Nursing a baby who is over a year old is a common practice in many parts of the world. It’s called extended breastfeeding and for many families, it’s a part of something called attachment parenting as well. However, not all societies, even the most modern ones, accept this as normal, regardless of the notable health benefits it offers for the child.
Seeing past the taboos
For many societies, breastfeeding by itself, when done in public, is still a bit of a taboo in our own society. So, you can imagine the unwanted gazes, expressions, and whispers if a mom is seen breastfeeding a toddler in plain sight?
Then again, since it’s not exactly against the law to do so, it all adds up to your own attitude, how far would you go to ensure your child gets the best out of your breast milk and of course, how you can do this without offending sensitive onlookers. You might also want to prepare yourself for crude comments or curious (or sometimes even disgusted!) stares.
There are significant benefits to extended breastfeeding, so if you intend to breastfeed your child for longer, don’t let others pressure you to stop or to ditch the notion. Instead, consider the pros and cons that often accompany extended breastfeeding before making your decision.
10 incredible benefits of extended breastfeeding
- As a toddler, although your child should be getting most of his nutrition from solid food, breast milk still provides calories, growth hormones, valuable immunities, vitamins, and enzymes that are invaluable to his developing body.
- Studies show that nursing toddlers are sick less often than their peers, and when they do get sick, breast milk may be the only thing they’ll willingly consume. This helps them stay hydrated and it gives their immune system a much-needed boost too.
- Breastfeeding is good for your health too, hence the longer you breastfeed, the better. Compared to moms don’t breastfeed, you may have a lower risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.
- Contrary to popular belief, a breastfed toddler will be more self-reliant, due to the extended period of reassurance and emotional support from his mother. The strong connection a toddler feels for his mom while nursing will foster independence, not make him overly dependent or clingy as many claims.
- No proof weaning a child sooner helps him develop a strong sense of self-worth and independence, but forcing a child to stop nursing before he’s emotionally or developmentally ready won’t necessarily create a more confident child – it could even make him more clingy.
- If you travel and stay overnight in unfamiliar places, the comfort of your breast may be the best way to ease your child’s fears and make him feel more secure.
- If your toddler goes through a picky phase with food, you can rest assured that he’ll be getting valuable nutrients from your breast milk.
- You may be able to hold of your period from coming back for up to a year or more. Beware, however, that nursing isn’t an effective form of birth control, especially after you introduce solids and are probably breastfeeding less often.
- Extended breastfeeding may help you reach your ideal weight sooner. Some research shows that breastfeeding combined with a healthy diet and exercise may also keep you trimmer for years to come.
- Weaning your child when he’s ready feels more natural and less abrupt than picking a so-called; ideal’ endpoint.
When breastfeeding beyond the first year, be sure your toddler is also eating nutritious, well-balanced meals so that he continues to grow at a healthy rate.
Are there any downsides to extended breastfeeding?
Other than what people may think, there are too few.
- People who think nursing an older child is strange may make rude comments or criticize you for doing so. If you happen to be the sensitive type, then you’d probably choose to exercise a bit of cautiousness about breastfeeding in public.
- Things can get awkward if your toddler decides to lift your blouse in public for a quick snack.
- It may be a tad difficult to wean a toddler off the breast when the time comes, but of course, it’s not impossible! You’ll have to take and make an effort to distract your child with other food, drinks, and activities when he or she asks to be nursed.
- Breastfed toddlers may be inclined to rely on the breast when they’re bored or they may feel like it’s the only way to get their mom’s attention.
If there’s a will, there’s a way, we say
It’s only natural to feel agitated at insensitive comments when it comes to just about anything. As normal, feeling human beings, we are wired that way and things may get to us. Still, if you’re bent on giving the best to your growing child in terms of extended breastfeeding here are five tried and tested tricks to try.
- Nurse your child a few minutes before taking the little one out to the park, grocers, restaurants, etc.
- If you already have set times for nursing, like say, in the morning, before naps, or before bed, then plan your outings outside of these times.
- Alternatively, you can begin to train your toddler to use a sippy cup for drinks, including your breastmilk. That way, you can pump your milk and have some on standby for junior to drink from a cup, anytime, anywhere.
- If you think your child is asking to nurse out of boredom or to get your attention, try distracting the little one to divert his or her attention elsewhere for a bit. Toddlers are naturally curious and are eager to explore the world and need stimulation to fuel their rapid development. A favourite toy might also work for a while.
- Take the time to teach your child a code word or gesture to use when he wants to nurse. That way, you’ll be able to nurse quietly without drawing too much attention to yourselves.
Take care of yourself
Eat a diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, protein, whole grains, and calcium-rich foods. To stay hydrated, drink a glass of water every time you breastfeed. And if you’re not sure you’re getting all the nutrition you need, talk to your healthcare provider or a dietitian.
Feeling snappy? Snap away, it’s your business, not theirs!
If you think you’ve had just about enough nonsense from insensitive people and their insensitive remarks or even silly questions, here’s a couple of quick ways to put a stop to them:
When someone needlessly asks or states the obvious: ” Waah, so big still nursing ar?”, you can come back with a swift, stiff “Yes”, and continue with your task. Sometimes, it’s the best conversation stopper.
If someone asks, “You not going to going to stop breastfeeding ar?”, you could say, “Yes, in about five minutes or so, depends on when he’s done.”
Tandem nursing
Nursing a toddler when you have another baby on the way is possible and safe, but some women find the very idea overwhelming.
If you find yourself pregnant again and you still wish to keep nursing, be prepared for your milk supply to decrease a little as your hormone levels change. You might produce less milk as your body starts redirecting resources toward the developing fetus, and the taste of your milk may change.
Many women succeed in nursing a toddler while pregnant, and continue to nurse both children after giving birth – It’s called tandem nursing. It takes extra energy to do so, and of course, a strong will. You’ll also need to pay attention to your diet and drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration.
