Just to add a bit to the discussion as "food for thought." In my experience,
many many pediatricians in my part of the world (southern USA) automatically
recommend starting "solids" at the 4 month well baby visit, just going by
the calendar, first solids being manufactured baby rice cereal, then
manufactured "baby food" in little jars consisting of pureed fruits and
veggies. My pedi even wrote it down on a prescription note, something like 1
tsp cereal at 10-2-6. When I think about this, it is absolutely ludicrous!
So I think that some bf advocates in the USA are reeling against this kind
of blanket recommendation, and are "latching onto" the 6 mos mark, to give
these babies a chance to not get started on a regimen of inferior solids
because inevitably we see a decrease in bf and milk supply. So I think the
AAP policy (1997)is a step in the right direction and appropriate advice for
most of USA babies; it states "excl. bf is ideal nutrition and sufficient to
support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 mos
after birth" and "in the first 6 mos, water, juice, and other foods are
generally unnecessary for bf infants."
I appreciate Kathy taking the time to give us all the WHO info, which I
agree with, and feel is very appropriate based on my own clinical experience
too. What is more imperative is for healthcare providers to look more at the
baby's growth and development, health, etc, and counsel moms about readiness
for solids and what is really appropriate solids, ala Dr. Jack or LLL
recommendations, which I feel are right on.
Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
Violet Louisiana, s.e. USA
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