How do you explain Baby Led Weaning to your pediatrician?

Question

We just had our son's 4 month appointment. Our doctor said that it wasn't time to start solids yet...but for sure by the next appointment (6 months) he would need to start rice cereal. She said at first he may spit it out, but I should just put it back in...

That all sounds ridiculous to me.

If he's spitting it out, obviously he's not ready to eat yet. My plan was to wait until he started to sit up, reach out for food, and show interest, and then I would give him whatever my husband or I were eating (we eat very healthy, so it wouldn't be a problem) Of course I would never leave him alone while eating and I would make sure the food was safe (no honey, egg whites, etc..) I've also read (kellymom.com) that breastfed babies have iron stores for up to a year..if that's true, iron FORTIFIED cereal isn't necessary at all...and if additional iron IS necessary, I'd prefer to give him naturally iron rich foods.

How do you explain how you are going to feed your child without offending or upsetting your pediatrician? The little we spoke about today, seemed to bother her a bit...or she just thought I had no idea what I was talking about..

This question is for BLW parents, this is how we've decided we will introduce solids :]

Thank you!

Answer 1

I agree with you!  I'd make it quite simple, to the point, and firm (hey it's YOUR baby right??).  Tell your dr that when your child is sitting up, holding food and GETTING it in his mouth, solids have officially begun!!  LOL

Good luck!  I hope your dr doesn't make a fuss about your BLW, since it's the natural way, and peds DON'T study nutrition in medical school.... :)

**Feel free to come to your next appt with printouts of why BLW is best, safer and healthier for your child.

Answer 2

I have a lot of experience with nursing babies and I have waited until they were showing signs of readiness for other foods.  I'm all for nursing them totally with no formula but I do start the cereal when they "tell" me they are interested in other foods.  I really give the cereal (mixed with white grape juice) just to train them with the process of eating solids.  My children are very good eaters and they are not picky at all and I think it is due to nursing (they get such a variety of flavors from the wide array of foods you eat) and letting them try the varieties themselves in due time.  So many parents seem to be such picky eaters themselves and/or their children never get to experience a variety of foods and/or they let their child try a food once and say they don't like it.  Why are you worried about offending your pediatrician?  As long as you know you are taking good care of your child and giving him the all of the nutrition that he needs, you don't have to convince anyone of your choices.  They will be able to tell with each visit if your baby is thriving and that should be proof enough.  It will get to a point that nursing alone will not fulfill his needs and you(and he) will know this...Many blessings!

Answer 3

Don't feel judged by your pediatrician, just do what you want.  You are the mom.  If it becomes an issue, just tell he/she you are going with the most current research and following your own child's lead.  

Answer 4

I didn't get into it. I just said "When he is ready for solids, he will let me know." And left it at that. If it bothers her, she needs to get over it. She is a pediatrician, not a nutritionist. She is simply going off of routine and the very little she was taught in medical school. I would not make a big deal about it or go into it too much, just say you are following your sons lead. If she tries to push you a bit on the subject, I would find a tactful way to change the subject, like have a question ready to throw her way about a completely non-related topic.

Answer 5

Just tell them straight out. You can't offend or upset your pediatrician, your son is just that, your son and not theirs.

I really want to try child led weaning also. I don;t know about breastfed babies have iron stores for up to a year. It wouldn't surprise me as breastfeeding is so good baby.

Good luck with the child led weaning

Answer 6

My son was eight months old before he showed any signs of readiness for solids.  You shouldn't have to explain this to your doctor-how did you chose the pediatrician?  You may want to consider shopping around if that's an option for you.  When my son went for his 15 month checkup the nurse said "Well, I'm sure he's not nursing anymore."  I just looked at her and said, "Yes, he is".  Then she asked how much milk he was getting from me.  I told her that since my b*****s don't have indicators on them, I don't know for sure.  It might have been a little snotty, but her assumption irritated me and it's obvious she knew basically nothing about breast feeding at all.  The doctor is fairly supportive, but her staff doesn't all know about it.  I agree that this is your child, you know what's best and the pediatrician is there for guidance, but their word is not law.