One of our problems in infant feeding is "isolated eating".(Not unlike
isolated sleeping.)  Eating is supposed to be a social experience.
Companion means "with bread."  We can all picture the baby in a high chair
being the only one eating, often eating something other family members
wouldn't touch.

If we see the baby's eating as a part of the family experience, she may feed
at the breast before the meal, then sit at the table with the family tasting
some of the common foods, and have a bit of breastmilk afterwards, or even
during, (Right?)

My doctor's program of solids was to begin after the baby can sit alone.
Then, he said, the entire digestive track changes (along with swallowing
changes) to accomodate foods other than breastmilk. He also recommended that
the baby feed herself, as the rest of the family does.  A little nibble of
this and a bit of that which the baby can pick up will not displace much
breastmilk.

Of course, not all babies are ready for solids as early as that, but if left
to their own feeding they will eat when they are ready.

I believe that even a first-time mom can feel comfortable with this approach
if we teach that the baby is part of the family and that eating is one of
our connecting experiences.

Patricia Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee

mailto:[log in to unmask]