Please review the concepts and consider the following questions. Next class will have discussion on these concepts and questions.
In the early years, the baby has an intense need to be with his mother which is as basic as his need for food.
How has your baby shown you that he needs you as well as your milk? Describe how you meet your baby’s or toddler’s need to be with you.
For the healthy, full-term baby, human milk is the only food necessary until baby shows signs of readiness for complementary foods, about the middle of the first year after birth.
When and how did you introduce complementary foods and a cup? What signs of readiness did you look for? If you have used bottles, please describe when and how.
Good nutrition means eating a well-balanced and varied diet of foods in as close to their natural state as possible.
How have you incorporated principles of good nutrition into your baby’s and family’s diet?
Ideally the breastfeeding relationship will continue until the child outgrows the need.
What are your thoughts about when and how weaning proceeds? If it’s part of your experience, describe your baby’s weaning.
From infancy on, children need loving guidance, which reflects acceptance of their capabilities and sensitivity to their feelings.
Describe how you practice loving guidance. How do you handle “rough” times? What are your favorite resources on this topic?