Breastfeeding Baby Help » extended breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Your Toddler – Benefits Unlimited

admin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:49:23 +0000

It used to be that mothers would only choose to breastfeed their infant children at their first few months or six months at the most. Yet nowadays, an increasing number of women has chosen to continue doing so far longer than six months or even more than they have planned.

Recent years have shown that more and more mothers in most countries around the world have chosen to continue breastfeeding their young children from infancy until 3 to 4 years old. This is now becoming a common sight in most societies where toddlers, as much as their own mothers, enjoy the breastfeeding habit. When mothers and their young children, toddlers in particular, are seen still enjoying this habit, one must not try to stop it.

Before, it was widely believed that after six months of breastfeeding a nursing mother loses her milk’s natural nutrients and should begin to wean her baby from breastfeeding. This is not true at all. Even beyond six months, a mother’s milk still has the valuable protein, fat and other essential nutrients which babies or even toddlers need.

Breast milk, unlike processed milk found in commercial and drug stores, contains natural immune compounds or elements that can protect infants and young children from infections. These elements assist the immune system and other vital organs of a growing child to develop and mature fully well.

Studies among children in day care centers showed that breastfeeding children were proven to suffer significantly decreased levels of severe infections or diseases as compared to those who have since stopped breast-milk feeding. Also, a lactating mother stands to lose a smaller amount of work time if she prefers to continue her breastfeeding once she gets back to her regular work schedule.

So if you are a mother with an infant, it will be one very smart decision if you continue nursing your baby even past his or her six months of breastfeeding. Although many people believe that this is not necessary, breastfeeding will continue to be the best and most natural growth and development supplement for your baby or toddler. There is no better substitute for the health benefits breastfeeding can give you and your child. It is only when you and your child both agree to stop can you then begin to wean your child. No one else has to or can stop you from nursing your child for as long as you both want and enjoy it. The right time can tell you both if and when you feel that you have to stop breastfeeding. For now, just do it – for both your and your baby’s sake.

About the Author:

Abhishek is an expert Baby Shower organizer and he has got some great Baby Shower Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 117 Pages Ebook, “How To Have A Roaringly Successful Baby Shower!” from his website http://www.Childbirth-Guru.com/121/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Breastfeeding Your Toddler – Benefits Unlimited

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Breastfeeding at 21 Months

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:24:08 +0000

Bedtime nursing. That’s me on piano playing ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ by Simon and Garfunkel.

Visit my website at:
http://www.naturalbaby.info

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Jack Newman talks about breastfeeding toddlers (throughout pregnancy)

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:18:23 +0000

Jack Newman, Debra Pascali-Bonaro, Betty-Anne Daviss, Carole Dobrich, Geneviève Gagnon, and I (Emma Kwasnica) talk about breastfeeding toddlers and breastfeeding during pregnancy –during brunch at my house the day after the Montreal screening of Debra’s film, ‘Orgasmic Birth’ (2009/05/05)

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Toddler Nursing at 28 Months

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:13:42 +0000

Mom breastfeeding her toddler.

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Breastfeeding Toddlers

admin — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 04:38:00 +0000

Once your baby is walking and talking there is no reason to stop breastfeeding. In fact most health organizations recommend continuing breastfeeding for at least 2 years, or longer. No emotional, mental, or physical issues have been found to be associated with extended breastfeeding.

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ommend continuing breastfeeding for at least 2 years, or longer. No emotional, mental, or physical issues have been found to be associated with extended breastfeeding.

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YouTube – breastfeeding from birth to 2 years and beyond

admin — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:08:58 +0000

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Extended Nursing – Breastfeeding More Than 12 Months

admin — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:58:39 +0000

Extended nursing can be defined as breastfeeding beyond the first year of a child’s life. This practice is healthy, safe and should be regarded as completely normal. However, some Western societies have conspired to make it an almost taboo activity and pressure on women to stop nursing their children at 12 months old has become commonplace. The disapproval of friends, family and even strangers can become quite a burden and this alone may prevent mothers from carrying on with what must be one of the most natural acts of motherhood.

