Pregnancy Notes: Top 11 Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Postpartum Books/DVDs

With so many books out there on pregnancy & childbirth... how do you know which ones are worth your time to read and which ones should be left on the shelf?!

One of the things you can do is read the author's bio and a chunk of the first chapter. Is the book focused on natural birth or medical interventions? If the book is written by a medical professional, chances are high that it will have a big slant towards pregnancy & childbirth requiring medical interventions.

Reading many of these books, plus many articles and birth videos helped me overcome the fear I had when I was pregnant with my first baby. I was completely clueless and my midwife went the whole 9 yards to educate me completely on all things pregnancy & childbirth. It was an amazing time of learning how our bodies are made to grow & carry a child, handle the pain in childbirth and nourish the child via breastfeeding.

Basically, I learned that even though God cursed Eve with pain of childbirth... He didn't leave Eve or us to fend for ourselves! He graciously & lovely equipped our bodies to know how to handle that pain, so that it ends up being a labor of love... not a labor of pain.

Honestly, I do not believe that any healthy mama should use unnecessary medical interventions out of convenient or fear... but that's my opinion. It is my desire that every mama should be well educated on how she will give birth and know the risks of medical interventions if she chooses that route.

Remember, knowledge is power and ignorance is not bliss!

Reading these books is a good place to start with helping you decide what your birth plan will be. This list of books (& DVDs) on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and postpartum health have been pulled together by popular choice among many mama friends that I know. Enjoy!

Top 11 Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Postpartum Books/DVDs

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
This book is a must-read for every woman should be learning as much as she can before making major decisions regarding how you will give birth. It is hard to gather accurate, unbiased information. Not surprisingly, much of the research does not support common medical opinion and practice.

Birth activist Henci Goer gives clear, concise information based on the latest medical studies. This book will help you compare and contrast your various options and shows you how to avoid unnecessary procedures, drugs, restrictions, and tests.


Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
What you need to know to have the best birth experience for you. Drawing from her thirty-plus years of experience, Ina May Gaskin, the nation’s leading midwife, shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience.

This book gives expectant mothers comprehensive information on everything from the all-important mind-body connection to how to give birth without technological intervention. Filled with inspiring birth stories and practical advice, this book takes the fear out of childbirth by restoring women’s faith in their own natural power to give birth with more ease, less pain, and less medical intervention.


Birthing from Within
Here is a holistic approach to childbirth that examines this profound rite-of-passage not as a medical event but as an act of self-discovery. Exercises and activities such as journal writing, meditation, and painting will help mothers analyze their thoughts and face their fears during pregnancy.

For use during birth, the book offers proven techniques for coping with labor pain without drugs, a discussion of the doctor or midwife’s role, and a look at the father’s responsibilities. Childbirth education should also include what to expect after the baby is born. Here are baby basics, such as how to bathe a newborn, how to get the little one to sleep, and tips for getting nursing off to a good start.

Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a process of continuous learning and adjustment; This book provides the necessary support and education to make each phase of birthing a rewarding experience.



Childbirth without Fear

Essential reading for all mothers-to-be! In an age where birth has often been overtaken by obstetrics, Dr Dick-Read's philosophy is still as fresh as it was when he originally wrote this book.

He unpicks every possible root cause of western woman's fear and anxiety in pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding and does so with overwhelming heart and empathy.

A newer edition will be coming out on January 13th, 2013 and the foreword will be written by Ina May Gaskin. You can pre-order it now.



The Joy of Natural Childbirth

I have not read this book myself, but a good mama-friend highly recommended it.

First published in 1963, this pioneering book has introduced thousands of couples to joyful childbirth through four editions and over three decades. Completely revised, it presents a sound, scriptural philosophy of God's goodness in in birth.




Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
This book comes HIGHLY recommended by many of my mama-friends. 

Since the Bradley method was first introduced in 1970, a growing number of expectant parents have opted for natural childbirth, knowing that it's safer than medicated or surgical delivery.

This book provides all the answers on how to have a successful Bradley birth, offering sound advice on how to prepare physically for labor and what to expect during each of its stages. Photos & line drawings included.


