Terrified of weaning....help

[CheerioGirl]

I am absolutely terrier of weaning. My baby is nearly 6 months we started a few weeks ago. I had a nasty choking experience when I was younger it took a while to get over it. I did get over it but it’s all come back when feeding DS. I literally shake when I feed him. I just can’t seem to get over this. It’s getting me down I worry all day/night about feeding him.

I have looked into first aid + CPR I understand it all but it doesn’t reassure me. I desperately need a hand hold or reassurance out her people have had this & got over it.

I have even looked into a LifeVac which I may buy to help reassure me

Thanks guys

Any advice is appreciated x

Honestly I think if you are this anxious you risk passing the anxiety on to him and making it more likely to cause issues!

Have you asked for help with your anxiety? Spoken to the HV?

Babies have a very sensitive gag reflex to protect themselves. DS gags fairly frequently as he's a bit of a foodie and shoves anything and everything into his mouth. But gagging is not choking, its just them moving a piece of food from the back of their mouth to the front and is absolutely normal. It's hard the first time it happens, you want to panic and thump them on the back, but if you hold back and watch for a second you'll see he copes fine with it and it generally doesnt bother them.

I would definitely do a baby first aid course and also talk to a professional about your anxiety in this area. All the best

I second the first aid course, it's so helpful to do face to face.

Can you have someone with you to start with when you begin with foods just to help you feel calmer. You don't want baby picking up that food is anxiety provoking.

I'd prob suggest you start with puree foods rather than the blw approach, it'll probably be a better match. Then give a few finger foods that feel safer and at your pace.

As pp says, the gag reflex is really low so you need to understand what this us like and that it's ok.

Good luck, have a chat with your HV you won't be the first person in this tricky situation.