Brain Building Pesto With Asparagus

Brain Building Pesto With Asparagus

Asparagus, parsley, and basil are rich in the anti-inflammatory antioxidant quercetin and folic acid, which nourishes the growing baby’s brain and spinal cord. Serving it over zucchini noodles increases enzymes in food to balance blood sugars. The Romano and anchovies are rich in calcium and minerals. The combination of the crunchy vegetables, tangy tomatoes, and salty Romano will have your taste buds coming back for more!

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What is Baby Led Weaning?

Baby led weaning is a philosophy of introducing solid foods in a way that allows your baby to control their experience. It is very sensory. They get to fully engage in the variety of colors, flavors, and textures of food verses the “baby food” pureed method. With baby led weaning babies are eating the same foods that the rest of the family is eating. It’s affordable and easy to do. No special foods need to be prepared.

In the 1900s experts recommended introducing grain cereals to babies before other solid foods. Research has since shown the first foods babies need are iron and protein rich foods. Breastmilk is high in sugars and at nine months, the protein content of breastmilk dips slightly. Due to breastmilk’s high amount of carbohydrates, the last foods breastfed babies need added to their diet are grains and sugary foods.

Remember that introducing solid foods to your baby is just as much about their learning as it is about nutrition, so have fun with it!

What are some foods to share?

Bright colored foods are fun and packed with phytonutrients!

How do I know if my baby is ready?

  1. Age. Is my baby over 6 months old? 6 months of age doesn’t guarantee babies are ready for solids. Some may not be ready until up to 12 months old.

  2. Trunk support. Can my baby sit upright on their own?

  3. Hands to mouth. Is my baby able to bring toys to their mouth on their own?

  4. Pincer grasp. Is my baby able to grasp with their fingers? Would they be able to pinch and pick up foods?

  5. Interest in food. Are they showing interest in family meals? Have they tried to grab food when people are eating?

What meals can my family eat with our baby?

Here are some examples:

  1. Stew. Take chunks of meat and vegetables and put them on the highchair tray.

  2. Rice and beans. Give your baby a small bowl so they can pick up beans with their fingers. Add some chunks of avocado.

  3. Scrambled eggs and toast. Your baby can try egg curds and piece of toast

  4. Grilled chicken breast and vegetables. Try chicken breast strips and spears of vegetables.

  5. Roast broccoli with tofu. Give whole pieces of broccoli to hold and munch on and slices of tofu.

Check out our breastfeeding Youtube playlist below for more information and be sure to subscribe to our channel for new content!

One Midwife's Quick and Dirty Guide to Women's Health Websites

One Midwife's Quick and Dirty Guide to Women's Health Websites

Becoming a midwife was a journey that began in middle school as I pursued interests in herbalism and nutrition. Along the way, I discovered websites that influenced how I care for my body, shifted my thinking, or gave me a better understanding of how my hormones work.

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Packing your birth bag? Don't forget these foods!

Packing your birth bag? Don't forget these foods!

It’s important to fill your birth bag with food for yourself and your loved one. Not only will it be helpful during your labor, but also for the recovery after.

Protein will ground you. It will give you endurance and energy for the long haul. It will help stabilize your blood sugars and help you and your loved one feel less anxious.



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