It was just 2 short weeks ago that I introduced my first bit of formula to my baby. I was hopeful, but shocked when he took right to it. Now, two weeks later, I can say that he is officially weaned. It was a difficult road for me emotionally, but weaning him proved to be not as difficult for him. In fact, my little man has been sleeping in his own bed for the past three nights! That, coupled with the fact that he is also sleeping longer has made me believe even more that my decision to switch him … Continue reading →

I’ve always known that my hormones in general were through the roof. I am a woman, and I am hormonal! But, in all seriousness, this last pregnancy, and recent birth of my son have put me through the ups and downs of motherhood like I never thought possible. This experience of deciding whether or not to stop breastfeeding due to the food sensitivities my child is suffering through has been a heart-wrenching one to say the least. I now understand better than ever when people say it is a personal choice. Because, this time around, I did have to make … Continue reading →

So, we had what I would consider a very successful week last week in switching my baby to Alimentum ready to feed formula. As the week progressed, I decided to stop nursing completely during the day and just offer the bottle. I watched as during the week, he gradually took more and more each day. I was thrilled. And, I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Some changes I have noticed are first and foremost the bowel movements. He slowed down a lot, and by the end of the week, had gone two days without one!! … Continue reading →

I have four children and found that each one brings a different experience to the mix. Just when you think you have this baby thing down another one throws you for a loop. Don’t be discouraged, your confidence grows and parenting does become easier and more relaxed in many ways. But all wise parents know to expect the unexpected and prepare to be unprepared. When I began to breastfeed, I decided I would stop at 12 months. I figured that was enough time and the regular time a baby is weaned from a bottle. As it turned out I breastfed … Continue reading →

Last month I shared my experience with child-led weaning. A month ago, we were down to one feeding each morning, and that continued for a while. This past week, my son dropped the morning feeding. He simply woke up and said “eat,” pointing downstairs (where his high chair is), and was happy to have his rice milk, banana and cereal. For a few days he asked to nurse in the afternoon. Then, one day, he didn’t ask at all. He didn’t ask the next day either… or the next. On the third day I realized he probably wasn’t going to … Continue reading →

So you’re committed to breastfeeding your little one, but you’re still in the throes of full-time breastfeeding and wondering if you’ll ever get your body back. Perhaps you have decided to let your baby self-wean, but you are not sure how it is going to play out in everyday life. Part of you is afraid your baby will never give up her “nanas” (or whatever your little one calls them). That’s one of the main reasons many moms decide to wean at a certain age. Not having a concrete end in sight is hard for some moms. For others, weaning … Continue reading →

Do you make your own baby food? Would you like to? Making baby food can be easier than you think. No, it doesn’t require hours chopping vegetables, slaving over a steaming hot stove, and then working tediously with a food processor. Making your own baby food can save you a huge amount of money, and it’s a good way to accommodate food allergies or to eat organic on a budget. Making your own baby food does take some work. The key is to integrate this work into your normal meal preparations and supplement your meal with frozen food if necessary. … Continue reading →

I have a lovely photo of my daughter tasting her first solid food. It was just after Christmas, and she was just over 6 months old. Me: neurotic about potential food sensitivities. Her: eagerly reaching out for the bowl of the stuff that she was actually allowed to put into her mouth and swallow! We began with sweet potato, and the photo shows my daughter eagerly reaching for the bowl, then looking mystified at the sweet and gummy texture of the food. At least that’s what it looks like she’s thinking. Rice cereal is often recommended for babies. Mostly this … Continue reading →