A Natural Guide to Pregnancy and Postpartum Health
Having a baby can and should be one of the most joyful experiences of a woman's life. While there are hundreds of books that provide information on how to ensure the development of a healthy baby, few of them dedicate more than a few pages to the nourishment of the mother herself during this physically and emotionally demanding time. It is rarely discussed, but women commonly experience a wide variety of ailments during the postpartum period, from depression to anxiety, backache, and loss of libido.  

This is the first book by physicians that is devoted entirely to telling women how they can prevent postpartum problems and attain optimum health after the delivery of their babies. Elements of the program, which is meant to be adopted during-or, if possible, before-pregnancy, include diet, nutritional supplementation, exercise, hormone-balancing, the use of medicinal herbs, and conventional medications. Developed by the authors in clinical practice, this program has a proven track record in helping women to avoid and overcome postpartum difficulties.


The Nursing Mother's Companion, 6th Edition
This accessible and authoritative guide to breastfeeding has been trusted by new parents and recommended by professionals for more than two decades.

Kathleen Huggins has extensively revised and updated this 25th anniversary edition to equip nursing mothers with all the information they need to overcome difficulties and nurse their babies successfully from the first week all the way to the toddler years, or somewhere in between. Now more than ever, this book is an indispensable handbook for every new mother. 



Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding
Everything you need to know to make breastfeeding a joyful, natural, and richly fulfilling experience for both you and your baby!

Drawing on her decades of experience in caring for pregnant women, mothers, and babies, Ina May Gaskin explores the health and psychological benefits of breastfeeding and gives you invaluable practical advice that will help you nurse your baby in the most fulfilling way possible. 

Inside you’ll find answers to virtually every question you have on breastfeeding. This book is filled with helpful advice, medical facts, and real-life stories that will help you understand how and why breastfeeding works and how you can use it to more deeply connect with your baby and your own body. Whether you’re planning to nurse for the first time or are looking for the latest, most up-to-date expert advice available, you couldn’t hope to find a better guide than Ina May.


The Business of Being Born
A great movie that talks about the reality of hospital births. Good for many women to see so they can get a good look at the pros & cons of hospital births and home births.

Not every woman's birth is the same and you will see that in this movie.




HOME DELIVERY
I have not seen this, but it is on my list of home birth movies to watch! Can't wait to see it and let you know what I think of it.

From what I read... it is a very simple movie looking into the lives of 3 very different women and why they are choosing home births for their babies. It also shares their journey and birth experiences.

Check out their website!




Are there any other books or DVDs that you would recommend to your mama-friends? Please share!

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Food Introduction & The Birth Story: Happy Birthday Tabitha!

Today is Tabitha Charis Helle Beard's 1 year birthday, woohoo! I know most moms say this, but I truly can't believe how fast a year has gone by! Just a year ago she was a helpless babe... now she is crawling around and learning to walk. We are teaching her baby sign language and she can sign "milk", "food", "more" and "all done". She is one smart chick :o)

We actually decided to start introducing food about a week ago, but she hasn't really shown a whole lot of interest. She is still breastfeeding and prefers it over food. We've given her egg yolks, ground beef or chicken, kefir, banana & avocados, but she mostly wants to play with it than eat it. She really likes my Cortido (Latin American Sauerkraut), which I've given to her alone and mixed with the ground beef. We are also giving her a very small dose of cod liver oil once a day. She takes it no problem! We use Garden of Life's Cod Liver Oil and its flavored with lemon oil and peppermint oil... really helps with digesting the oil and the taste.

Most of you might be wondering why I didn't start her on rice cereal like most babies. Here's a sound bite from a wonderful article founded in Weston A. Price Foundation website:

Babies produce functional enzymes (pepsin and proteolytic enzymes) and digestive juices (hydrochloric acid in the stomach) that work on proteins and fats. This makes perfect sense since the milk from a healthy mother has 50-60 percent of its energy as fat, which is critical for growth, energy and development. In addition, the cholesterol in human milk supplies an infant with close to six times the amount most adults consume from food. In some cultures, a new mother is encouraged to eat six to ten eggs a day and almost ten ounces of chicken and pork for at least a month after birth. This fat-rich diet ensures her breast milk will contain adequate healthy fats.

Thus, a baby's earliest solid foods should be mostly animal foods since his digestive system, although immature, is better equipped to supply enzymes for digestion of fats and proteins rather than carbohydrates. This explains why current research is pointing to meat (including nutrient-dense organ meat) as being a nourishing early weaning food.

