Nursing Your Toddler: It's Really a Great Thing

Congratulations Mom! Your baby is digging into his first birthday cake and you're so proud. He finishes eating and asks for nursies. Your mother-in-law comments on how he's just too old and you should wean already. You see how he looks at you and you know in your gut that she's just not right. Nursing your toddler is not only an acceptable practice that's the norm throughout time and culture, it's in the best interest of both you and your child.

Here are 3 reasons on why you should feel comfort in your decision to nurse your toddler:

1. Your first concern about your child may very well be her physical well-being. You'd probably be interested in knowing that nursing toddlers is medically recommended. The World Health Organization recommends nursing for at least two years. Yes, respected medical minds throughout the world would hope that not only would you nurse your child on her first birthday but on her second and beyond. Further, internationally known radio medical expert Dr. Dean Edell claims that most mammals wean their young when they reach the equivalent of six human years. Hence, it isn't a natural imperative to force us to stop nursing our young before they can walk or even talk; its culture.
   

   The known benefits of extended nursing are protection from disease, increased intelligence, stronger oral development (in other words your child will be more articulate and less likely to need braces), less weight problems and overall better nutrition. Isn't that more important than doing the woman next door is comfortable with?

2. Next, you may worry about your little one's mental well-being. Your neighbor said that she weaned her daughter because she was too clingy and your best friend weaned because she was afraid that her son was becoming too dependent on her. Guess what; your toddler is supposed to want to be around Mommy. Your toddler is designed to depend on you, too. The notion that preschoolers shouldn't be bonded tightly with their mom is ridiculous at best and a dangerous notion since children who don't have their dependency needs met early generally become clingy later on.
   

   Worse yet, if Mom doesn't meet those needs the child will reach out until they find someone who does. On the other hand, the child who is attached to his parent and knows that his mom is still very much a part of him develop more self-confidence which allows them to grow truly independent when the time is right.

3. Finally, there's you. You're worried that you'll never get your body back. In reality, nursing helps you live a healthier life. Women who nurse for at least two years lessen their risk of breast cancer. Further, longer term nursing reduces the risk of osteoporosis as well. Nursing your toddler also releases hormones that suppress stress, a boost that anyone in who lives in today's world could benefit from. So relax and enjoy the lifetime bond that you and your child are sealing. When its time to move on, you'll know it and you'll be glad that you gave your child your very best.

About the Author Managing Partner and Editor-in-Chief at one of the best social networking and lifestyle sites for moms, EverythingMom.com. Trying to balance life at home with my 3 kids (all under 8), while building my business, working at EverythingMom.com and developing my writing. Oh and throw a load of laundry in and a dinner that isn't burnt. Wasn't working from home suppose to be easier? Posted by Carrie Anne in dynamics on June 13, 2010 More from this author  |  Author Website Follow Carrie Anne on:  |  |  |

Comments  

 

+2 # SMA 2010-06-15 05:20

I'm glad I did it!

Reply | Reply with quote | Quote

 

 

+2 # Mom Set Free 2010-06-16 18:22

I am so glad I nursed all three of mine until they were two years old. My last one turns two next month and she still wants to. Don't let others tell you to stop if your heart is still in it!


Kari

Reply | Reply with quote | Quote

 

Refresh comments list
RSS feed for comments to this post

Add comment

Name (required)

E-mail (required, but will not display)

Website

Notify me of follow-up comments

Refresh

Send

Cancel

JComments