Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and you're considering weaning?
The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that "breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired."
If you and your baby are still enjoying the nursing experience, why not take a look at some of the advantages of nursing beyond that first year?
1) Immunological Benefits
Contrary to popular belief, mother's milk does not have an expiration date!
Your baby continues to receive all the benefits of human milk for as long as he is nursing. In fact, your milk changes to meet your baby's changing needs. For instance, did you know that the milk of a Mom whose baby delivers prematurely is different from that of one whose baby is full term? The milk of a Mom whose baby is older has more protein, fat and more lysozyme (which destroys E. coli and salmonella bacteria) than it did when her baby was younger.
Now that your toddler is, well... toddling about, he's exposing himself to more germs. He's mouthing everything in sight and it's getting harder to keep his toys clean. And what about those bits of carpet fluff and who-knows-what he always seems to find and quickly consume?
The immunological benefits of breastmilk may be even more important now. When your toddler does get sick and refuses food, he may even revert to almost totally nursing again. If this happens temporarily, you can rest assured that he's getting his nutritional needs met. If he's vomiting or has diarrhea, breastmilk is far superior to keep him hydrated than the popular rehydration drinks.
In addition, breastfed children tolerate vaccination better and are less likely to have adverse reactions.
In the Journal of Human Lactation, September 1995, several studies are cited which show that exclusive breastfeeding may continue well into the second half of the first year with no detrimental effects, and many positive effects. If you have a picky toddler or one with food allergies, your breastmilk serves as "nutritional insurance" for him and peace of mind for you!
2) Nursing makes discipline easier
A toddler's life is full of frustrations. Having to hear the word "No", wanting to do things that your uncoordinated body can't do, learning to communicate with Mom and Dad and learning to accept limits is hard on a little person!
Nursing is a way of quickly calming a toddler, and it makes every boo-boo better. At our house we refer to nursing as "Baby Prozac". It's also a way to ease the suffering of a child cutting molars.
Nursing is an effortless way to calm a toddler to sleep, making naptime and bedtime easier for everyone.
3) Extended nursing and Mom's health
Breastfeeding helps lower Mom's risk of certain cancers for several reasons. Firstly, the fewer times in a woman's life she ovulates, the less her risk. For some women, their fertility doesn't return until the end of breastfeeding. I've known Moms who went 2 years without a period because their tot was still nursing.
Secondly, breastfeeding lowers a woman's risk of getting breast cancer, and the longer she nurses, the higher the benefit.
Breastfeeding showers a woman's body with hormones that help make her a calmer, less stressed out, and more relaxed Mommy. I've talked with women who had to wean suddenly and they report that they were shocked at the change in their attitudes compared to when they were nursing!
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
ADHD and intimacy issues
By: desparate | 10-09-2008
My boyfriend has ADHD and is on a constant up and high with emotions and outbursts of anger. He's seeking medication and counseling, but it also affects us sexually. How do I handle this and should I continue to be so patient. The relationship is fairly new and we've already had many challenges in the early beginnings. What should I do?
Tired . . . Lazy . . . and WEAK . . .
By: FFS!!! | 10-09-2008
I am a first time dad - I am generally an active and super healthy guy, but my baby is now 2 months old and I feel old, tired and so lazy. I just dont have the time or energy for anything. I wouldnt say i get woken up every night (or that I could even remember if I do). What I basically would like to know - is this normal? Or it maybe connected something else in my life? Thanks ![:)]
Relationship Problems
By: ael31484 | 09-09-2008
I have been with a guy for over 14 months and I am so in love with him, but lately we have been not been getting along. We both don't know what to do. We ask each other why we are still together and our response is that we love each other, but when is enough enough?
I've been with my boyfriend for four years and he ...
By: unknown | 09-09-2008
I've been with my boyfriend for four years and he recently starting going to the same school I go to. I found new phone numbers from girls but there was one in particular that caught my attention and now I can't stop thinking that there may be something else going on. What should i do?
Are there documented cases of straight men who ...
By: sjbang | 08-09-2008
are there documented cases of straight men who like to put objects of all, or any sort up their ass, for sexual pleasure?
My period is acting weird
By: Hello | 08-09-2008
my boyfriend and i alway have unprotected sex. i am not on the pill i stopped taking it months ago because it was giving me very bad headaches.
my period was last this month. it usually starts around the 2nd of each month.. this month it was a week late. My boyfriend and i recently went on vaction for the weekend. we had sex and while we were having sex i started to bleed. it only happened that one time. i thought i started my period.. but im not bleeding anymore!
i dont know what that means! help pls
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