You Deserve to Enjoy Mealtimes, Too — A Baby-Led Weaning Guide to More Joy
It might look like a mess on the tray, but what you're really building is trust, connection, and a lifelong relationship with food.
This one’s a little different — it’s not a checklist or how-to. It’s a zoomed-out look at what really matters most in your BLW journey.
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You’ve made it even part way through baby-led weaning? That’s something to be proud of.
Not because it’s been perfect.
But because you showed up.
You stayed curious.
You let your baby explore.
Even when it felt messy or scary or uncertain — you kept going.
That matters. Because this isn’t just about feeding your baby.
It’s about laying the foundation for how your child will relate to food, trust their body, and experience connection through shared meals.
You’re not just teaching skills — you’re building trust.
Every time you let your baby decide when they’re done eating...
Every time you offer new textures and let them explore...
You’re not just supporting motor skills.
You’re sending a message:
I trust you.
I trust that you know your body.
I trust that you’re capable.
I trust that you don’t need me to micromanage every bite to be safe, nourished, and whole.
That kind of trust is rare — and it’s powerful.
This isn’t about how much your baby eats.
One mama I worked with used to get stressed when her baby ate just one bite.
But then she told me:
“I realized she’s telling me she’s full. When I respect that, I’m teaching her that her voice matters.”
Exactly. That’s body autonomy. That’s trust.
And it starts right here — with solids.
Sometimes BLW is a way to break old patterns.
Another mom told me she grew up with a lot of food pressure:
“Clean your plate. Don’t waste food. Just one more bite.”
She chose baby-led weaning as a way to rewrite that script — for both of them.
Feeding can be healing.
It’s not just about what goes on the plate — it’s about what you’re releasing as you serve it.
Progress isn’t always flashy — but it’s real.
A baby who gagged on broccoli last week calmly explores it today.
A baby who used to throw everything now pauses, pokes, and investigates.
A parent who once felt terrified now feels curious.
One client scrolled social media and saw babies eating full plates and thought:
“What am I doing wrong?”
But when we looked back together over just one week?
→ Less stress
→ More sitting
→ More engagement
→ Her baby mouthing toast instead of batting it away
That’s real growth.
This journey can even be healing for you.
One of my closest friends chose BLW after recovering from an eating disorder.
She said:
“I wanted my baby to grow up with a foundation built on trust and joy around food — not pressure.”
And I get that.
As someone who’s spent most of her adult life navigating food and body image, I’ve been there.
So when I say I believe in this method? It’s not just as a doula.
It’s as someone who knows what it means to want better for your child.
It’s not about the mess — it’s about the moment.
Use a splash mat or shower curtain liner under the high chair — I like the ones from Bapron Baby. Use code BLWACADEMY10 for 10% off.
Yes, you’ll deal with cleanup and logistics.
But underneath all that? You’re creating a relationship.
Food is shared.
Food is safe.
Food is something you do together.
One dad I supported didn’t expect to love BLW.
But dinner became his favorite time of day.
Even now, months later, he and his daughter still eat breakfast together every morning.
That’s the rhythm you’re setting — not just for now, but for years to come.
One last story to leave you smiling…
A mama texted me from a restaurant.
She’d brought no special food. No gear.
Just sat her baby in a high chair and handed over avocado and toast from her own plate.
“For the first time, I didn’t feel like I had to perform feeding. I just got to enjoy it.”
Yes. That’s it. That’s the heart of it.
A few reminders to carry with you:
Celebrate the connection. Look past the plate.
See the trust, the presence, the shared experience.
Zoom out. This isn’t just about one bite — it’s about the story you’re writing over time.
Release the pressure. BLW doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
Keep going. Every meal you show up for matters — even when it’s messy.
You’re not just feeding a baby. You’re raising a human. You’re building a relationship. You’re doing enough.
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