In this special edition episode by La Leche League GB (LLLGB), volunteer breastfeeding counsellors Sarah Fletcher and Maria Yasnova explore the important stage of introducing solid foods to our babies and subsequently communicating to our children why eating varied and nutritious food is important for our health.

Since the beginning LLL has been guided by their philosophy which is defined by 10 concepts.

One of these concepts says 'good nutrition means eating a well-balanced and varied diet of foods in as close to their natural state as possible'.

In this episode we discuss this concept and how to make it work in the food environment we live in with Chris van Tulleken, a doctor, academic and broadcaster. Chris grew up in London and trained in medicine at Oxford University, specialising in infectious disease and tropical medicine. He has a PhD in molecular virology from University College London where he is currently an Associate Professor in the division of Infection and Immunity. Chris is one of the BBC's leading science presenters. In 2018 Chris investigated the impact ultra-processed foods have on our children, in 'What Are We Feeding Our Kids?' for BBC One. His research led to his latest book Ultra Processed People, subtitled 'Why Do We All Eat Stuff That Isn't Food... and Why Can't We Stop?'.

His book highlights that we are living in a food environment that makes good nutrition nigh-on impossible. The book says it is about 'The right to know what we eat and what it does to our bodies and the right to good, affordable food.'

A holistic model of support offered by LLL is discussed and the listeners are encouraged to reach out to LLLGB if breastfeeding support and information is needed.

LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parent to parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding. The charity was founded by seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.

Episode Notes:

For breastfeeding support and information please visit:

La Leche League GB - Friendly breastfeeding support from pregnancy onwards

For more information on introducing solids see the following resources:

https://laleche.org.uk/starting-solid-food/

https://www.firststepsnutrition.org/eating-well-resources

https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/starting-solids/