Paediatric consultant's advice

[jojo2605]

Hi all. I haven't had a cause to post in here as yet although I have been lurking!

Right, I took my LO to see his Head Consultant today who checks his general development and he asked me if I had started weaning yet (Sam is is 20 weeks) to which I replied no.

Towards the end of the appointment he said that I should actually start weaning Sam now. When I replied that I thought the official guidline was 6 months he said that really it's anything from 4-6 months and if your LO is paying interest in what you eat etc then it's fine.

Now I know he's a professional and I guess him seeing how Sam is supporting himself well etc possibly added to him sayig this, but I just can't help but feel a little confused by this advice!

Everything I've read has pointed towards a 6month start so why is a professional suggesting otherwise?

I've discussed it with my OH and we've decided that as Sam has an operation scheduled for 30th Jan, we will wait a couple of weeks after that to start him *slowly* with weaning. By then he will be bout 5.5mths which feels way more comfortable!!

Just wondering whether this is the start of the change in the recommendation for weaning? What do you think?

 

[mommyof3co]

I don't know if it's changed there but here it is 6mo still. Here are some good things you can look through to make the decision you feel most comfortable with

https://askdrsears.com/html/3/T032000.asp

https://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/articles.asp?id=712

ETA Alot of times drs aren't up to date on the newest recommendations and why they have changed. That's why whenever my dr gives us advice I also double check on my own just to be sure it's what I want to do and what I feel is best for them at the time

 

[mommyof3co]

Oops double post

 

[jojo2605]

I don't know if it's changed there but here it is 6mo still. Here are some good things you can look through to make the decision you feel most comfortable with

https://askdrsears.com/html/3/T032000.asp

https://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/articles.asp?id=712

ETA Alot of times drs aren't up to date on the newest recommendations and why they have changed. That's why whenever my dr gives us advice I also double check on my own just to be sure it's what I want to do and what I feel is best for them at the time

Thanks mommyof3 I found both links very informative.
What I don't understand is if this info is available to us why not professionals? The very people who are there to advise us in such matters! Doesn't make sense!

 

[mommyof3co]

Well I think it is but it's not required for them to keep up with it I guess. They go by what they learn in school and some don't make the effort to take more classes or read the most current research

 

[TigerLady]

I love my pediatrican. I really do. But he also recommended starting to wean Otter on purees and cereals starting at 4 months. He gave me lots of reasons for why he felt this was best and I truly listened (as I respect him and his opinion). However, in the end, I decided I would do what I thought best. My pediatrician supported me on that, basically he said, "You can do it whatever way you want, but let me tell you my reasons for suggesting this."

Remember every baby is different. Do what you think best. Don't stick to a strict "reccomendation" if you don't think it works best for you. On the other hand, if you feel strongly your LO is ready before 6 months, then go for it.

Just FYI, in the end, I let Otter lead me on it. We started very carefully and slowly with BLWing at 4.5 months. He's 6 months in a week and doing really well. Looking back, I think I made the best decision for MY baby and HIS needs. You will do the same if you listen to your gut.