Feeding - Step 1, 2, 3

So much information about feeding the babes, really, what is right?? Of course, what works for me and Baby is what is right, but a little scary knowing if you are doing it right. I don't want to overfeed, underfeed, cause allergic reactions, and whatever else we are "warned" of.

Most of us start off breastfeeding, as we all know this is supposed to be the best for baby. I was so convinced that breast milk was the best, I was horrified to give her formula. After a few nights of fussiness and a tenderness of my breasts I realized that I was not providing enough food for her and needed to give her some formula as a top up. I was devastated.

A month of so later and the thought of formula doesn't even phase me anymore. Good thing too, as it seems my body is starting to tell me that the breastfeeding might be coming to an end. *I got my monthly visitor back today - I'm feeling ripped off!! I thought not having it was one of the joys of breastfeeding! :(
On top of my body issues, I'm not sure how long I'll be able to keep it going as I'm one of those lucky mom's whose baby decided to get her first teeth early! At 4 months baby got her bottom front 2 teeth and the last couple days she's really been figuring out how to use them. She managed to draw blood on my nipple yesterday! Of course I can pump and will continue to try to provide breast milk to baby for at least another couple of months but not sure I'll be able to.

So now I am on to the fun of solids. I started with rice cereal at 5 months (1 tablespoon as suggested) and things went well, another week of the rice cereal and I moved on to the whole grain mixed cereal with fruit today. (Step 2 of the Heinz organic stages) I've upped it to 2 tablespoons but am a little confused as to when to up the amounts and how long to stick to each food. I guess we'll just keep feeding her until she lets us know she's full...  I hope she knows when that is and I don't end up with Buddha baby!!

I'll keep up with the whole grain cereal for the week then I'm going to attempt "real" food. After all my reading of articles etc. I have decided that I will try veggies first, and move on the the fruit in a month of so. I'll be sure to keep you updated as to how the food prep goes, as I am attempting to make my own. Fingers crossed.