NOTE: Please read the rest of the article on why cereal is not the ideal first food, the importance of fats for a growing baby & good foods to start introducing.

Now I really want to share the birth story with all of you and a few pictures. We had great birth experiences with both girls. Naomi was born naturally in a hospital with a great midwife (Dana Ericson) and Tabi was born naturally in home with a wonderful midwife (Uva Meiner). We chose to do a hospital birth the first time around because it was my first time and didn't know what to expect exactly. It was beautiful, fast and amazing! The second time around, I knew I wasn't going to be in a hospital (especially after I learned that most Costa Rican hospitals had 80+% c-section rate!!!) and it was so different from the first time but still beautiful, fast and amazing :o)

I am going to share with you three different perspectives: Jon's, mine & Nikon (the camera) :o) We posted this on our RO4Y blog and now posting it here. Enjoy the birth stories and pictures!

The Birth Story: His Perspective

I hustled back from the bank with an eagerness to get on the road. Marillyn and I had recently met a professional photographer who volunteered her services for family portraits before the birth. However, the day decided to take an unexpected twist.

"Jon, I'm feeling contractions. I'm not sure if they are premature, but this could be the real thing."

"Do you want to cancel?"

"Yes."

Thus begins my day as Mr. Multi-tasker. Yes, ladies you read it: MR. Multi-tasker.

I got on the phone and called the photographer, our mid-wife Uva and Marillyn's parents. I grabbed Marillyn's Nikon and begin to chronicle the day, not to mention entertain Naomi and change a few diapers here and there.

Uva arrived a few hours later and we prepared the birthing tub. Naomi, Uva and I shot up to her home to get the rest of the supplies and we prepared the living room for the birth.

While I connected the hoses in the laundry room for the tub, I grabbed Mare's tri-pod and set up my video camera. Did I mention that I also offered some liquids for my wife and massaged her lower back?

Soon more help arrived. Uva's assistant, Patricia, begin to organize the kitchen into a mini-herbal-pharmacy along with birthing chair and exercise ball. During this time, I called the Goransons again and reorganized the kitchen to help Patricia. I also got a few candid photos and some close ups with the video. I might have said this already, but I cleaned up several water spills on the tile floor with some old towels. (Naomi decided to check if the water hoses were actually working and proceeded to water the living room floor!)

As Mare entered the pool, I readjusted the tri-pod, changed into my board shorts, gave Naomi a few crackers and strawberries and prepped our bed with several sheets and a couple shower curtains.

At this point, I transformed into the human Bow-flex for Marillyn. I was pressed, squeezed, leaned on, pulled on, held, braced and even yelled at few times. I was also a mediator for my hearing impaired spouse and her mid-wife, as well as my almost two-year-old daughter and the photographer and Patricia. (Melanie, the photographer, had arrived and was taking over film documentation duties.)

Then she arrived. While gripping my arms in a squatting position, Mare delivered Tabitha Charis Helle Beard into the reaching arms of our midwife at 3:38 PM. (Uva was reaching through my legs to get to Tabitha!) With babe in arms, we positioned Marillyn into the birthing stool and gazed at our new child. She had come! S-H-E. I couldn't believe we had another girl. My heart was overwhelmed with joy and a little fear. Joy that Tabitha was outside the womb and fear that I would not be able to love another little girl as much as I love Naomi.

However, as I gazed into the beauty of the moment, I knew that God saw me fit to raise and love another little woman into this world.

What a crazy day! What a perfect day!

This is my birth story.

The Birth Story: Her Perspective

Well, okay. So Monday morning I get up to go and Jon takes off to the bank while Naomi is having a crying fit because she misses Papa (a.k.a. grandpa).

I felt a little achy around my hips and my pelvis. I thought "Am I stretching out even more or are these Braxton Hicks contractions?"

It was a beautiful day, so I decided to take Naomi to the park. We played on the swing for a long time. (In hindsight, this is when I know the labor started.)

We headed back into the house just as Jon got home. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go out for family pictures, so I went to lay down on the bed. I felt a little bit better, but we decided to cancel and just take it easy.

I remember trying to figure out what I was feeling: Was labor starting or just something else? I got up to use the bathroom then went out to the kitchen and told Jon,

"This might be it, but I'm not positive."

