Regarding the discussion about when to introduce solids, I thought some of
you may be interested in a paper by Kim Baird called "Exclusive
Breastfeeding Beyond Six Months". This is a review of the literature and
was written as part of the "Topics in Breastfeeding" series for the
Lactation Resource Centre at NMAA. This one is part of Set VII, December
1995. Copies of these can be ordered from the LRC, c/o NMAA in Australia.
(Philippa Thomson <[log in to unmask]> could give you all the
details, I'm sure.)

In one part, Kim has an interesting table showing the recommended age for
introduction of solids by Australian doctors. This shows 12 months in 1919,
9 months in 1921, 6-7 months in 1927, 5-7 months in 1934, 4-6 months in
1943, 3-4 months in 1959, late 2nd or 3rd month in 1962, 3 months in 1972
(with many starting at as early as 3 weeks), and 4-6 months in 1985
onwards. Quite a variation, eh? She goes on to review literature concerning
the adequacy of breastmilk alone past 6 months, including the issue of
iron. The general consensus was that infants don't require iron
supplementation by six months, but some may become iron deficient in second
six months. It is suggested that too early introduction of solids can lead
to iron deficiency.

Many studies cited, and the case histories given, found exclusive
breastfeeding beyond 6 months resulted in perfectly healthy children, and
the general message in the paper is that there should not be a prescriptive
tone about introducing solids - rather monitor baby and be flexible and
allow baby to develop at his own pace, as we do with other aspects of his
development. ie no hard and fast rules about the "right age" for
introducing solids. The age thing is so entrenched in our culture (as it is
in USA I assume) that the mothers in the case studies were made to feel
inadequate by health professionals and family members for "failing" to get
their babies to eat solids at the "right" age.

For those of you needing references for pediatricians, other doctors, etc
who insist on solids at a particular age, this paper and its bibliography
would be a good starting point.

Joy Anderson IBCLC, NMAA Breastfeeding Counsellor
Perth, Western Australia
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