Is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) a Modern or Traditional Approach? At first glance, Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) might seem like a modern trend, yet its roots are far more ancient than most people realize. While the term itself was coined by Gill Rapley in the early 2000s, the concept is anything but new. Historically, before the advent of commercial baby foods and purees, infants transitioned to solid foods by joining family meals, exploring and tasting foods at their own pace. They would grab whatever was within reach – a piece of bread, a chunk of vegetable, or even bits of meat. There were no specially prepared purees or spoon-feeding marathons. Babies were simply encouraged to eat what the family ate, learning through observation and imitation. Interestingly, this approach aligns closely with the natural developmental milestones of babies. Around six months, babies gain the ability to sit up unassisted, develop the pincer grasp, and show curiosity about food. Isn’t it fascinating how biol...
Providing support during the breastfeeding process not only helps mothers feel more comfortable, but it also significantly contributes to the success of breastfeeding. Unfortunately, many mothers express that they do not receive enough support from their partners. Having fathers more actively involved in this process can help mothers cope with the challenges they face. A study conducted in Italy showed that when fathers received breastfeeding training, breastfeeding rates increased during the first six months. In a similar study conducted in our country, it was determined that fathers' reluctance to support breastfeeding led to a decrease in the mother's milk supply and, in some cases, to the cessation of breastfeeding. This results in unwanted outcomes for both the mother and the baby. In one of my previous posts, I discussed how fathers can support the breastfeeding process. You can read that article here. A father's support is crucial for boosting the mother's morale...