Sarah, my DD was a champion eater but is built like an athlete. You've seen her - and I'd be prepared to bet that she bf and ate just as much as Juliette does. So ignore any obesity comments, Juliette is just storing what she needs for when she really gets moving!
Lucy wasn't that interested in solids for at least a month after I first introduced them at 6 1/2 months and even then, they were secondary. I always told myself that bm was her most important food until 12 mths and anything else was experimental. I think letting her lead you and just offering (not forcing) what you think she is ready for will help her develop the right approach to food. Have you read the ABA's booklet on 'Introducing solids'? It was a great confidence booster for me. I took the 'family foods' approach they recommended and ignored all other advice (complete with nod and smile, a la Cai!). If you like, I can lend you mine. PM me your address (it's only a small booklet).
Sarah hun, you are doing a great job. Follow your instincts and you'll be fine. Like Cai, now I know why I only saw a MCHN once or twice with DS2!
Firstly, the idea that bf babies can get anaemic is outdated. As bm is low in iron, it used to be believed that solids were needed to provide iron. Now that science is more advanced, we know that nearly 100% of the iron in bm is absorbed by the baby - as opposed to a far lower percentage of iron from any other source - the worst being iron fortified cereal from which less than 5% is absorbed. Studies have shown that bf babies that are given only bm, no solids, until 12 months, actually have higher iron levels than those that are eating food. So do not worry about anaemia.
There is a reason that bm is the most important source of nutrition until 12 months - it is the very best thing your baby can have. Many children do not have an interest in solids until 12 months or later and this is just fine.
Just keep doing what you are doing hun. You ARE doing ok. Better than ok, you are doing great. Keep up the excellent work.
You are doing a great job, Sarah. to quote Pinky McKay - "Don't let anyone "should on you"....
I don't believe anyone has asked Juliette what she wants! There is no reason to hold back on solids - at this age she can eat what she wants! Nor is there any reason to hold back on breastmilk. she will set her own levels, and in turn that will help her understand her own appetite.
Juliette is only six months - my breastfed babe wasn't much interested in solids at six months either and was still having 8 breastfeeds in 24 hours at least. He was nearly 9 months before he really started eating solids properly and wanting them.
I am pleased to report he is now a happy, healthy, solids DEVOURING two year old...who is still breastfeeding
Listen to your instincts first and foremost - not someone who only sees your baby for 10 minutes a month You're doing great.
PS And Barb is dead on. She'll decide the right balance of breastmilk/solids and will do a good job of it too
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