Why Delay Solid Foods?

Lots of folks that I talk to like to ask questions about Muffin, like "How is she sleeping?" and "Is she on cereal yet?" Well, those are among the many questions that I usually respond with short answers to, but they are pretty complex issues. It sort or reminds me of how people ask you "How are you today?" expecting you to answer "Great!" They don't want to sit and listen to the fact that you've had the crappiest day ever, you are running late, your dog got ran over, etc., etc, etc. You get my point.

Muffin has not had cereal or any other sort of baby food yet. As parents, Luke and I decided that we want to follow the guidelines that have been set forth by the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which clearly state that babies should be exclusively breastfed for at least the first six months of life.

The following organizations recommend that all babies be exclusively breastfed (no cereal, juice or any other foods) for the first 6 months of life (not the first 4-6 months.)

* World Health Organization
* UNICEF
* US Department of Health & Human Services
* American Academy of Pediatrics
* American Academy of Family Physicians
* American Dietetic Association

Most babies will become developmentally and physiologically ready to eat solids by 6-9 months of age. For some babies, delaying solids longer than six months can be a good thing; for example, some doctors may recommend delaying solids for 12 months if there is a family history of allergies.
* Delaying solids gives baby greater protection from illness. As long as mama is breastfeeding, baby gets her immunity to illness!
* Delaying solids gives baby's digestive system time to mature.
* Delaying solids decreases the risk of food allergies.
* Delaying solids helps to protect baby from iron-deficiency anemia.
* Delaying solids helps to protect baby from future obesity.
* Delaying solids helps mama maintain her milk supply.
* Delaying solids helps to space babies. The more frequently a baby nurses, the less likely mama's fertility will return. This is obviously not a dependable form of birth control, but it is helpful.
* Delaying solids makes starting solids easier. Baby can feed herself and is less likely to develop food allergies.

For more information on breastfeeding, I have found that one of the best sites out there is www.kellymom.com. Check it out. Here is a direct link to a more detailed article about delaying solids.