Breastfeeding Toddlers
Why are breastfeeding toddlers so horribly offensive to many people? I know so many women – myself included – who are or were closet breast feeders. Why should we be?
I have been asked –in that disapproving tone– "Are you still breastfeeding!!??" about a thousand times, and my son stopped breastfeeding at 20 months!! Hardly late!!
I remember being given samples of formula from my pharmacist when my son was about 4 weeks old. Being my first child and not knowing many women who had breastfed, I had no idea when to stop breastfeeding, so when my pharmacist told me that I "have to wean some time soon." I thought he was right. But thankfully I put those samples in my pantry and forgot all about them.
I think it's a combination of clever marketing for toddler formulas, the idea that beyond 6 months solid food will meet their nutritional needs, the social stigma of breastfeeding toddlers, and dads wanting "their" breasts back, that makes lots of mums feel like they have to wean before they want to.
If you are feeling pressure to stop breastfeeding feel free to dish these facts out to the culprits:
Breastfeeding toddlers, or at least until the age of 2 (and beyond) is actually recommended by the World Health Organisation. Studies have shown that while breastfeeding for a short time is good, breastfeeding for a longer time actually compounds the health benefits for the mother and child.
Breastfed toddlers:
• are less likely to be hospitalised for illnesses than weaned toddlers
• are less likely to be overweight or obese in later life
• have stronger long term bone mineral density
• are more independent as they are more emotionally secure
For mums, breastfeeding older children gives greater protection against osteoporosis, because the estrogens produced while breastfeeding help to strengthen your bones and prevent bone loss. And again, it's dose related so the longer you breastfeed for, the greater the protection.
If the pressure is too much then making rules with your toddler about when he or she can breastfeed may be a way to limit the amount of time or times of the day that you breastfeed.
So you can try breastfeeding only at bed time, or only in a private, quiet room –helpful for when you're out. And distracting your toddler may help them wait until you can feed somewhere comfortably and privately.
I used to tell my family "yes, I know I have to stop breastfeeding". That became my answer to everyone. What I didn't realise at the time was that I was actually telling people that my intention was to stop and that perhaps I didn't know how. So of course I would then get an influx of how–to type advice which I didn't want.
Clearly and confidently communicating your position to people along with the health benefits of long term breastfeeding won't leave much room for your would be oppressor –or concerned onlooker– to move. But usually, all they really need to hear is that you're happy with your breastfeeding relationship and that you will go with it for as long as it suits you.
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