Nursing Toddlers
While it can be a challenge at times, there are some amazing benefits to breastfeeding a toddler.
The busy toddler years don’t lend themselves to the younger baby years of snuggling and contentedly gazing into each other’s eyes. Toddlers are on the move all the time! This is one of the reasons nursing a toddler is nice. It gives you a bit of a break from the constant activity and allows you to snuggle your little one they grow up so fast!
Of course, there are many benefits of extended breastfeeding including immunological and others.
If you’ve made up your mind to continue nursing your toddler, here are a few things to consider.
-The American Academy of Pediatrics favors nursing toddlers, as long as both you and your child are still enjoying the process. Keep in mind that worldwide, the median age for weaning is 4.2. Nursing toddlers is neither unusual nor strange in most cultures around the world.
-The days of quietly (and discreetly!) nursing in public may be over. Most toddlers are quite acrobatic during nursing, although you can set limits with this kind of behavior. Keep in mind that your toddler may not want to accept different rules, so be consistent about what you expect, both in the privacy of your home and in public. Finding a quiet spot with limited distractions to nurse will also give you added privacy. A baby sling can also be a very useful tool to help you nurse in public.
-Most nursing toddlers have become quite efficient at emptying your breast. They may be content to nurse for five minutes (or 30 seconds!) and be satisfied. It’s important to allow this if that is what they’re comfortable with.
-Your fertility will likely be postponed if you’re nursing your toddler. So, if you want to get pregnant again soon you may have to adjust your nursing schedule to jumpstart ovulation. Of course, for many mothers, the natural delay in fertility is a welcome thing!
Recommended:
Mothering Your Nursing Toddler
Tags: nursing toddlers
1 Trackback(s)