All excited, Jon asked, "Are you ready to have a baby?"

"Sure," I said, "but I have no idea if this is it or not."

A little while later I noticed that it was really starting to feel like contractions and they were growing more intense with each one. I didn't time the contractions or anything, because I didn't really think that it was necessary. I told Jon that this might be it, please try and get a hold of my parents. Jon called Uva, our midwife, and also left a couple messages for my parents.

The contractions and everything that I was feeling was very different from Naomi's birth. During her birth, everything came as if it was one big contraction; so fast and I really didn't have time to think (which was good). This time around, the contractions came in waves and I noticed that it felt different. I had space in-between my contractions to talk and play with Naomi.

Then Uva came down to the apartment. She was concerned that we wouldn't have the tub ready to use. I said, "No way! You have to at least try because I don't want the same story as with Naomi." I wasn't able to have the tub with her for that very reason. I thought to myself, "If it is ready great, if not that's okay."

Jon and Uva got started setting everything up. Jon got the camera up and Naomi was playing with the birthday ball, rolling around and being silly. While Uva set the pool up with Jon, I went and put on a different top to be ready to go into the pool.

The contractions were coming much more steadily, but my water had not yet broken. I was breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth. While the air escaped my throat, I made low moaning noises which actually helped me to relax.

At this point my parents finally called and said they were on their way. Uva's assistant, Patricia, arrived and helped set up everything else needed for the birth.

My focus turned inward: letting go and allowing my body to do its job. As the contractions got more intense, I called Jon over to rub my back. I moved my hips back and forth as I kneeled on the couch. I asked when the tub would be ready for me to get in. I continued to focus; to breath long and deep breaths in order to not allow myself to tense up as each contraction came and went.

When the tub was ready, I stepped into the warm water and I could feel my whole body relax. The contractions got stronger, but they had a different feel in the water. Uva encouraged Jon to get into the pool; he asked me if I wanted him to get in. It felt good to have Jon in the pool with me, rubbing my back and holding onto my hands, holding onto me.

It's amazing how painful the contractions were, but yet how quickly they go away. God made our bodies for birth; all the right chemistry and systems to make and birth a baby. So perfect.

At this moment, I started seeing flashes from a camera. Melanie, our new friend and photographer, arrived to document this special day. Jon asked me if the flashes were bothering me, but I barely noticed because my focus was so intense on the birth.

Uva then encouraged me to come out of the pool and walk in order to help bring the baby down a little bit further. So I got out and Jon led me around, supporting me when I had my contractions. As each contraction came along, I would hang off of my husband's neck and arms. (A few times I even hit him because it hurt so much.)

Though the contractions were steady and strong, it didn't feel like the baby was coming down. My water still had not broken yet. So I got back in the tub and tried different positions to get comfortable with Jon supporting me and reminding me to trust in the Lord.

Uva's touch was reassuring on my skin. She was very calm and gentle with everything that she did. She understood how the body is made to do this with very little interference.

At this point, she decided to check and see where I was and see if my water was still there. She found that my bag of water was still very firmly closed. She said it was very strong. So she took a plastic finger/glove with a rubber tip and went in to break my water. At first she did it very gently but it wouldn't budge! So she had to do it a lot more firm a second time and I felt my water break immediately.

It actually felt really good. My contractions changed. It didn't hurt as much as before, but they were still very strong. Before my water broke, I remember my hips hurting a lot. It was because the contractions were going up against a "wall": the bag of water that had not yet been broken. The contractions continued but much smoother and thorough. They were flowing much easier than before.

Uva encouraged me to get out of the water again and walk some more. I felt the baby move down very quickly. As soon as I got out of the water I immediately squatted and felt the urge to push. I felt the baby move down even more! Uva continued to encourage me to stand up and walk; so I waddled around a little bit, but the contractions were coming faster and harder. With every contraction I wanted to get down and squat. It felt good to have to have my husband's support. Literally!

I sat on the birthing stool, but as soon as a contraction came around I threw myself onto Uva. She sat on the floor facing me and I kneeled onto her lap. As soon as the contraction was over I got onto the birthing stool, but I didn't like sitting on the stool. It was very uncomfortable.