Both the World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend that women should breastfeed their children until they are at least two years old and there are many health benefits associated with doing so. Breast milk can provide vital immunities, vitamins and enzymes as well as a great deal of comfort to your developing baby.

During a time when your toddler is learning to become independent in so many different ways, extended nursing can help to boost their confidence and provide a form of continual reassurance and support. Western culture tends to operate on the premise that by giving your child independence from the physical act of breastfeeding, they will be enabled to become more self-sufficient and individual. Nevertheless, by ending nursing in an abrupt way, the opposite can happen and your toddler may suffer from what is known as ’separation anxiety’.

Separation anxiety will often start to evolve when a baby is around one year old. By continuing to nurse your toddler, some of these problems can be alleviated. There are many advantages to extended nursing and some of the following may apply to you.

Children contract viruses and colds on a regular basis, at times breast milk is the only thing a child will be able to keep down and the ability to nurse will provide a huge amount of comfort
By allowing your child to ’self-wean’, many of the difficulties associated toddler tantrums can be eased
If you travel frequently, nursing is far more convenient than carrying around feeding bottles and milk and can prove to be a wonderful way of providing reassurance in unfamiliar surroundings
You may be able to delay menstruation for a year or more, though it should be noted that breastfeeding is not a reliable form of contraception – always use alternative protection

Tips for extended nursing

If you do decide to opt for extended nursing there are numerous ways to make it work in practical terms, which fit in with your lifestyle.

The way a toddler feeds varies tremendously from how a newborn baby does. They may want to experiment with different positions and you will need to find ways to breastfeed comfortably
A number of mothers find nursing a toddler in public places a daunting prospect. If you feel this might be a problem, try to limit feeds to morning and evening and before daytime naps
The recommended age for starting children on solid foods is 6 months. As their intake and interest in solid food increases they will naturally need less breast milk, thus limiting the necessity for regular nursing during the day
If friends, family or strangers tackle your decision to nurse your toddler, try not to be defensive. Instead, gently explain your reasons for doing so and point out the benefits. Many people have prejudices simply because of society’s preconceived ideas on childrearing. If they hear the facts, they may change their mind and begin to understand your preference for extended breastfeeding
At times the decision to carry on nursing can affect a couple’s relationship. If this could be a problem for you both, it is a good idea to sit down with your partner and discuss your reasons for wanting to continue. Make sure you listen to his views as well as expressing your own, then try to make a compromise. When confronted with the facts, your partner may be able to see the benefits of extended nursing.
As toddlers begin to explore the world of language, they will be able to ask when they feel the need to nurse. It may be a good idea to adopt a codename for feeding, as this will save any potential embarrassment in public places
Sometimes, when children are unwell or teething they may not want to breastfeed. This could only last for a short time or it may be the start of self-weaning. Continue to offer your child the opportunity to nurse and see how the situation develops
Children usually self-wean gradually and you may end up only feeding in the evening, before bedtime. The age for self-weaning varies and it is thought that many toddlers benefit from being able to do so, as it allows them independence to make their own decisions, which is a very important life skill

Diet tips for nursing moms

Many women believe they will have to drastically change their diet when they begin to breastfeed. However, you may only need to make a few adjustments to the way you eat and drink.
Breast milk will provide all a baby’s nutritional requirements, regardless of whether you are eating properly. If your diet contains insufficient vitamins and minerals only you will suffer as a result. Try to follow a healthy and balanced diet, so you both reap the benefits.

Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables as they provide essential vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants
Lean meat and fish will ensure that your milk contains enough protein and iron. However, it is important to remember that the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that due to rising mercury levels in fish, you should try to limit yourself to no more than 12 ounces of fish per week and avoid shark, golden or white snapper, mackerel and swordfish
Green, leafy vegetables are also rich in iron, as well as other important vitamins and enzymes
Dairy products are packed with calcium which both you and your growing child will require
Drinking alcohol when nursing is potentially damaging for your child, as it does pass into breast milk. If you do enjoy an occasional drink, wait for at least two hours before feeding, to allow any alcohol consumed to disperse from your milk supply
Certain foods that are strong in flavor (such as chilli, garlic or raw onions) may cause your child to become gassy or even suffer from colic. Though it is worth remembering that one baby’s reaction to a particular food may be vastly different from another’s. The best course of action is to watch what you eat and observe your child’s response to any strong-flavored food. You will then be able to eliminate anything that causes an after-effect
Make sure you drink plenty of water – it is very important to stay hydrated when you breastfeed (although this will not affect your milk supply). Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
It may be worth continuing with pre-natal vitamin supplements whilst you continue to breastfeed; this will ensure that you receive all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. If you are at all worried about your general health, make an appointment to see your regular doctor

As we have seen, there are pro’s and con’s to extended nursing. Whether you choose to breastfeed for up to one year, experiment with extended nursing or exclusively bottle feed your child, it should always be an individual choice. Try not to let other peoples opinions affect the decisions you make and don’t be swayed by the pressures that modern society can so often exert. If you follow your own beliefs you will feel happy and fulfilled and this alone will have a positive effect on the contentment of your child.

Sophie Cosic is the mother of twin girls and author of numerous articles on childcare, education, natural health, parenting and pregnancy. She is a European distributor of Colic Calm, the acclaimed Gripe Water available for babies with colic, baby gas and infant reflux.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sophie_Cosic

Author: Sophie Cosic

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Over the Counter Cold Medications and Breastfeeding

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:49:24 +0000

It can be extremely frustrating when you’re breastfeeding and you have a cold! Not only do you feel extremely lousy but you can’t just take any old over the counter medications to relieve your discomfort. This is because not every cold medication is safe to take while breastfeeding. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose over the counter cold medications that are safe while breastfeeding.

First of all, you should ask yourself if a non medical approach is possible. While nursing, it is typically suggested that you try the non medical approach first as these tend to be safer for baby. Some proven natural methods that may help are:

• Take a Nap.

• Take Vitamin C or Drink Plenty of Orange Juice.

• Take a Warm Bath with Vicks Vapor Rub In It.

• Use a Humidifier.

• Rest and Relax.

Second, you should do a bit of research about the medication you wish to take. This can be done by asking your physician, a pharmacy technician, or some other medical professional. Another option is to conduct some internet research. Keep in mind however that many over the counter cold medications are excreted through breast milk so that when you take a dose, so does your baby. In addition, some cold medications have also been shown to limit or impede a mother’s ability to make milk. A good rule of thumb is that if a medication was safe during pregnancy then it is likely to be safe while nursing. However, always ask a professional to be extra careful.

Third, know the facts and be wise in your decision. Although natural remedies tend to be best, here are some common cold medications that are often recommended while you’re breastfeeding. Tylenol Cold and Sudafed are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, along with Beconase or Flonase nasal spray. For allergies, non sedating Sudafed and Benadryl are also considered safe for use during breast feeding, although some studies show that Benadryl can actually decrease your milk supply. Allegra is fine as well, however you should avoid long term use. One thing you should also avoid is the extended capsules or formulas. These are the ones that are meant to last all day long. They are more likely to get into the breast milk and be passed to baby, as well as stay in his or her system for a longer period of time.

Instead of risking this, simply take the regular acting medications and avoid the 9 or 12 hour kind. If you find that your cold or condition is not getting better and you are continuing to take the medication in order to find relief, you should visit your physician. Continuing to take the medication will only increase the risks to your baby, and medicines should not be taken for more than a few days with no improvement in condition.

In conclusion, breastfeeding is a wonderful thing and you shouldn’t let something like a cold slow you down when it comes to giving your baby the best possible start. By utilizing the tips and ideas mentioned above, you can make the best choice for you and your nursing baby.

