I’m currently nursing my son right now and today he turns 6 months old. The other day I was nursing and my mother casually suggested it was probably time to wean him off of nursing. I was shocked! I plan on getting to a year AT LEAST with him and then after a year, whenever he weans. She thinks there is no reason to continue nursing past a year either. I tried figuring out ways to explain why but always come up short. I know there are benefits to nursing beyond a year, but off the top of my head, I don’t know to say word for word. Does anyone have any links I can print out to show her, giving the benefits of going past a year and nursing to the age of a toddler?
I also have to say, my son is completely addicted to the boob. He constantly wants to nurse and completely refuses a bottle (except fro his daddy. Daddy’s the only one Jackson will take a bottle from thank god!) But other than that, no luck at all and we’ve been trying for months.
Any links would be appreciated!!
You are right. It is your decision if you want to carry on nursing, it has many benefits…
http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_more.html
In short: Protects Against Infection, Protects Against Illnesses, Protection From Allergies, Enhances Development and Intelligence and so much more!
http://www.llli.org/FAQ/advantagetoddler.html
Hope this helps…you can look through this whole website, it has a lot of info that may help you…
There is no need for you guys to have to rationalize your decision to anyone. It’s not their business. Just as there is no need for moms who feed formula to rationalize their decision to anyone, it’s none of any ones business.
As long as your child is getting what he or she needs and isn’t neglected nor abused, ignore those judgmental people who are trying to force their ways on you. Besides, what were you supposed to start giving him, formula after being fed BM for 6 months? Give me a break.
http://www.kellymom.com/
This is an awesome website for breastfeeding moms!! It will give you lots of info for your mom. And no, there is absolutely no reason you should wean him!! Benefits?? Breastmilk is the absolute best nutrition for Jackson!! Your body makes a special milk just for him. Breastmilk keeps him healthy during this cold and flu season, by making antibodies just for him. He is comforted by nursing, you are establishing a bond with him while nursing. And it is totally normal for him not to want a bottle. Try a cup. Some babies totally skip using bottles.
Anyway, hope this helps and I hope you like the link.
Well the “fastest” thing to say is
The American Association of Family Physician states “If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned.”
Or you could say “Oh! And I thought this was a baby human, not a baby cow”
But here’s more:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/index.html
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html
“# Nursing toddlers benefit NUTRITIONALLY
# Nursing toddlers are SICK LESS OFTEN
# Nursing toddlers have FEWER ALLERGIES
# Nursing toddlers are SMART
# Nursing toddlers are WELL ADJUSTED SOCIALLY
# Nursing a toddler is NORMAL
# MOTHERS also benefit from nursing past infancy”
(more on each at link)
A Natural Age of Weaning
http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html