With a quick feed you can soothe a sore knee or a tantrum, or get a child off to sleep!
Wondering when is the right time to stop breastfeeding? Here’s why feeding into toddlerhood and beyond can be more beneficial than you may think.
Your gorgeous little baby is now eating solid food, cruising the furniture and starting to say a few words. Should you keep breastfeeding?
Anthropologists estimate the natural age of weaning to be between two-and-a-half and seven years, based on developmental factors and with comparisons with other mammals.
According to the World Health Organisation, the worldwide average for weaning is four-and-a-half years. In Australia around 21 percent of one-year-olds are still having some breastmilk, but this drops to less than one percent at two years of age. This reflects the fact that it is not currently the cultural norm in our country to breastfeed past babyhood.
Many mums are told their milk doesn't have any goodness once their baby is older. In reality, it's not possible for the nutrients in breastmilk to "switch off" once infants reach a certain age.
Breastfeeding a toddler can provide 31 percent of his daily energy needs, 38 percent of protein, 45 percent of vitamin A and 95 percent of vitamin C. Breastmilk is packed with unique antibodies for immune system development and there are many studies showing toddlers who are breastfed get sick far less often.
Many people feel that breastfeeding past a certain age will make kids overly dependent or clingy, but research has shown the opposite to be true. Children who form a secure attachment with their mother become more independent and can more easily form attachments with others.
Breastfeeding a toddler can make it easier for mums too. With a quick feed you can soothe a sore knee or a tantrum, or get a child off to sleep! Plus you'll reduce your risk of anaemia, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, breast and ovarian cancers.
It can sometimes be hard to imagine how you can breastfeed away from home with a toddler. But in reality it can be easier than feeding a small baby. Toddlers can go a lot longer between feeds. Even if you are out for a few hours you may not need to feed and, if you do, it can be very quick.
BREASTFEEDING TODDLERS
Mums have the right to breastfeed their toddlers anywhere they need to, the same as with breastfeeding babies. These rights are protected under antidiscrimination law in all states of Australia. However, if you feel less comfortable breastfeeding a toddler in public here are some tips to make it easier:
• Breastfeed with your toddler sitting in your lap, rather than lying down.
• In cafes, choose a corner or a booth and turn your back to the other customers.
• Breastfeed at home before you go out.
• Offer snacks or drinks first.
• Discuss with your toddler what you feel is acceptable for breastfeeding when out and about, including where you will feed and how long for.
• Use a parents' room at shopping centres as many have private feeding areas – and the toilets are handy!
Feel Free to Feed is all about creating a supportive environment for mums to breastfeed their babies and these ABA initiatives address that need.
This article supplied by My Child magazine with the Australian Breastfeeding Association (breastfeeding.com.au).
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