Your baby just turned 1 and you’re still nursing. Great job! You might be surprised to learn that beyond the initial six months of exclusive breast-feeding, many health experts support nursing children until at least age 2.
Here’s what you can expect from extended breast-feeding.
Feeding and Frequency
One of the biggest questions on your mind might be: “How often will my toddler nurse?” The answer is highly individual, and many mothers choose to follow a feed-on-demand approach. But, a common schedule for a nursing toddler might involve feeding upon waking in the morning, before an afternoon nap, and again before bed.
You may also notice that your toddler ties nursing sessions to sleep routines or spontaneously feeds for emotional comfort. At this age, the breast-feeding relationship is about much more than simple nutrition.
Toddlers need food from a variety of sources to thrive. From 12 through 23 months, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends feeding your child three to four meals per day along with breast-feeding on demand. You may also offer one or two snacks, depending on your child’s appetite.
What Are the Benefits?
As your child grows, the composition of your breast milk actually changes to meet his nutritional needs. In other words, you’ll give your toddler some extra protection against viruses and a boost in her general health.
Breast milk is rich in cholesterol and an omega-3 fatty acid called DHA. Both of these nutrients support brain development. In fact, breast-fed kids might even have higher IQs and get better grades in school. Even more interesting is that the benefits increase the longer a child consumes breast milk.
What’s in it for you? The breast-feeding support organization La Leche League International (LLL) shares that extended breast-feeding may lower your chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer. You also may find that nursing gives you some much-needed quiet time during hectic days.
Note: Exclusive breast-feeding may serve as a form of birth control in the early months. Toddlers feed far less frequently than newborns and infants, though, and your hormone balance will eventually shift. You should always back up breast-feeding with another birth control method, especially once your menstrual cycle returns.
What Are the Challenges?
Toddlers are interacting much more with the world around them. As a result, they might be distracted. Often, toddlers will tug hair, flail their bodies around, and otherwise play at the breast. Consider offering them a nursing necklace to explore, dimming the lights, or trying a different feeding position.
You may experience more nips and chewing as your curious tot explores his fresh set of teeth. Tell your child in simple terms why chewing isn’t acceptable. You may also offer her a teething ring as an alternative or praise your child when she nurses without biting.
Notice frequent distraction or frustration with a particular feed? Your child may be sending you the message that he’s ready to move on and drop that session. Speak with his pediatrician about his nutritional needs and continue to take his lead.
With extended breast-feeding, there’s also a social aspect to consider. Though the benefits are stacked high for both mom and baby, you might experience negative comments or reactions to feeding your toddler. But nursing beyond the first year is natural. Worldwide, the average age for weaning falls between 2 and 4 years old — up to 7 years in some cultures.
Keep doing what works for you and your family.
When to Call Your Doctor
Weaning your toddler who feeds on demand is often a gradual process and helps with discomforts like engorgement or infection. That being said, if you experience breast pain or swelling, fever, or flu-like symptoms, speak with your doctor. These could be signs of mastitis, a breast infection that might require medical attention.
If you have concerns over your child’s feeding habits, have a chat with your doctor. But this may present you with another challenge. You’ll likely find that some doctors encourage extended breast-feeding while others don’t know as much about it.
Not getting the support you need? Consider asking around for recommendations of doctors that might align better with your desire to continue nursing. A wonderful resource is your hospital’s lactation consultant.
Takeaways
Extended breast-feeding has a number of benefits for both you and your child. The positives outweigh any challenges you might encounter along the way. Remember: The decision to continue this nurturing relationship is up to you and your child. Keep up the good work, mama!
