BLW Question

opheliainwaders · November 2013

Hi ladies - thought I'd start here, and possible XP to the food allergy and/or preemie boards if needed.

I'm hoping to do BLW with DD starting in about a month or so (she'll be 5 months this week). However, in reading the BLW book, we have two of the "special" scenarios the authors note: DD was a near-term preemie (36 weeks), and I have a history of food allergies (to a lot of common foods, but no severe allergies, and no nut allergies). She also seems to have a mild milk protein intolerance (I can have butter, and sheep/goat cheese without causing her any issues). That said, she has gained weight very well, and is currently 40th/75th for weight/height (not adjusted), so I'm not at all concerned about her ability to keep gaining well/get nutrition from breastfeeding.

My inclination is to start with finger foods, but modify the BLW approach to carefully add any foods that are common allergy triggers, and space them out so I can watch for any reactions.

Anyone here have experience with BLW and either food allergies or preemies? What worked for you? (Finding someone else who's got both seemed like a bit of a long shot, but if anyone else with a history of food allergies did BLW with a preemie, I'd live to hear from you!).

Thanks for any thoughts/guidance you might be able to give, and sorry for the novel

musicalmama5 · November 2013

I'm not really sure about the allergy stuff since we have zero history or allergy and have not been careful at all in terms of what DS eats..

But as far the preemie thing goes, I would say to start whenever she shows the signs of readiness, whether it's at 6 months or a bit after. Sounds like you've already got the book, so you've probably seen the section on the signs of readiness.

BLW is soooo much fun! Enjoy!

ncbelle · November 2013

I think as long as she can sit unassisted by the time you start, the preemie-ness isn't so much a factor. The sitting thing is pretty important for BLW and I'm guessing they are going on the fact that many preemies may not hit that milestone by 6 months.

As for the allergies, just take it slow and avoid things that you know are problems already. We never waited on introducing foods but if you are concerned about reactions, just do one food at a time.

=Lee=B · November 2013

My daughter (8months this week) was born 35w0d. We`ve had no issues with BLW. We started one week before she turned 6months. She was sitting independently at that time, was keen to grab at our food and showed great interest. The first time we gave her food she grabbed it in her hand and put it in her mouth.

She has a milk protein intolerance. It poses no issues with BLW. I don`t eat foods with any dairy, she eats what I eat, so therefore she doesn`t come in contact with dairy.

We don`t have a history of any allergies so that is easier on us. No matter how you feed your baby you will have to be cautious and alert to what she is eating to note any potential allergies. I don`t think BLW makes it harder than feeding a baby purees when it comes to allergy concerns.

As for the preemie part. Is your daughter developing closer to her adjusted age or her birth age? I personally see the preemie feeding concerns to be more with micropreemies or those born really early (32 weeks or earlier), 36 weeks is likely not a huge concern. You may have to go slow or wait a couple extra weeks, but the differences likely won't be notable. A baby with an adjusted age of 2-3 months younger than birth age would likely have a notable difference and require a different feeding plan at first.

When she's ready just go for it! Start with some simple, safe foods and take it slow. She would likely benefit from having one food introduced at a time. Follow her lead and back off and try again in a week or so if she is struggling.

We followed our daughters cues and went full steam ahead introducing many foods at once since we have no allergy concerns (aside from dairy). My daughter has never choked, has only gagged a handful of times and intuitively knew/knows what to do. It really is fascinating!

opheliainwaders · November 2013

Thanks, all! I really appreciate it. Re: the preemie question - she does seem to be following her EDD milestones at this point (the first couple months she sort of bounced around between what would be expected for her EDD and her birth date). For example, she can't yet sit unassisted (5 months, so not expected anyway), but has started to "notice" when she's about to fall over, and put a hand out/prop herself briefly in the "tripod" position.

I'm excited to try this - the idea of purees kind of put me off, but teaching her to have fun and enjoy food seems like it'll be a lot of fun for both of us.

Now we just have to explain it to the babysitter ;-)

SandiaPinaMama · November 2013

My son was a 36 weeker as well. My pedi is very support of BLW, and asked me to wait until he was 7 months to start. He stayed EBF until 7 months, then I started with sweet potatoes. I followed the rule about trying each food for 3 days before introducing another. I also strictly followed the rules about which foods to delay introducing (strawberries, nuts, egss, etc). We did not have any problems doing these things. HTH!

ETA: On reading some of the other responses, I thought I should clarify. The delay in starting wasn't in regards to his ability to sit. The pedi felt that it would give his gut more time to mature. This isn't something you personally can measure.

opheliainwaders · November 2013

Thanks, that's really helpful. Much appreciated!

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