Having a toddler doesn’t mean having to stop breastfeeding.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding a child throughout the first year of life and continuing beyond that if both mom and child desire. The World Health Organization recommends continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years or longer.
Your toddler is getting plenty of nutrients from other foods at this point, but breast milk continues to:
- Provide a nutritional boost
- Strengthen the immune system
- Lower the risks of obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol later in life
Both you and your child will continue to benefit from the closeness and calm that breastfeeding provides.
So don’t rush to wean if you and your little one aren’t ready. Enjoy this special time and rest assured that you are still providing an amazing health food for your child.
See also ...
• Benefits of breastfeeding beyond infancy
This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.
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