Nobody knows what they are talking about
As I discover this world of babies again I am that little bit wiser. A 6 year age gap is long enough to notice change.
New products are out.
Old baby books seem naff.
Baby food books seem over the top.
Government Guidelines have changed.
I question stuff. Quite funny and logical if you know my career background :)
Lactose Intolerance
For example, my #2 had an intolerance to lactose. I know from experience that if this is the case then the mother stopping having any dairy in her diet whilst breastfeeding will resolve this problem. It is the lactose that is not broken down properly that causes the problem, apparently. However, I was browsing through a book which claimed that if there was an intolerance to lactose then the baby cannot breastfeed and must have a different kind of formula - like soya milk formula. This was a Annabel Karmel book. Probably the most popular baby food/weaning books out there giving out wrong information. Tsk. Tsk.
Government Guidelines
Or there is this thing where the government guidelines now say that babies should start weaning from 6 months. And god, oh god, if you feed them before that you will get shot down with guilt. It's at your own risk! Danger, danger! When my other two were younger the guideline was 4 - 6 months. If you head down to the supermarket and look at baby food packaging they will show food suitable for '4 months+'.
Obviously as a mother I want to do the right thing, but I can't help but think that this is causing a lot of confusion to many other mothers. I'm not bothered by it. I go by instinct. It feels better that way. The fact that my 4.5 month old was drooling and getting upset when he could not eat was a good enough sign for me.
You only need to have a quick browse on Mumsnet to see the discussion and uncertaintanty around weaning.
Baby Food
It seems so complicated. Or is it just me? Looking up the topic. There are so many DOs and DON'Ts. But plenty more DON'Ts than DOs. And plenty more reasons why you must not do this or that.
All this baby malarkey could do with a good UX make over. Seriously. Bringing up babies isn't difficult. Hard work yes.