At this point, I found myself breathing through my nose and out through my mouth much quicker as the baby got closer to coming out. I got up and waddled a little more, but with every contraction getting closer and closer, I decided to, no, I FELT the urge to push and that was the starting point of the baby crowning.

I stayed there in the squatting position; holding on for dear life to Jon's arms, while Patricia was behind me supporting me. Uva was behind Jon working between his legs to watch as the baby came out. (Claudine our landlady showed up at the perfect timing to take care of Naomi.)

As I pushed, I felt a burning sensation very strong and I was confused because I didn't think the baby was that far out yet. So I pushed but with caution so I wouldn't tear. Uva was pleased with my progress, but the burning sensation was growing.

Then all of a sudden she was out! I felt her body slide out of my tummy so fast that it felt weird. I could feel her feet kicking and a large gasp escaped me as the baby flew out of me.

Unfortunately, I tore pretty badly. I was too focused on our new baby to really care at the moment. I really wanted to know if it was a boy or a girl.

They got me up and moved me back to the birthing stool to birth the placenta. I asked Jon if it was a boy or girl. We looked and found, to our surprise, that it was a girl. She was beautiful even though she was covered in white vernix, blood and slime. It was an amazing realization that we had another baby.

Uva's assistant Patricia gave me a few different herbal remedies and a spoonful of honey. I birthed the placenta easily with very little blood (though I did have a lot of blood from the tear).

They moved me to the bedroom and got me comfortable and settled so I could continue to bond with our new baby girl, Tabitha. Breast feeding started without any problems. Praise the Lord. Tabitha smelled so sweet and felt so warm.

Uva checked me over and looked at my tear. She saw that it was pretty bad. We had to call the doctor, who came later that evening to stitch me up. He did a wonderful job.

Naomi came over and explored her new little sister. I was so proud of her because she was so calm and watchful through the birth. Even times when I was obviously in pain, she didn't get upset because she knew that this was a normal process. I'm so grateful that she was able to witness the birth of her little sister. She immediately learned Tabitha's name.

Shortly after the birth my parents arrived. I know that my mom was very disappointed that she missed the birth, but I'm glad that she made it safely with Dad. They came over and got to meet their new grand-baby. Naomi was so happy to see her Papa and Nina that she covered them with kisses.

Patricia brought chicken soup to me that she had just made fresh in the kitchen. It tasted so good. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I had the first bite because I had only drank coconut water throughout the labor.

I continued to rest and enjoy our new baby. Jon sat with us and Naomi and my parents. We all crowded into the bedroom to get to know the new member of the family.

Uva brought in the placenta for us to see. She said it was the healthiest she's ever seen (she has been a mid-wife for 13+ years). It was extremely strong and thick. We decided to make an imprint of the placenta on a piece of paper. We are planning to mat and frame it. The print is very cool because there is an image of a tree growing from the cord into the placenta. This image is called "The Tree of Life" by many people.

It was definitely a unique experience, very different from Naomi's birth. I loved the homebirth atmosphere! Not having to labor in the car on the way to the hospital or be bothered by nurses. Not having to tolerate the hospital smells. Not having to worry about Naomi adjusting to a place that she has never been too. It was all here in the one bedroom apartment; everything had become familiar over the last two weeks we had been living here. I will definitely do a home birth again if the Lord gives us more kids.

It was a very beautiful day as a family. And a very funny one as I gave birth on Labor Day, again!

The Birth Story: In Photographs

Uva (our midwife) & Naomi enjoying Tabi

Please click on the link above and enjoy MORE pictures! Also, if you would like to receive our updates about the RO4Y ministry... please sign up on the upper right sidebar on the RO4Y blog. Thanks!

Coming Soon: Naomi's Birthday!!

PS- REMEMBER TO ENTER for the FREE Lacto Master Giveaway!! Ends this Friday!

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Breastfeeding/Enzymes/Food

I recently came across this and thought it would be good to add on to what I shared recently about why I am choosing to breastfeed exclusively for a year. Hope this will be helpful for those of you who are considering going in this direction.

KEEPING DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS AT BAY

taken from Take Charge of Your Child's Health pp.123,124 by George Wootan, M.D.

