Weaning making me anxious

[Stefka]

I am enjoying seeing my DS get pleasure out of food but part of me is finding the whole process difficult. I personally don't have a comfortable relationship with food and I am worried that I might let this influence the way I feed my son.

I am often feeling overwhelmed by the thought that I have to make food choices for him. I don't trust myself to do that. I can't make good choices for me - how am I going to do if for him. I am not good at cooking and I just find the whole process of preparing food stressful. I am worried about passing on this stress. I am worried that I won't give him what he needs.

Has anyone else dealt with this issue? I want to ensure I get things right for my boy.

Stefka I would say that part of the solution is you recognising that you have an uncomfortable relationship with food and have acknowledged you need support.

I am sure that someone else will be along in a bit with better advice. For a lot of people who are uncomfortable round food it isn't because they don't understand what makes up a balanced diet.

Lots of us are no good at cooking, but I think it is easy (on a nutritional rather than psychological level) to prepare acceptable food. For example, you don't need to get one of those baby recipe books.

If you choose to do purees, your ds will be happy with basic purees/mash (potato, banana etc) No need to cook things like banana or avocado.

Hope you get more advice in a bit. x

Stefka, I'm fairly relaxed about food so probably not much use to you in that sense, but have you seen this brilliant website about Baby Led Weaning?

One of the clever things about BLW is that it puts the child in control of what they eat. Obviously you provide the food, but they decide what to eat and how much of it they want.

The idea is that babies and toddlers have good instincts about eating a balanced diet, so as long as you're offering a reasonable variety, you don't need to stress, they'll do the rest. I loved BLW - worked really well for us.

Also, no proof of this obviously, but it makes sense to me: a child eating in this very relaxed way has a better chance of developing good food habits. They learn to eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full, and there's less chance of turning mealtimes into a battle for control.

How old is your DS by the way?

Stefka, do you think you might be able to use this as an opportunity for both you and DS?
Make it a project to learn more about good food and nutrition, to try new foods together (no law says either or both of you have to like everything, but you may surprise yourselves and each other). Recipes and cooking advice you can get in abundance here, and once you've taken a few steps your confidence will increase. We can set up a support thread for you if that would help!

Thank you for your lovely replies! I felt a bit daft after I posted - well not daft exactly just a bit exposed and vulnerable if that makes sense.

I had started with purees but think I might move towards BLW now. He enjoys feeding himself and I don't fret as much.

I think it is a good opportunity for me to learn more about eating well and to get more variety in my life. I tend to stick to the same foods - things I feel safe with.

It never really mattered much before - it was just me. Now I have him to worry about I really need to get my head around this.