Why are people so keen to wean their babies before six months?

[bluejelly]

I just wondered, don't want to start a row. It's just it comes up all the time, and I know it's been a while since my dd was that age, but I never remember it being something I was keen to get started.

I was under the impression that it isn't only how old your lo is when you wean that could cause allergies but what you wean them on. Only one of my 3 dds is allergic to anything (so far - dd3 is only 11 months and has not tried nuts, etc) and she is asthmatic. Dd1 and dd2 were weaned at 3.5 months (yes, bad mother, whatever) but waited until we were tearing our hair out with dd3 - 5 months.

I made sure I had a hearty supper waiting for both boys once they emerged from the birth canal. Black pudding, fried eggs and scrambled early weaner brains.

You forgot bacon, Hunker

The bacon was for me as I'd just given birth - you're not meant to give them bacon until they're 2 days old - it interferes with colostrum absorption.

Thing is though, you actually COULD stick a plate of food like that next to a newborn.

They wouldn't be able to eat it.

Because they're not ready for solid food.

Ta-da!

I win!

was wondering where you were tonight HM

She is here, being a sarcastic munker.

Me, sarcastic?

NEVER!

Hunker - we really were separated at birth I think

[cant be arsed either]

Why VVVQV...did you comeout next to a plate of black pudding too?

Yes. For one scary moment I mistook it for the placenta.

Then I realised my mistake, and oh, did I laugh at the prospect of eating huma

Grrrr....blardy laptop mouse buttons....as I was saying.....

Yes. For one scary moment I mistook it for the placenta.

Then I realised my mistake, and oh, did I laugh at the prospect of nearly eating human body products instead of the perfectly acceptable pigs body products.

Er...are you vegetarian?

Starlight - that sounds like more HV poo poo.

Bumcheek - no - I used to be though

boredom and something new to do I guess

starlight - great - mn should start a compendium of stupid sayings of hvs, that would be a definite entry (mind you, my hvs are lovely lovely sensible people, just seem to be other people who get the nutters)

i did blw and she started eating a bit at 5.5 months, still only eats small amount but enthusiastically. my mw/bf supporter is a bit nervous that i am becoming addicted to bf or something i think, she seems v nervous about when i plan on giving dd more food. dd is mahooosive - all down to my gold top bmilk but it is that even bf supporters get nervy about starting solids too 'late'

tori32 - but milk has more calories & nutrients than first solids so I don't see how solids can make a difference...I ask again - what is the source of this theory?

Is what normal? That HV's give confusing and conflicting advice? Very normal IME

I bloomin hope weight has nothing to do with when you wean. Else at this rate, teeny weeny baby carrot will be ready for solids by roughly Christmas next year.

Oh no, dont worry - you were doing the very best thing

HV is a fuckwit.

Times change - when my oldest was little (he's now 17) he slept on his back and weaned at 11 weeks onwards. With baby rice in a bottle(no, not me, my MIL) and he's fine. Times change, attitudes change and people have to listen to themselves and their babies. Your baby is not going to perish because you don't follow the guidelines, use common sense and try to adapt. It's hard to be a first time mum, everyone's telling you stuff etc. Just enjoy your baby and don't feel guilty. I can really imagine my nan having this ooversation

I never ever gave vitamin drops to my breastfed children - why would nature not provide what they need.

Breast feeding to six months is nothing new. My DS1 is 20 years old and the book that I held as my bible (Breast is Best) recommended exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months. The 'new' guidelines have really only caught up with what was already known.

I never made it - started solids at 24 weeks because he was waking extra during the night. DS2 was 22 weeks and DS3 was 20 weeks. Made it to 6 months with DD because I had the confidence to do it. She woke more frequently at night around 20 weeks then settled again just with extra breast feeds.

I just think women do not have the confidence that there milk is enough till 6 months. Also babies oral phase gets confused with hunger. 4 month old babies will put things in their mouths to feel them. This is a developmental stage, not a sign of needing food.

I have a lovely old library book from the 1940s and babies were advised to be on milk only till 9 months. Can you imagine mothers today coping with that advice?