Another good reason to keep your baby on a diet of breastmilk alone is that a baby's intestinal tract is not fully developed until several months after birth, perhaps as late as 18 to 24 months. Digestion is a complicated breakdown process that begins in the mouth when food is mixed with saliva, and continues throughout the digestive tract, with the stomach, pancreas, liver, and intestines all playing a unique role. Various enzymes are involved in each stage of digestion, speeding up the breakdown of food and converting it into a form that can be utilized by the body. Some of these enzymes are present only in very low levels or are entirely missing from the infant digestive system.

One of these enzymes is amylase, which plays a key role in the digestion of carbohydrates. The common suggestion for a baby's first food is cereal or fruit, both carbohydrates. However, amylase is present at just 10% of adult levels in an infant's small intestines, and is virtually nonexistant in the pancreas until at least six months of age. Ptyalin, an enzyme in saliva that breaks down carbohydrates, does not appear until around 12 months of age. When carbohydrates are introduced into a baby's diet too early, he may be unable to digest them completely. The result can be poor nutrition due to failure to absorb the nutrients in the food, and possibly diarrhea.

This lack of enzymes presents no problem to the breast-fed baby, since human milk contains more than 20 enzymes that become active in the stomach so that the milk is easily digested. One of the most important enzymes contained in breast milk is lipase, which helps to break down fats, from which 40 to 50% of the energy in both human milk and formula is derived. Not only is formula completely lacking in lipase, but at least one researcher has suggested that 'these compensatory, or complementary, mechanisms for fat utilization...are less effective when cow's milk fat or other fats are introduced into the diet'--so that the baby who is fed supplementary formula may have more trouble digesting even breast milk than if he were on a diet of breastmilk alone.

Some lipase is produced at the back of the infant's tongue as he nurses. You may have noticed the 'milking' action that's made with the back of the tongue as an infant sucks. It seems probable that this action helps to stimulate lipase secretion and to mix the lipase with the milk to begin digestion. Since drawing milk from a bottle involves just sucking, this effect is eliminated if a baby is bottle-fed.

Because formula contains no enzymes, the bottle-fed baby is more prone to digestive problems. Protein molecules, which may cross the underdeveloped intestinal lining before they have been completely broken down, can be particularly troublesome. These molecules can then act as antigens, causing an allergic reaction. Digestive problems are often compounded when modified food starch, a common ingredient in commercial baby foods, is added to the diet. Modified food starch, usually derived from corn or tapioca, has an even lower level of digestibility than othehr carbohydrates. In order for modified food starch to be effective, it must make up approximately five percent of the product. While this may not sound like much, at this level it contributes about 32% of the food's total calories.

My recommendation regarding solid foods before one year is to start with protiens rather than carbohydrates and to introduce them no earlier than at eight months of age, but preferably not until one year. Hydrochloric acid, which helps digest protein, begins to appear in the stomach around the seventh or eighth month of life.

It would seem, therefore, that the body would first be ready to digest proteins (at eight months) and then carbohydrates (at one year). By holding off on introducing any solid foods (or formula) until the age of one year, you can be certain that the digestive tract is sufficiently developed to be able to handle the foods you put into it. Remember, too, that breast milk contains everything your baby needs to thrive and be healthy for at least the first year of life, probably for the first two. There's really no reason to feed him anything else, and there are several good reasons not to.

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Why I Am Exclusively Breastfeeding And Delaying Solid Foods

I know many books and health experts recommend offering your baby solid foods around six months, but why?

When I ask the “why” question, here’s what they say:

“That’s what everybody does”
“That’s what the doctors say to do”
“Because it is exciting to feed your child solid foods!”
“Because your breastmilk won’t provide the necessary nutrients after 6 months”
“Because your baby can’t thrive only on breastmilk past 6 months”
“Your baby will develop iron-deficiency if not given iron-supplementation”
“Babies normally wean off around 6 months and need solids”
“If your baby is not sleeping through the night, feeding solids will help”


When I met a few gals through my NOAH group emails who are/were delaying solids till the one-year mark or past the one-year mark. Naturally, I became very curious, especially after I read the benefits of doing that. I didn’t know you could do that or that it was an option.

So, Of course, I wanted to research on that and the NOAH gals direct me to this great website: www.kellymom.com. This website is a wealth of information and resources on the true basis for sound gut health and overall health for most children. It is difficult in this generation to keep our children healthy against the overwhelming environmental abuses they are bombard with. Honestly, overall, children are very much less healthy in this generation than the previous generation. How many families do you know that have at least one, if not several, members that have allergies, chronic illnesses, autoimmune disease or degenerative illness? Nowadays, sadly, it is consider “the norm”.

