks ago. In that time DD has had a good chew on some food but I'm not convinced she's eaten anything, except by accident.

My thoughts are that this doesn't matter and eventually she will get it. However virtually everyone I know is spoon feeding and I'm seen as a bit crazy and cavalier. I want to stand strong but I need a bit of reassurance that I'm not starving my child!

At what point does it become an issue that she isn't actually eating? Will she learn?

If it is baby led try her with a spoon and see if it is better. It seems entirely mother led to me, you have decided and she has to fit in!
On the other hand it really doesn't matter, she will get the hang of it eventually.

Relax, do what you are comfortable with. It is a very short time, they soon eat everything however you go about it.

Keep it up! We did BLW and my DD didn't eat a whole plate of food until she was 20 months and still doesn't often now. We helped with cutlery when she asked, served up whatever we were eating plus something we knew she liked.

She's maintained healthily on her centile, is the most energetic child I know, and loves a wide range of food now. They just don't always eat much when they are small

They really don't get much nutrition from solids for some time yet. This but is about getting them to the point where they can eat so that when they need more they can get it. Milk should still be the main source of nutrition until 1. Bear in mind lots of puree is water so other babies really aren't eating as much as it might seem

Stick in there it's totally worth it. Join the FB blw groups and keep repeating 'food before one is just for fun' I was you two years ago and now have a 2 yo who'll eat anything and I mean anything!!

I blw both mine (now 2 and 5) and neither are much before 9 months. Keep at it, it'll come.

I did BLW with my ds who is now 17 months. In the first few weeks it was much more about playing and exploring food, rather than eating. It took a good few weeks before he was eating really well, but he has just got better and better at it. Now he eats anything and everything, can use a spoon & fork really well.

You really aren't starving your dd at all you know, as her usual milk will still be providing all her nutrients whilst she gets the hang of food. I would imagine that you will see a gradual change in how much your dd eats over the next few weeks. Don't worry about what other people are doing - just because you are doing something different to the majority doesn't make them right and you wrong (or the other way round) - it's just different.

SatinSandals - all weaning is essentially led by parents (not just mothers surely?) whether spoonfed or BLW. The name baby-led weaning is a bit unfortunate IMO, some suggest that baby self-feeding would have been a better name but I guess its too late to change it now!

I don't think it too late to change it! It just riles me, it is not baby led, the baby eats when and what the mother provides and the choice is take it or leave it! The same as with a spoon, I know that some people have the idea that you can force feed a baby with a spoon, obviously by someone who has never tried to get a spoon of something a baby doesn't want down a baby!
I agree with all the posts, apart from the term, and the fact that you can relax- it really is unimportant. Do what you are happy with.

I think it is mother led, men don't get so fussy about these things and most probably don't read the books!

Thanks guys. It's difficult to know what's best as first time mum!

That is why it best not to read too much and not to worry! Do what your instinct is happy with.

blw blog and info

You might find this website interesting OP. I think this is the one started by MNer Aitch. Not sure if she is still here. Apologies Aitch if it is not yours!

My bLw-now-2-yo has just demolished a lamb chop and roasties with her bare hands.