Delaying Solids and the Breastfed Baby: Pt 2

   
   In my last series post, Delaying Solids and the Breastfed Baby: Pt 1,  I gave you four reasons to delay solid foods.      Today I am going to give you 5 more reasons to delay solids.

 5: Delaying solids to reduce future childhood obesity?
It has been noted that early introductions of solid foods is associated with increased body fat and weight in childhood.

6: Delaying solids helps mom's milk supply.
Studies show that the introduction of solids completely replaces the nutrient complete milk in a baby's diet... Not adding to it. The more solids baby takes in means less milk baby gets from mom which means less milk mom has for baby which means disaster for her supply.

7: Delaying solids to space out babies?
Breastfeeding can be an effective birth control method as long as baby is EBF and getting all their nutrients and suckling needs from mom and only mom.

8: Delaying solids makes introductions easier?
I find this to be very true. Delaying means baby has lost the thrust reflex. Baby is much less likely to have allergic reactions. Babies have learned some abilities to feed themselves(pincher grasp). It also seems like baby has more interest in food, wanting to explore the sensations of taste and texture.

9: Delaying solids because I'm lazy.
...No... not really, but starting solids means more work...bleh... With just EBFing there isnt any prep involved, no equipment to need and etc. I sit, hold baby, and plop a nipple in her mouth :). Easy, Peasy, and Lazy ;P

Even though I fully support delaying solids, the introduction of solids can be very fun, not only for the infant, but for the care givers involved. Join me Saturday as we look into the introduction of solids starting with baby cereals... Perfect first food or toxic concoction?

Have a very blessed week.
-Tamra

Disney 2013 and Milestone

     The Griggers' family just took a trip to Disney! It was a blast... the first two days.... The third day everyone was tired and grumpy, but we made the most of it and had fun. We would do things differently next time. Maybe a post is in order on how to survive Disney with littles. ;). Speaking of littles, Baby Avalynn has hit so many milestones this month I am about to cry... She has mastered sitting, crawling, pulling up to knees( I know she can get to her feet), and a new tooth... All in a month... Well, Anyways here are some pictures and a video of our trip.

On our way in!

Aaron and Hayden in the Iron Man Armory 

Me and Avalynn-She was screaming here

It was way colder than we were expecting

Huntington Beach

Mater knew it was my birthday!

Best part of the trip!

Hayden was the last kid to fight Vader and he defeated him!

Ariel's Grotto

Ariel's Grotto

Ariel's Grotto

Ariel's Grotto

Ariel's Grotto

Over all it was a fun trip full of memories and laughter and that is all that matters!

The Garden

     I decided to take up container gardening this year in an attempt to provide my family with whole nutritious foods. And to teach my children where our foods come from... Something I think today's youths are missing... a sense of where things begin. I started several weeks ago outside, but the weather here in AZ(phoenix) is still very hot and they were not doing so well. Then we had monsoons that were drowning them, so I brought them inside and they were doing well until we went on a 5 day vacation.

     I had them covered with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in and it did it job, but in a couple cases they had too much water and I thought I lost those plants. Surprisingly though they are still alive... So far I have growing broccoli, tomatoes, basil, carrots, and a couple of my potatoes have started to grow roots.

     All of my plants are organic in an attempt to get rid of the harmful pesticides and GMOs, so that means pests to deal with...  I thought I had aphids in my garden, so I tried to kill them with the method of soap and water... but it killed most of the plants... Sigh... So I have started over and did some more research and discovered that I didnt have aphids at all, but a microscopic bug called Springtails. I also learned that a few drops of peppermint essential oil diluted in 4oz of water will kill aphids if I get them. That would be great if it works.

     Anyways, I think I will move my plants back outside this weekend because fall is finally setting in here in the desert and while it is still hot the sun isnt as brutal. Well, there you have it... This baby gardener will update you next Thursday as to what the garden is doing. If you are a gardener and have some tips for me or fellow readers please feel free to comment. I am always eager to learn all I can.

Until next time... God bless
-Tamra