Breastfeeding after the first year - we need a new word.
This is where I have most issue with the term "breastfeeding". As well as it being problematic from an inclusivety point of view, some prefer chest feeding, & I like to use both terms, it just isn't up to the job of describing what it is actually going on
Yes, human milk continues to be incredibly nutritious for older babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school age kids. So it is part of "feeding" them, it can be an important part of their nutrition. And can fill a nutritional hole for those who are a bit fussy with solid foods. So yes they are "breastfeeding"
However "breastfeeding" at this stage really isn't about the nutritional composition of milk. Its just handy its good for them!
It is partly about antibodies. As milk production reduces in volume it actually becomes a bit more concentrated and continues to provide as much immunological protection for your older child as it did in the early days when your baby was reliant solely on your milk. And it it still protects from specific viruses encountered in both teh family and the suddoinding environment (handy for those starting nursery, preschool or school)
But your child doesn't understand that. "Breastfeeding" at this age is mostly about connection, security and attachment. It is a relationship. It is liquid love. It is pain relief when they have had a knock or a scrape (or they have sand in their eye, see pic!) It is a place of safety when the world gets too much. It is a surge of calming oxytocin when big emotions and feelings take over. It is a way of making them stop and sit still for 5 minutes! It is a very effective way of encouraging sleep when the child is trying everything in their power to resist
Yes it tastes nice. Yes its good for them. Yes it contains lots of nutrients. Yes it makes a fab snack! But its not just feeding, its nurturing the whole person. And in fact it has been from birth! #breastfeeding above age 1# breastfeeding journey # babyexpert
This is where I have most issue with the term "breastfeeding". As well as it being problematic from an inclusivety point of view, some prefer chest feeding, & I like to use both terms, it just isn't up to the job of describing what it is actually going on
Yes, human milk continues to be incredibly nutritious for older babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school age kids. So it is part of "feeding" them, it can be an important part of their nutrition. And can fill a nutritional hole for those who are a bit fussy with solid foods. So yes they are "breastfeeding"
However "breastfeeding" at this stage really isn't about the nutritional composition of milk. Its just handy its good for them!
It is partly about antibodies. As milk production reduces in volume it actually becomes a bit more concentrated and continues to provide as much immunological protection for your older child as it did in the early days when your baby was reliant solely on your milk. And it it still protects from specific viruses encountered in both teh family and the suddoinding environment (handy for those starting nursery, preschool or school)
But your child doesn't understand that. "Breastfeeding" at this age is mostly about connection, security and attachment. It is a relationship. It is liquid love. It is pain relief when they have had a knock or a scrape (or they have sand in their eye, see pic!) It is a place of safety when the world gets too much. It is a surge of calming oxytocin when big emotions and feelings take over. It is a way of making them stop and sit still for 5 minutes! It is a very effective way of encouraging sleep when the child is trying everything in their power to resist
Yes it tastes nice. Yes its good for them. Yes it contains lots of nutrients. Yes it makes a fab snack! But its not just feeding, its nurturing the whole person. And in fact it has been from birth! #breastfeeding above age 1# breastfeeding journey # babyexpert
