NURSING
MOTHERS, INC.
Nursing the Older Baby
Factsheet 23
Many mothers consider that classification of the "older baby"
is dependent on stage rather than age. Typically, though, we tend to
think of the older baby as one who has passed most of the milestones of infancy
and is on her way to becoming a toddler. Our society pressures
mother to wean "early" and criticizes them when they choose to
continue nursing their babies beyond the first year. However, many
mothers choose to nurse well past infancy, knowing they are still providing
their child with all the nutritional and health benefits their breastmilk can confer. The most recent recommendation
from the
It is very common that a mother will tell herself she plans to nurse up to a particular age and then wean. She then finds herself nursing long past that deadline. In fact, the nursing relationship may have become such a comfortable part of day-to-day mothering that the mother may not realize her baby is an "older baby" until someone asks her the unfortunate question "Is your baby still nursing?"
While these remarks may jostle your confidence, it helps to remember they come from people who are misinformed and do not understand. You might remind them that a former Surgeon General and international health organizations recommend nursing a child a minimum of two years! It is hard to explain the many facets of mothering that nursing involves. For the mother who sees nursing as an intimate part of the growing relationship of caring, the rewards and satisfaction of nursing the older baby are many and varied.
Reasons to Continue Nursing
Through the second year, breastmilk can provide up to 31% of a toddler's calorie needs and 38% of all dietary protein. Through 18 months, a baby can get from breastmilk: 95% of her vitamin C supply, 100% of vitamin A, 44% of calcium, 41% of niacin, 26% of folic acid, and 21% of riboflavin. She may also get as much as 50% of her iron requirements from breastmilk.
Toddlers fare especially well when foods supplement rather than replace breastmilk. Weaned toddlers may exhibit energy deficits as high as 28% despite a 60% increase in their intake of other foods. Typically, toddlers are picky eaters, and tend not to choose those foods that would supply them high quality nutrition. Prolonged nursing can fill in the gaps.
Throughout nursing, immunoglobulins are produced that protect the child from infection. Some of these compounds increase as nursing is prolonged. Long-term nursing continues to protect the child by passing on antibodies the mother produces in response to daily exposure to pathogens. Many older babies avoid the family illnesses and get sick much less frequently and far less seriously than their non-breastfed counterparts. Generally, the longer the duration of nursing, the longer the period of immunity. Many of breastfeeding's benefits provide a lifetime of reduced risk.
The benefits also extend to the lactating mother. Women who nurse a lifetime total of 2 years have a 40% reduced risk of breast cancer; the risk to those who nurse a lifetime total of 6 years is reduced by 66%. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and minimizes the severity of osteoporosis later in life.
In addition to the physical and nutritional benefits:
· Prolonged nursing satisfies a child's need for sucking, which for some babies extends well past the first year of life.
· Nursing is a wonderful way to express affection or provide security, especially during times of stress (pain, illness, hurt feelings). Nursing may comfort the shy child and help him adapt to new surroundings and people more easily.
· In days that seem to get increasingly hectic, nursing can provide opportunities for relaxation, a time when you and your baby can unwind and enjoy each other.
· Nursing helps a child recuperate more quickly from illness.
· Nursing may provide comfort to the painful emergence of molars.
· Nursing first thing in the morning can give you time to get yourself together. You don't need to worry about immediately fixing breakfast for a hungry child.
Nursing an older baby is a different experience. Toddlers can nurse sitting up, standing up - in any variety of positions. They are also more distractible. And they can usually talk. Many will ask outright for a nursing, no matter where they are.
Older babies usually have more teeth. While a baby cannot bite while nursing, older babies sometimes take playful nips. You may also find pressure marks on your breast from your baby's teeth after nursing.
If your child is very distractible, you may find feeding in quiet areas with low lighting more effective.
If your child asks to nurse in a public place, and you feel unable to comply, let her know she will need to wait. You want to convey that you are willing to nurse; you are just not willing to nurse here. Delay tactics may help, such as "When we get home", or "When we get to the car". Setting a timer at home may help, "We can nurse when the bell goes off in 10 minutes." Keep your promise, so you don't damage your child's developing sense of trust.
A child who can communicate her desire to nurse can be a great source of
joy and encouragement to you. There can be much love and good humor in this relationship, as both of you learn to be
givers and receivers.
Copyright on the Internet 1999, NMInc.
Revised: 1/03, Megan Allen
Nursing Mothers, Inc. is a
non-profit organization. We never charge for our
services, we would gladly accept your tax-deductible donations.
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