I love our pediatrician. She's snarky and obnoxious, answers her cell phone rolling her eyes already at the idjiot parent that will certainly be on the other end and hardly ever makes eye contact with Andrea, even though he's as primary a caregiver as I am. BUT (I'm sure you were hoping there was one, or else I'm just a masochist), she's genius. Ahead of the times, and we trust 99.9% of the very updated information she offers us, despite the belittling tone it arrives in.
The most important of these tidbits of information had to do with weaning Sofia. When we showed up in her office for Sofia's 5-month visit, she pulled out a piece of paper and started writing down the Mediterranean food pyramid and the name of a really awesome book, "Io Mi Svezzo da Solo" ("I can wean myself!" - still haven't been able to find an English translation of it though) by Lucio Piermarini. The idea of it is similar to the US/UK "Baby-led Weaning":
1. waiting the full 6 months as recommended to start weaning, then allowing baby to eat what you eat (assuming a healthy, well-rounded diet for yourself, obviously)
2. allowing baby, when possible, to use his/her own hands to feed himself
3. not pureeing everything but making them the right bite sizes, at least until baby gets used to feeling him/herself and texture
4. not forcing, ever: baby will turn his/her head when satiated, respect that
5. not making food an issue: the more you push, the more it will become baby's only form of manipulation/power
6. continuing with breastmilk/formula as part of the meal for as long as baby is interested
Andrea and I are hesitant to call ourselves "successful" in any area of parenting, but with this one, we feel we can. Sofia is an amazing eater - will try anything, eats really healthily and enjoys mealtime. We have never had a struggle with her about food, in any way, shape or form. And we give the credit to this method and, in turn, to our crazy pediatrician.
1 comment:
I can attest to this Pop Sam condition.
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