Breastfeeding and weaning your baby doesn’t have to be a frustrating or difficult process. Get the information and support you need by visiting http://www.breastfeedingweaning.com , the number one resource for breastfeeding and weaning moms on the ‘net.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mishaun_Taylor

Author: Mishaun Taylor

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Three Pieces of Breastfeeding Advice to Ignore

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:49:16 +0000

“Don’t nurse your baby all the time or she’ll become too dependent. You must wait and feed your baby every few hours.”

This is possibly the most damaging piece of breastfeeding advice you’ll ever hear. Not only can following this advice lead to clogged milk ducts and breast infection, it can sabotage your entire breastfeeding relationship.

In short, don’t do it.

Don’t breastfeed your baby like a bottle-feeder. Scheduled feedings apply to formula fed babies, not nurslings. Unlike formula, breastmilk is quickly digested and since babies have small stomachs, expect your little one to “cluster feed” through most of the day-and night-in the early weeks. It’s normal for newborns to appear hungry every hour or so for part of the day.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, newborns should be nursed whenever they exhibit hunger cues: rooting, putting hands to mouth, mouthing, fussing, or crying, which is actually a late sign of hunger. Listen to them.

Unlike formula, breastmilk works on the law of supply-and-demand. The more baby nurses, the more milk you’ll make and vice versa. Babies on scheduled feedings may not nurse enough to build up an adequate milk supply.

And as for the line about babies becoming dependent? Babies are supposed to be dependent on you. After all, there isn’t much a baby can do for himself. So throw those schedules in the diaper pail.

“Whatever you do, don’t let baby sleep in your bed.”

While co-sleeping may not be the answer for all families, it can make nighttime breastfeeding (and sleeping) less of an ordeal for parents and babies. Most families throughout the world sleep next to their babies. The US is one of a few countries where this act is considered taboo. But why?

According to the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame, babies and mothers who co-sleep receive more sleep than those who sleep separately.

But what about long-term negative effects of co-sleeping? Research shows there aren’t any. While some parents seem to have an irrational fear of “over-lying”, this simply isn’t an issue unless a parent is under the influence of mind altering substances – in which case, they shouldn’t be caring for a baby anyway.

Actually, babies who co-sleep tend to have something in common-they’re thriving-both physically, mentally and intellectually. And they’re nursing well. Babies who co-sleep tend to eat more at night, maintaining mom’s milk supply and promoting natural child-spacing.

Co-sleeping makes nighttime nursing much easier and is safe, provided you take some safety precautions and are nonsmokers. If baby wakes during the night, all you have to do is roll on your side and let the nursing begin. Then you can continue getting your snooze on while baby nurses back to sleep.

Ignore those people who say you might roll on your baby (highly unlikely if you’re sober) or are being a sap. People talk like sleeping next to your baby is a slippery slope-do it once and you’ll never have a child-free bed until the teenage years roll around. But this isn’t necessarily true. As with everything, do what works in your family’s situation.

“Babies shouldn’t breastfeed beyond [six months, one year, etc]. Mothers who nurse their toddlers are doing it more for themselves than for their babies.”

There is nothing wrong with breastfeeding toddlers. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) claim there’s no evidence of psychological or developmental harm in babies who breastfeed beyond age one.

In addition, extended nursing has many benefits. Research shows that babies over a year old still receive substantial amounts of nutrients from breastmilk. Even though toddlers need nutrition from solid foods, breastmilk is still a valuable part of their diet, providing high amounts of vitamin B12, vitamin A, folate, vitamin C and protein. The composition of milk even changes to fit baby’s growing needs.

Even though the sight of nursing toddlers isn’t at the forefront of society, extended breastfeeding isn’t extreme. The AAP recommends breastfeeding for at least a year and longer as mutually desired by mama and child and the World Health Organization urges moms to nurse for at least two years.

Find out more myths and truths about breastfeeding as well as cute nursing wear at http://www.SexyNursingBra.com/blog – because motherhood is too short to wear an ugly nursing bra!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carrie_Lauth

Author: Carrie Lauth

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