Have I missed somthing regarding weening guidlines?

[RJsMum]

I'd be more inclined to go by the guidelines of the WHO than a HV or MW. But that's just me.

 

[trumpetbum]

Hi ladies, out of interest (sorry if this is a dumb question) why is it 6months for a bf baby?(my LO is BLW'd from 6months and fully BF)
Sorry to hijack your thread.
Xx

Being lazy and x-posting from the link I posted

I think it is related to the fact that breastmilk has properties which naturally line and protect the open gut, providing immunity via antibodies which thrive in the 'virgin gut' . The virgin gut is sealed by the properties of the breastmilk stopping germs from entering the bloodstream. Topping up with formula in small amounts or introducing solids interferes with this, destroys the virgin gut. This shift removes the coating and kills good bacteria. Just one formula supplement per day will result in an almost immediate shift in which good bacteria are no longer dominant which is why there is then less point in advising against the introduction of solid food which like formula causes huge changes in the flora of the gut.
The speedy rise in the number of bacteria and easy entry to the bloodstream can introduce infection but around 6 months the gut will no longer be open and so the value of 'exclusive' breastfeeding is decreased at the same time as babies are generally ready for food.
In short the value of delaying solids until six months is less in formula fed babies than in breastfed babies.
Hths

 

[smokey]

Also and this is only from the way I understand it so may not be right as I dont solely blw but I think 6 months is guidline for blw because of the chocking risk being more to a 17 weeker and the ability to grip, hold and hand eye coordination is alot better at 6 months for the needs of blw.

 

[RJsMum]

Also and this is only from the way I understand it so may not be right as I dont solely blw but I think 6 months is guidline for blw because of the chocking risk being more to a 17 weeker and the ability to grip, hold and hand eye coordination is alot better at 6 months for the needs of blw.

BLW follows the same guidelines that they recommend for babies who BF because BLW is considered a natural progression from BF since babies are regulating their own feeding (if you're feeding on-demand) and also because BF babies already have the motions of chewing down because of how they latch and obtain milk (which is slightly different than bottle-fed).