It is my desire to break that cycle in my girls’ generation. I am SO GRATEFUL that both my girls are strong and healthy. They should have the privilege to be happy kids with no physical problems and grow up enjoying life with out struggles and pain. That’s why I decided to delay solids to help ensure that for Tabitha. I did not do that with Naomi because I didn’t know I could do that if I wanted. Thankfully, I followed the Nourishing Tradition way of introducing solids (started her around 7 months with egg yolks). I believe it helped her avoid developing life-long allergies and digestive problems.


Reasons For Delaying Solids (Taken from www.kellymom.com)

Most babies will become developmentally and physiologically ready to eat solids by 6-9 months of age. For some babies, delaying solids longer than six months can be a good thing; for example, some doctors may recommend delaying solids for 12 months if there is a family history of allergies.

Although some of the reasons listed here assume that your baby is breastfed or fed breastmilk only, experts recommend that solids be delayed for formula fed babies also.

Delaying solids gives baby greater protection from illness.
Although babies continue to receive many immunities from breastmilk for as long as they nurse, the greatest immunity occurs while a baby is exclusively breastfed. Breastmilk contains 50+ known immune factors, and probably many more that are still unknown. One study has shown that babies who were exclusively breastfed for 4+ months had 40% fewer ear infections than breastfed babies whose diets were supplemented with other foods. The probability of respiratory illness occurring at any time during childhood is significantly reduced if the child is fed exclusively breast milk for at least 15 weeks and no solid foods are introduced during this time. (Wilson, 1998) Many other studies have also linked the degree of exclusivity of breastfeeding to enhanced health benefits (see Immune factors in human milk and Risks of Artificial Feeding).

Delaying solids gives baby's digestive system time to mature.
If solids are started before a baby's system is ready to handle them, they are poorly digested and may cause unpleasant reactions (digestive upset, gas, constipation, etc.). Protein digestion is incomplete in infancy. Gastric acid and pepsin are secreted at birth and increase toward adult values over the following 3 to 4 months. The pancreatic enzyme amylase does not reach adequate levels for digestion of starches until around 6 months, and carbohydrate enzymes such as maltase, isomaltase, and sucrose do not reach adult levels until around 7 months. Young infants also have low levels of lipase and bile salts, so fat digestion does not reach adult levels until 6-9 months.

Delaying solids decreases the risk of food allergies.
It is well documented that prolonged exclusive breastfeeding results in a lower incidence of food allergies (see Allergy References and Risks of Artificial Feeding). From birth until somewhere between four and six months of age, babies possess what is often referred to as an "open gut."

This means that the spaces between the cells of the small intestines will readily allow intact macromolecules, including whole proteins and pathogens, to pass directly into the bloodstream. This is great for your breastfed baby as it allows beneficial antibodies in breastmilk to pass more directly into baby's bloodstream, but it also means that large proteins from other foods (which may predispose baby to allergies) and disease-causing pathogens can pass right through, too. During baby's first 4-6 months, while the gut is still "open," antibodies (sIgA) from breastmilk coat baby's digestive tract and provide passive immunity, reducing the likelihood of illness and allergic reactions before gut closure occurs. Baby starts producing these antibodies on his own at around 6 months, and gut closure should have occurred by this time also. See How Breast Milk Protects Newborns and The Case for the Virgin Gut for more on this subject.

Delaying solids helps to protect baby from iron-deficiency anemia.
The introduction of iron supplements and iron-fortified foods, particularly during the first six months, reduces the efficiency of baby's iron absorption. Healthy, full-term infants who are breastfed exclusively for periods of 6-9 months have been shown to maintain normal hemoglobin values and normal iron stores. In one study (Pisacane, 1995), the researchers concluded that babies who were exclusively breastfed for 7 months (and were not give iron supplements or iron-fortified cereals) had significantly higher hemoglobin levels at one year than breastfed babies who received solid foods earlier than seven months. The researchers found no cases of anemia within the first year in babies breastfed exclusively for seven months and concluded that breastfeeding exclusively for seven months reduces the risk of anemia. See Is Iron-Supplementation Necessary? for more information.

