Orla Harrington is one of the many mums that I’ve met through Instagram over the years. But her journey with her son Rowan was one that stood out to me. And her ‘100 Foods Before One’ idea actually influenced my own weaning journey with Peter.

In the third trimester of her pregnancy with Rowan, he was diagnosed with Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Orla was signed off work for bed rest until week 37 when she was induced. Despite all the fear and stress caused by this, Rowan was born at 5lb 5oz and he was perfect. But this is where Orla’s post natal care began to diminish. 

Breastfeeding was a part of motherhood that Orla dreamed of. She had been harvesting colostrum while pregnant and had prepared for challenges due to Rowan’s small size. However, the negativity and lack of support that she was given at the very start meant that Orla felt incredibly let down. However she was determined, and following support from a lactation consultant and a lactation counsellor, a tongue tie release, and lots of hard work and perseverance, she exclusively breastfed from 4 months. 

At 6 months Orla began weaning Rowan and she wanted to introduce 100 foods to him before he was one. As a vegan family this led to its own challenges which meant Orla had to get creative - although he wasn’t too keen on the lime or the pomegranate! I have been following Rowan’s weaning and I have found it so inspiring, influential and accessible.  

Orla is a joy to chat with, her fierce determination, resilience and kindness shines through. To follow her please check out her Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/orla.harrington/

_____________________________________

This series of the For All Mum Kind podcast is sponsored by the Gardiner Family Apothecary . Caring for your sensitive skin with their Elave and Ovelle solutions and proudly made in Ireland since 1934.

You can keep up to date with all of their news, discounts, and exclusive offers across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at Gardiner Family Apothecary. 

Visit www.GardinerFamilyApothecary.com for free next day delivery with purchases over €25.

Pamela x

Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ie/podcast/for-all-mum-kind/id1456045096?mt=2

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5q5ErY3McbYLuzC2qGfxVz