Breastfeeding

Nursing is good for your toddler. If you are breastfeeding, continue as long as you and your toddler enjoy it. Nursing has many benefits:

• Breast milk provides nutrients your child needs.
• Breast milk helps protect against illness and allergies. If your child does get sick, nursing can be a comfort. In case of an upset stomach, breast milk may be the only thing your child can keep down.
• Nursing is soothing. As toddlers test their independence, they often feel frustrated. Nursing can calm a fussy, tired child. It’s also restful for you.
• Nursing saves time and money.

Some tips:

• Give your child plenty of hugs and kisses. You are nursing less often now. Hugs help make up for the loss of closeness.
• Recognize that some people will question nursing after age one. Be ready with answers like: “My doctor endorses it.” “Some babies nurse longer than others.” “It’s a special time we both enjoy.” “Breast is best.”
• Plan ahead. Nurse your child at home before going out. Bring along crackers or other healthy foods to offer as a snack.

Get some sunshine!

Take your child outdoors a few minutes a day. Sunshine enables the body to make vitamin D. The lack of this vitamin can cause the child’s bones to soften. This condition is known as rickets. It can result in bowed or crooked legs.

Dark-skinned children need more sunshine than light-skinned ones. That’s because dark skin absorbs less sunlight.

Your doctor may advise giving your child vitamins, especially if you are breastfeeding. A supplement can help ensure that your baby gets enough vitamin D. Check with your doctor.

To learn more about breastfeeding, you may want to contact your local health department, WIC clinic, hospital, La Leche League or doctor. You can call La Leche League at 1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site at www.lalecheleague.org/.

This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow Smart—Your-Twelve-Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.

Note: For info on sex after delivery, subscribe now to the GreatDad newsletter for new dads.

Previous / Next: Feeding