BREASTFEEDING A TODDLER

Written by Caroline Meyer

Many people stop breastfeeding early on as they return to work or have other commitments that necessitate other people being able to feed their infant during the day. Many mothers enjoy the closeness and comfort of breastfeeding their baby and you can actually breastfeed your little one as long as you want. While breastfeeding a toddler may not be that common, there is a lot of official support for feeding your toddler after the age of one (extended breastfeeding). There are many benefits to extended breastfeeding and if both you and your toddler want to do so, you can continue to breastfeed comfortably for two years or more as long as your infant is thriving and receiving all the nutrition they need from their general diet. 

The Benefits

Extended breastfeeding offers a nutritional boost to toddlers, especially those that are a bit picky about what they will or won’t eat.  Studies have shown that mothers breast milk may actually change based on the infant’s needs. Make sure your toddler still gets offered healthy food and snacks as a first option and breast feed as a supplement. Breastfeed after a meal and not before so that the toddler is hungry and will want to try the solid foods first. Breastfeeding may help fill in any nutrient deficiencies. 

Breast milk contains antibodies that can help boost your toddler’s immune system. This can help reduce the risk of allergies, ear infections, colds and common childhood ailments. Breastfeeding also provides comfort to a child, which will help if they are feeling a little ill or upset. If they have gastric distress, sometimes breastmilk will be the only substance that stays down. 

Infants that are breastfed for longer show long term health benefits such as a reduced risk of high cholesterol and high blood pressure. They also have a lower risk of diabetes and obesity. Toddlers that have been breastfed are also likely to be smarter than their peers, possibly due to the additional DHA or Omega-3 fatty acids found in breast milk. 

While some toddlers may be a bit clingy, in general, toddlers that are breastfed are more confident and secure in exploring as they have the comfort and safety of their mom’s breast to return to when they need to. They are also less likely to use dummies, blankies or other emotional comfort devices as breastfeeding gives skin to skin contact and can calm an upset toddler effectively.  Breastfeeding also allows for calm, comfortable bonding time for mom and little one during the day and perfect for reducing hyperactivity before naptime. This also helps give mom some rest during the day.

Breastfeeding also helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer in adult women. Breastfeeding also helps you maintain a healthy weight as some of your caloric intake is being passed on to your breastfeeding toddler.  

The Downside 

While breastfeeding will certainly create a stronger mother-child bond, it also leaves you with less time to do your own thing. You may have to return to work later or stop doing some of the activities you were planning for after baby was born. You have to plan your day around feeding your toddler. 

It will be more difficult to breastfeed an active infant once they are running around than it was to feed a baby.  While you might be comfortable with feeding your toddler when they want or after every mealtime, but your little one might decide they want something different. They may also be a lot wigglier and squirmier and make feeding in public a lot more complicated. You may also experience backlash and criticism from people, but as it is your choice, you don’t have to engage in the discussion. If you feel the need to stem the criticism, you can indicate that many doctors actually recommend extended breastfeeding.  

Keeping the Balance 

By the age of 12 months, most toddlers should be getting the bulk of their nutrition from sold food. You no longer have to breastfeed according to a strict schedule as you would have when breastmilk was the sole source of nutrition. How and when you breastfeed your toddler will depend on you and your toddlers needs at this point. Don’t breastfeed before meals and allow the meal to settle for a bit before allowing them to breastfeed. Don’t feed meals on your lap but rather in a chair so there is a clear delineation and they become comfortable eating at the table. You can try and set a routine for breastfeeding, but usually it is easier to go along with your toddlers needs at this point instead of adhering to a strict schedule. You can teach your child a non-verbal cue to let you know when he would like to breastfeed as opposed to demanding verbally or grabbing at your breasts or shirt. If your child indicates they want to breastfeed, but you are unable to do so at that point, offer a healthy snack or drink in the meantime and let them know you will do so when it is possible.  You can also express milk and have it with you when you are out if you prefer not to breastfeed in public. 

Tips for Breastfeeding Toddlers 

Getting situated to breastfeed with a baby is a lot easier than breastfeeding a toddler. You may have to experiment with a few positions that feel comfortable for you and your little one. Most toddlers seem to prefer a sitting position on your lap with an arm behind for stability. There is no defined position and you can work out what suits you best. You may choose to breastfeed mornings, evening and at bedtime and express bottles for during the day especially as a working mom, or if you are happy to breastfeed at any time during the day, that is also up to you.  

You can decide when the right time to wean will be.  Most toddlers will wean themselves and slowly but surely stop wanting to breastfeed. You may decide to wean them earlier than they want to and this may require a discussion with your toddler in words they can understand. Offer alternatives and let them know that you will still be there for them. Have extra snuggle time and one on one time to facilitate bonding and security and alleviate fears due to the changes. Celebrate them beginning a “big kid” with their own mug or something similar to make the transition easier for them.