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Introducing solids to your baby can be an exciting milestone for both you and your little one. However, it’s sometimes a daunting task, especially for new parents.
Here’s a general guide to starting solids to help build your confidence as you begin this new phase.
Experts and the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines recommend introducing solids to your baby when they are around 6 months old.1,2
At this age, your baby’s digestive system is ready to handle solid foods. Your baby also has a greater need for specific nutrients that milk alone may not provide, such as iron.
Signs that your baby is ready for solid foods include:
National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines advise you to continue breastfeeding or formula feeding your baby while introducing solids, until at least 12 months of age.1
Breast milk or formula should still be the main source of nutrition for your baby as you introduce solids. You can gradually reduce the amount of milk they consume as they start to eat a wider variety of solid foods. If formula feeding, follow the feeding guide on the can.
By the time your baby is 12 months old, they should be eating around three meals a day, in addition to breast milk or infant formula.3
Once your baby is 6 months old, you can introduce small amounts of water, on top of their regular formula or breast milk. This is more for practice than for hydration. Offer your baby cooled, boiled water in a cup or sippy cup, rather than a bottle.3
Cow’s milk does not have the right blend of nutrients for babies under 12 months. It cannot be used as a replacement for breast milk or formula until your baby is 12 months.4
From around 8 months onward, you can include cow’s milk as an ingredient with some of the foods you prepare for your little one, and you can offer dairy products such a cheese or yoghurts.4
Introduce solids to your baby gradually, one food at a time. This can help you discover possible food allergies. Start with foods that are rich in iron, such as iron-fortified rice cereal.
Here are some tips to get started:1,5
Babies with feeding problems such as food allergies or lactose intolerance may have trouble tolerating certain solid foods. It’s possible these foods could further impact their condition.1
It’s best to talk with a healthcare professional about what kinds of foods work best for babies who have feeding problems.
It’s always best to check with your healthcare professional before introducing foods that can cause an allergic reaction.
Allergy specialists recommend that you introduce food allergens from around 6 months (not before 4 months) and before 12 months of age. This may decrease the risk of your child developing an allergy to certain foods.5
Try introducing small amounts of food that might cause allergies — such as peanuts, eggs, soy and fish — one at a time. You can start by applying a small quantity on the inner lip to observe possible reactions to that specific food. It’s good to try the new solid foods during the day, rather than at night, so you can watch your child and respond if they have an allergic reaction.5
If your family and baby has a history of food allergies (such as cow’s milk protein allergy), you should be cautious when transitioning to solids and introducing new foods. Talk with your healthcare professional for more advice.
If you are able to breastfeed, breastfeeding is best for babies. Breastfeeding has many benefits, such as protecting your baby from infection while their immune system develops. It is important that you eat a healthy, balanced diet in preparation for and during breastfeeding.
Infant formula is designed to replace breast milk when an infant is not breastfed. Combining breast and bottle feeding in your baby’s first weeks of life may reduce your supply of breast milk and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. The social and financial implications of using infant formula should be considered when choosing a method of feeding.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when preparing and using infant formula, including proper sterilisation of bottles and using boiled water. Improper use of an infant formula may make your baby ill.
We recommend that you consult your doctor, midwife, or health care professional for advice about feeding your baby.
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, or learning you are at high risk, can feel like the ground has fallen away. As a doctor practising in Australia, I have sat with countless patients in that exact moment—fear, uncertainty, and a flood of questions. If you are over 30 and facing hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, tamoxifen is a word you will hear often. But what does it really mean for your day-to-day life? Will it weaken you? Cause other problems? Today, I want to walk you through this medication from a place of clarity and hope. Tamoxifen is not just a pill; it is a proven, life-saving shield that has helped millions of women and men reclaim their future. By the end of this article, you will understand why this drug is a cornerstone of cancer care, and you’ll feel empowered to take the next step.
One of the biggest fears I hear is: “Will this drug destroy my immune system like chemotherapy?” The answer is a resounding no. Tamoxifen is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM), not a chemotherapy agent. It works by blocking oestrogen from fuelling cancer cells, rather than attacking all rapidly dividing cells. This means your white blood cell counts generally remain stable, and you are not left vulnerable to every passing infection. You can keep working, hug your grandchildren, and enjoy a café brunch with friends without constant worry. While some studies suggest tamoxifen may subtly modulate certain immune pathways, it does not cause immunosuppression. So breathe easier—your body’s defence army stays intact.
