When Norie was born I planned on exclusively breastfeeding her until she was six months old. That's what the American Pediatric Association recommends and you know how I like to follow the directions. When I did start her on solid food I planned to make sure it was mostly pureed fruits and vegetables I made myself like smushed up sweet potatoes, avocados, bananas and peas.
Then we hit 23 weeks and Norie was waking up every 45 minutes all night long and wanting to nurse every single time. I was worried she had developed a nursing crutch and just couldn't go to sleep unless she nursed. I don't remember exactly how the decision process went (sleep deprivation had some negative effects on my memory), but we started giving Norie infant cereal a couple of weeks ago.
It is the most amazing thing ever. For both of us.
The first time I tried it she practically lunged out of the bumbo trying to get it in her mouth and ate like she had been starving to death. That night she only woke up three times. It was glorious. Lately she wakes up once, maybe twice a night to nurse, but otherwise is a full and happy camper. She's also drinking more milk than I seem to be able to produce, but that's another issue.
I've been giving her fruits and veggies too. She's tried bananas, and apple sauce and peas (don't worry Mom, they were all on different days), but so far at least she's not really a fan. She sticks out her tongue to try to get them out of her mouth and makes a horrible face. As a result, the vast majority of her diet consists of breastmilk and infant cereal. She loves it.
Solid food is a misnomer. It's more like soquid food. She is a mess. Good thing she eats right before bath time.
UPDATE: Austin just sent me this picture of her response to carrots. I guess she doesn't like them either.
That's great! Rowan was only breastfed for six weeks (that's a long story), but was almost 8 months before he really got into solids. He basically skipped the cereal and pureed stage and went straight to eating off our plates. Sometimes you just have to throw the book out the window and do what works for your kid ;)
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I've been a child directed breast feeder so I'm not sure why I thought she'd just go along with what I hoped she'd like to eat. Silly me.
Deleteseriously laughed out loud with the carrot face! she's so cute!
ReplyDeleteIn her defense, I tried them latter and they were some seriously bitter carrots, not the sweet tasty orange puree I expected. I'm pretty sure I made the same face.
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