Breastfeeding toddler

Breastfeeding toddler:

People can get very emotional about this topic.

There are those who are very much against continuing with breastfeeding into the second or third year. Arguments against it range from the mother’s milk being insufficient, to encouraging too much dependency in the child.

Those who are in favour of breastfeeding for as long as possible can often be just as forcible in their opinions, claiming that stopping breastfeeding earlier is depriving the child of essential emotional and nutritional support.

Once again, these strong opinions for and against, simply add to the long list of things for parents to feel guilty about! The truth is that a happy parent is going to be a better parent. Therefore following your own instinct, or heart, is without doubt, the best thing to do.

Infant and toddler nutrition is always a controversial topic, particularly the debate on breast milk versus formula milk. Parents need to be well informed, but should also be able to make their own decision without feeling pressured or guilty.

If you and your child are keen to continue with breastfeeding, then you can be sure you are giving them quality milk and emotional security by doing so.

If you, or your child, want to give up breastfeeding before the toddler age, then you would feel uncomfortable continuing against your better judgement. You will be able to offer your child the nutritional and emotional support they need in different ways. Parents who don’t breast-feed their toddlers, don’t stop cuddling them as well!

If you are unsure, and feel you cannot make a decision, you are probably not ready to give up breastfeeding yet, and would probably benefit from putting off the decision until you are sure.

Consult other parents, your doctor, your parents, but in the end the decision should be one you are happy with.