Dear Lactnetters,

I'm a few days behind in reading my posts, so please forgive me if this
is an old topic. I read a posting from the 18th by Michelle about the
correlation between early solids and allergies. I just want to say I
agree totally with the theory that some kids just naturally wait longer
to start solids due to allergies. I believe that "The Womanly Art of
Breastfeeding" by LLL states this same theory in their section on
starting solids, so I do believe you are right about this. My question
tonight is concerning iron-fortified infant cereals and when to start
solids. Many doctors are still recommending starting solids between
four and six months. LLL recommends after six months. Does anyone know
of any studies that back this up? Most doctors, dieticians, nurses and
parents, in my opinion, are recommending starting both formula and bf
babies out on iron-fortified infant cereal. Do breastfed babies have
enough iron stores for the first six months, or year, or do they need
supplementation? Are there any studies? Now for my big question. LLL
also states that recent studies have shown that the iron found in these
cereals has been found to interfere with the absorption of lactoferrin
in breastmilk. Is this true? Does anyone have any studies? Michelle
talks about giving babies iron drops instead of cereal in her posting.
Would these interfere with the absorption of lactoferrin, too?

I also wanted to comment on what Dr. Stephen Graham said in his note
about epidurals. The reason he gave for justifying the epidurals was
because most of the women said they were happy about having the
epidural and were pleased with the reduction of pain. I am just
wondering if he went back a year later and asked them about their
epidurals if he would get the same feedback. I just was emailed by a
woman who told me all about her experience with her epidural. She said
she was forced to have a caesarean because her labor wouldn't progress,
and then she had terrible headaches for months afterwards. Considering
all the problems with backaches, headaches, C-sections, and the
problems they can create in the breastfeeding relationship, I wonder if
he would have gotten a different response.

Tricia Palleja, LLL
Chicago, IL
(Where we are recovering from several tornados)