Delaying solids helps to protect baby from future obesity.
The early introduction of solids is associated with increased body fat and weight in childhood. (for example, see Wilson 1998, von Kries 1999, Kalies 2005)

Delaying solids helps mom to maintain her milk supply.
Studies have shown that for a young baby solids replace milk in a baby's diet - they do not add to baby's total intake. The more solids that baby eats, the less milk he takes from mom, and less milk taken from mom means less milk production. Babies who eat lots of solids or who start solids early tend to wean prematurely.

Delaying solids helps to space babies.
Breastfeeding is most effective in preventing pregnancy when your baby is exclusively breastfed and all of his nutritional and sucking needs are satisfied at the breast.

Delaying solids makes starting solids easier.
Babies who start solids later can feed themselves and are not as likely to have allergic reactions to foods.

Every baby is different. That’s why it is so important to know your baby and “listen” to your baby, not your doctor. Who knows our children best? Us mothers who are with them almost 24/7 or the doctors who see them for a couple hours? I truly don’t believe the “one-size fits all babies” system is healthy or wise. Naomi and Tabi are SO different from each other in their development and growth. Naomi’s bottom teeth didn’t pop out till she was about 10-11 months, but Tabi’s bottom teeth popped out when she was 6 months and her two top ones popped out shortly after. Naomi was a short and very chubby baby, but Tabi is a long and slightly chubby baby. Does it mean that one is healthier than the other or developing better than the other? No. It just confirms the scripture that God has made each one of us to be unique.

I wasn’t able to exclusively breastfeed Naomi past 7 months because my milk supply wasn’t meeting her demand. So I started her on egg yolks and goat milk while still breastfeeding her. With Tabi, it is a different story. She is still breastfeeding exclusively at 8 months and going strong. My milk supply is strong and flowing. She is a robust and happy baby.

What made the difference?

Diet is the biggest one and doing demand feeding. I wasn’t a very healthy eater before Naomi was conceived and I was learning how to eat healthier while pregnant and then making a lot of changes in our lifestyle after she was born. Now, I eat raw eggs (mixed in smoothies or oatmeal), kefir, raw milk, lacto-fermented foods, clean grass-fed meats, bone broths, coconut oil, cod-liver oil, soaked grains, fresh veggie juices and BIG salads with homemade dressings. I am basically following the Nourishing Tradition’s Diet for Pregnant and Nursing Mothers. My midwife in Costa Rica, Uva, said my placenta was the most perfect and healthiest placenta she had ever seen. I attributed that to my nourishing diet, I seriously believe that because of the differences I saw between my two pregnancies, births and health.

So, back to the delaying of solids… This isn’t for everyone. One mother shared that she struggled with feeding her baby solids at 7 months, but saw that her baby needed it because she wasn’t content with just breastmilk. Tabitha is showing all the “signs” of being ready to eat solids, but she is still content with just breastmilk. She’s gaining weight, happy, robust and growing. I have to make sure I take care of myself by eating food full of good fats, complex carbs, protein and lots of water.

Even after I start Tabitha on solids, I am still planning to breastfeed her till she weans herself off (Naomi weaned herself off around 18 months). There are many great benefits of breastfeeding past a year.
Breastfeeding benefits toddlers and young children... Nutritionally, immunologically and psychologically.

• Nursing toddlers benefit NUTRITIONALLY
• Nursing toddlers are SICK LESS OFTEN
• Nursing toddlers have FEWER ALLERGIES
• Nursing toddlers are SMART
• Nursing toddlers are WELL ADDJUSTED SOCIALLY
• Nursing a toddler is NORMAL (this is my favorite)
• MOTHERS also benefit from nursing past infancy

Please go to the website for more detailed information on each benefit and see the resources.

Here are some great readings:
Extended Breastfeeding: Are There Still Health Benefits?
Breastfeed A Toddler – Why On Earth?
Why Mothers Nurse Their Children into Toddlerhood
FAQ on Breastfeeding Past the First Year
You’re Still Nursing?

Again, this isn’t for everyone… but I do pray and hope that more women (and men too!) will understand the benefits and learn to appreciate breastfeeding (whether they are, are not breastfeeding or did not, do not breastfeed). I truly believe it is a gift from God to be able to supply milk and nourish my precious babies. Thank you Lord!

  

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