It is becoming common to receive support when nursing babies, but what about when your child is toddling around comes up to you asks for nursies and proceeds to pull up your shirt. Do you hear gasps of shock? Astonishment that you would still be nursing? Welcome to the world of nursing toddlers.
It is an interesting fact of life that people will accept giving toddlers bottles, pacifiers and special blankets and yet become uncomfortable when faced with the natural and beautiful relationship between mother and child.
The nursing toddler is still receiving the nutrient benefits of breastmilk and as well they are still receiving the comfort and security of the nursing relationship. Many a mother has found that when her toddler starts acting like ' a terrible two ' all she needs to do is offer him/her nursies and peace will reign again in short order. Many times outbursts in public can be avoided by recognizing that the youngster is hungery or tired and the offer of nursing is just what they need.
As your child is growing s/he is likely to be around more people and so the immunilogic protections of breastmilk are even more important. It is common in many cultures, and was in ours not so long ago, to nurse to 3-4 years of age or longer. Until the advertising budgets of large corporations took over it was obvious that the best place for a youngster to gain nutrition was from mothers breast.
Many opinions will be offered as to how you are repressing the independence of your child. Let me tell you from personal experience nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed because of the secure relationship they have with you, because they know you are always there for them, they will feel more inclined to explore and try new things completely confident that you will be there if they need you.
There are enzymes in breastmilk which facilitate brain development which is likely why studies have shown that breastfeed babies do better on IQ tests. Brain development continues until approximently 20 years of age, as parents we want the best for our children surely this includes enabling their full and complete development.
Of course as in most relationships there are benefits for both parties, so mom is not left out. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, reduces the risk of osteoporosis, and anemia. You of course also have the added benefit of a happier healthier child.
Remember that as in all things you know yourself and your child best. If you make an informed decision not to continue nursing now that your child is a toddler that is obviously your right and a decision made based on what is best for you both, If, however, if you stop nursing because of comments that uninformed people, often including doctors, make then you are depriving your child and yourself of some of the best times and memories you will have. There is plenty of time for them to go off on their own. For now enjoy the closeness and cuddling and unconditional love your child has for you. |
