Food glorious food

This week I ran our first weaning workshop, for a private group of friends who had met at antenatal classes.

I spent ages planning it, making sure I covered absolutely everything I could think of, including recipe tips and what to buy (and what not to waste your money on!).

With whole sections on nutrition, allergies and choking, we also ensured that the health side was covered properly. We went through how to deal with allergens, and what to do in the event of choking (as well as how to distinguish it from gagging) so that everyone felt confident should these situations arise.

I remember clearly with my first daughter when I was approaching 6 months and thinking about weaning, feeling like I’d only just cracked breastfeeding; and it seemed unfair to now have to work out food as well! I was excited to introduce her to food (as I love food!), but equally it seemed like a whole new thing to have to factor in and think about.

I meet a lot of parents around weaning age who feel stressed, and many parents of older babies and toddlers who feel like they still haven’t cracked it. Mealtimes become difficult instead of enjoyable, and food becomes a battle instead of a pleasure.

So, in my own small way, I’m excited to be part of the change. Helping parents feel informed and empowered right from the start. Reminding people of the goal here; which is to create children with a positive relationship with food, who eat a healthy and balanced diet (overall). It’s a big picture thing, not an every-single-morsel-of-food-needs-to-be-analysed thing.

Mealtimes should be enjoyable family occasions (overall), and if we start as we mean to continue - we can get there!

I’m passionate about it and can’t wait to run more of these for more wonderful groups - be in touch if this is something you’d like to attend x