How to Breastfeed a Toddler

Breastfeeding is gaining popularity in the United States as more women understand the benefits of nursing to both mother and child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 1 year, and many women around the world nurse their children for up to 6 years. Follow these steps to breastfeed a toddler and foster the unique bond between mother and child.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Understand the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and toddler. Breast milk contains essential fats, vitamins and enzymes that build immunity and foster good mental and physical well-being in both mom and child. Although your toddler likely receives the majority of her calories from solid foods, breast milk has unique properties that improve health.

2. Be patient with your child as you both transition from infant to toddler nursing. Your toddler will probably wiggle a lot during breastfeeding and may be easily distracted. While breastfeeding your toddler may not be as relaxing as nursing a baby, you will cherish the bond it creates with your growing child.

3. Breastfeed your toddler at specific times if you are overwhelmed by other demands, especially if you are nursing other children. Many toddlers only breastfeed at night and others only nurse when they are hurting emotionally or physically.

4. Allow your toddler to wean herself when she is ready. Most toddlers voluntarily stop breastfeeding by age four and feel a great sense of personal accomplishment when they reach that developmental milestone. If you must wean your toddler, it is certainly possible, but may be quite difficult.

5. Eat right. Make sure to increase your calorie intake when breastfeeding and to eat a balanced diet. This is especially important if you are breastfeeding more than one child or during pregnancy.

6. Decide what is right for you and your family. Although family members and friends may encourage you to stop breastfeeding your toddler, the decision to continue nursing is between you, your husband and your child.

7. Educate those who don't understand your choice. Inform critics that breastfeeding increases a toddler's sense of independence and security while providing immense health benefits. Intolerance is often born of ignorance, so sharing your knowledge may promote acceptance.

Tips & Warnings

• Americans are not always tolerant of breastfeeding babies in public, much less toddlers. If the ogling and criticizing does bother you, only breastfeed your toddler at home.
• Create a code name for breastfeeding. If your toddler demands to nurse in public using the codename, you will not feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
• Women who breastfeed and work outside the home have fewer sick days than mothers who don't breastfeed. The immunity building properties of breast milk greatly benefit moms.

Resources

• Excellent source of breastfeeding information and resources.

[missperson]

on 8/29/2009 Good thoughts. Breast is best.