For premenopausal women in their 30s and 40s, ovarian cysts are a legitimate concern. Yes, tamoxifen can stimulate the ovaries and lead to the development of simple ovarian cysts. However, these are overwhelmingly benign, fluid-filled sacs that often resolve on their own once treatment ends. In my practice, we monitor with occasional pelvic ultrasounds, but we rarely need to intervene. Crucially, the risk of these cysts does not outweigh the dramatic reduction in breast cancer recurrence. If you experience pelvic pain or irregular bleeding, your specialist can adjust the surveillance plan. Remember, an ovarian cyst on tamoxifen is usually a minor inconvenience, not a new cancer threat.
Every medication has potential side effects, but knowledge gives you control. Tamoxifen’s effects stem from its anti-oestrogen actions in some tissues and oestrogen-like effects in others. Most are manageable, and serious risks are rare. Here is a clear breakdown:
| Common & Often Manageable | Less Common but Serious (Report Immediately) |
|---|---|
|
|
Many women find that hot flushes diminish over time, and vaginal moisturisers or lubricants (available at any Australian pharmacy) can ease intimacy. The risk of uterine cancer is very low (less than 2% over five years) and is vigilantly screened for with annual check-ups. The benefit—up to a 50% reduction in recurrence—far surpasses these odds.
Yes, some patients notice mild ankle swelling or a puffy face, especially in the first few months. This oedema is generally not dangerous but can be uncomfortable. I advise reducing salt, elevating your legs when resting, and wearing compression stockings on long flights (a smart tip for any Australian traveller). If oedema appears suddenly or is severe, we check to rule out blood clots or heart strain. Most often, simple lifestyle tweaks keep it in check.
Australians love their Nurofen and Voltaren for aches and pains. You’ll be pleased to know that tamoxifen can usually be taken with common NSAIDs like ibuprofen. However, both tamoxifen and some NSAIDs can slightly increase the risk of bleeding or stomach irritation. If you need regular pain relief, I recommend paracetamol as a first line, or using the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest time. Always tell your oncologist about any over-the-counter medicines, including aspirin. For chronic conditions like arthritis, we can design a safe combination plan.
True allergic reactions to tamoxifen are uncommon. Signs to watch for include a widespread red rash, hives, itching, swelling of the lips or tongue, or wheezing. If you experience any of these, stop the medication and seek urgent medical help. Most skin complaints are actually mild rashes or dryness that respond to fragrance-free moisturisers. Your doctor can help distinguish an allergy from a harmless side effect.
Proper storage ensures every dose works as intended. Tamoxifen should be kept in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and humidity—so the bathroom cabinet is not ideal. I suggest a bedside drawer or a kitchen cupboard away from the stove. Follow these simple rules:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Store between 15–25°C | Freeze or refrigerate |
| Keep in original packaging until use | Transfer to unlabelled containers |
| Keep out of reach of children | Leave in a hot car |
| Check expiry date monthly | Use if tablets smell unusual or are discoloured |
Connecting with others who truly understand is life-changing. Australia boasts world-class support networks specifically for breast cancer patients and those on hormonal therapy. These groups help you manage side effects, share practical tips, and provide emotional fuel for the journey. My patients consistently say these resources made them feel empowered, not isolated.
These communities are your village. They share how they beat hot flushes with bamboo pyjamas, or which bulk-billed radiologist in your area offers the quickest pelvic ultrasound. You’ll learn that tamoxifen is a path walked by thousands, and the footsteps are clearly marked.
Doctor’s Note: I’ve witnessed patients celebrate milestone birthdays, see their children marry, and travel the Australian coastline—all while taking tamoxifen. The temporary side effects fade in comparison to the decades gained. By adhering to your prescribed regimen, you are actively slashing the chance of cancer returning.
Your Next Step to Lasting Peace of Mind
Tamoxifen is available at every major Australian pharmacy, with a valid prescription. It is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making it affordable. If you’ve been prescribed this life-saving medication, don’t let fear delay your start. Fill your script today. If you’re still weighing the decision, book a dedicated consultation with your oncologist or GP to talk through these points. Bring this article. Ask about your personalised monitoring schedule. Then, reach out to BCNA or Cancer Council – join a sisterhood that lifts you up. Take back control. Tamoxifen is your shield; now pick it up.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice. Always consult your treating specialist.
