The Rookie Mama

Disclaimer: as with all major baby-related decisions, consult your primary health care provider. This blog entry is meant to describe our particular situation and perhaps spark a few ideas. Info as interest only! Also, the following entry discusses the transition into solid foods, not actual food choices or preparation. Wholesome Baby Foods is a comprehensive resource you may want to check out, and a shoutout to Stories of Suburbia for similar info! Our preemie daughter was seen by a nurse practitioner for her 4 month vaccination. The NP was both kind and knowledgeable but knew very little about our gal beyond what was written on her chart. She thus suggested we begin solid foods at her corrected age of 6 months which would make her just over 7 months old chronologically. My friend whose baby had already begun this gastronomical journey wondered about this recommendation, as delaying the introduction of solid food is usually reserved for babies with gastrointestinal issues of whi...

While in the NICU, my daughter was supplemented with formula until my milk came in and she learned how to feed effectively. Those two conditions had to be met in order for us to be discharged home. So since our arrival some four months ago, my little chunky monkey has been breastfed exclusively and will continue to be until we start solid foods in a few months. Even then, she will continue to be breastfed until, I hope, her 1st birthday. Perhaps beyond! Four months in, and the girl and I have become old hats at this breastfeeding thing. It's casual and comfortable, and for the most part, it's easy. The new difficulty has been keeping her focused when she's so distracted by the goings-on around her. But overall it's been very successful; we are a lucky duo. I outlined some obstacles in a previous breastfeeding entry but there are other details worth sharing. So rookie mamas like me, please know: - Breastfeeding can be quite painful, especially in the beginnin...