Toddler Breastfeeding
Did you know that the World Health Organization recommends toddler breastfeeding “up to two years of age or beyond?” While your toddler may not nutritionally “need” breastmilk at this age, it certainly still makes a positive contribution! While breastmilk composition changes after a year postpartum, it still provides much of the fat and minerals that toddlers need to thrive. This is called ‘extended nursing’ and is becoming increasingly popular not only because of the physical benefits it provides, but also the mental ones. If you’re thinking about toddler breastfeeding and want to know more about the benefits and how best to do it, read on!
Benefits of Toddler Breastfeeding
Toddler breastfeeding doesn’t just hold an array of benefits for the child, but for you as well. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of certain cancers (like breast and ovarian) and can help you maintain a healthy weight since breastfeeding toddlers takes energy (and burns calories). Below are the benefits of extended nursing for your toddler:
Protection from illness. Your breast milk will continue to improve your toddler’s immune system so that they are less prone to colds, ear infections, allergies, and other common ailments. And even if they do get sick, nursing will help to comfort them.
A healthier future. Research has proven that breastfed babies and toddlers enjoy all sorts of health perks when they grow up, including lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol. They’re also less likely to be overweight or obese, and to develop type-2 diabetes!
A brain boost. Though the research isn't exactly conclusive, some studies have found that the longer and more frequently a toddler breastfeeds, the smarter he’s likely to be thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids, or DHA, that are unique to breast milk.
Toddler independence. Rather than making him clingy, your toddler will be more comfortable exploring on his own when he knows that he always has the safety of your breast to return to.
Quiet time. Toddlers are very busy humans! They’re exploring, building new skills, figuring out all sorts of things about the world. Breastfeeding a toddler can provide the perfect respite during a busy day — a need that moms can certainly relate to.
The Difference Between Toddler Breastfeeding & Baby Breastfeeding
It goes without saying that toddler breastfeeding is a little different from breastfeeding a baby. It can be much more erratic and varies greatly from child to child. It is completely normal for toddlers to have an increased interest in everything around them, and, as a result, be less interested in breastfeeding. Alternatively, your toddler may be so focused on all the changes happening within themselves, that they will seek comfort in spending lots of time at the breast in order to reconnect with you and adjust to all the new skills in their life. No matter the toddler breastfeeding pattern, the average breastfeeding frequency decreases gradually as the baby gets older. Once or twice a day breastfeeding sessions can continue for months and even years, depending upon the child and mom.
Nursing Positions & Tips For Toddler Breastfeeding
By now, your toddler is probably more interested in running around and exploring the world than sitting still to eat. Even if you could put him into a football or cradle hold, they would most likely squirm out of it pretty quickly, and that’s okay. Most toddlers prefer to nurse sitting on your lap, with or without your arm tucked under for stability. As long as you choose a position that’s comfortable for both of you, there’s no right or wrong way to go.
How To Respond To Negative Toddler Breastfeeding Comments
While there is plenty of research done around the benefits of toddler breastfeeding, it isn’t without its critics. Many people find it difficult to wrap their heads around breastfeeding past one year of age, claiming it makes the child too dependant, among other things. The best thing to do if someone starts to comment upon your toddler breastfeeding is to respond in a short, sweet, and non-defensive way.
If you’ve tried to put an end to the discussion on your extended nursing by offering the “Doctor’s orders” comeback, but someone keeps harping on it, there’s nothing wrong with having a repertoire of responses to your critics. When someone says, “Is Jack still nursing?” Just answer, “Yes,” and leave it at that. In answer to, “Is he ever going to stop nursing,” just say, “Yes, in about 10 minutes.”
Weaning Off Toddler Breastfeeding
Child-led weaning occurs when a child no longer has a need to nurse – nutritionally or emotionally. Many toddlers who breastfeed tend to wean themselves. If yours doesn’t, and you want to step up the process, try simply talking to your child.
By age 2, your child understands what you are saying. Gently let them know that the time for nursing will stop soon, but that you will still be there to play, read, and cuddle them if need be. You may want to schedule some extra fun activities for you to do together to soothe their fears of abandonment. It might also help to explain that graduating from nursing is something big kids do, and an occasion to celebrate!
