myths about breastfeeding toddlers

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated breastfeeding recommendations extending the guidelines from breastfeeding for one year or beyond to breastfeeding for two years or beyond, in alignment with the long-standing guidance from the World Health Organization.

Although breastfeeding past age one comes with its challenges and misconceptions we have provided a list of common myths and facts below to help you navigate the new recommendation. 

myths about breastfeeding toddlers

1. Myth: By the time babies are one year old, they are too old to breastfeed.

Fact: Breastfeeding is encouraged for the first two years of life or beyond. In many cultures outside the United States, natural weaning occurs beyond age two – even between three to seven years of life.

Physically, breastfeeding continues to offer health benefits to mom including reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart attacks.3 Breastfeeding for longer lengths of time is associated with lower risk of breast cancer.

2. Myth:  Breastmilk provides little benefit after 1 year.

Fact: Breastmilk expressed after the first 18 months of life is higher in fat and protein and lower in carbohydrates than breastmilk expressed in the first 12 months of a child’s life.2 For toddlers, breastmilk continues to provide vitamins and minerals, valuable antibodies that can help reduce risks of acute infections and chronic health conditions later in life, and probiotics that develop healthy gut bacteria. Yes, it is important for toddlers to also join others at a table for meals and snacks, and they should be offered foods from all food groups, in addition to breastmilk.

3. Myth: To breastfeed for two years, you will need to pump for two years.

Fact: Often, mothers who work outside the home choose to stop pumping at work earlier than their child weans from breastfeeding. For example, a mom may decide to pump at work until her baby is one year old or will reduce the number of pumping sessions at work as her child breastfeeds less frequently. Some moms may wish to continue pumping; other moms may completely stop or only pump for comfort if away from their baby overnight.

Families are encouraged to introduce dairy foods like yogurt or cheese after six months of age. Many families often introduce cow’s milk after one year of age and offer a combination of cow’s milk in a cup and breastfeeding at a frequency desired by mom and baby. This allows for a reduced need to pump.

Any breastfeeding until age two is considered breastfeeding until age two!

4. Myth- If your baby can ask for your breasts by name, it’s time to stop.

Fact: Many older babies and toddlers develop affectionate names or ways of asking to breastfeed. You can teach your child to use a phrase that makes you feel comfortable. You can also set boundaries about where and how you feel comfortable breastfeeding. We encourage you to feel empowered to continue to breastfeed anywhere you wish. Some moms may wish to continue to breastfeed whenever their child requests. Other families may prefer to limit breastfeeding beyond a year to certain locations (like at home or families’ homes) or times of day (such as morning, nap time, bedtime, or for calm during big emotions).

5. Myth: Moms who breastfeed toddlers are being selfish.

Fact: Breastfeeding toddlers provides physical and mental health benefits for both mom and child. A key component of the AAP recommendation is that breastfeeding is encouraged to two years or beyond as long as is mutually desired by mom and child. Mothers who share their child’s desire to continue breastfeeding are not selfish. Breastfeeding offers a moment of calm for both mother and child in a season of life that can be full of emotions and, often, a bit chaotic.

For mom, this is a chance to quietly connect with her child instead of focusing on her to-do list. In fact, breastfeeding releases a hormone called oxytocin, which can help lower cortisol and blood pressure during a nursing session – leading to a calmer and more present mom for the whole family.

For a child, spending quiet time cuddling with mom offers a moment of attention and affection. This might be a nice time to reconnect after being apart during the day if Mom works. Nursing can also be a helpful strategy for redirecting a child who has become overwhelmed or to soothe a child after a minor injury.

If you want to continue to breastfeed but need help, check out the resources below. 

resources

To schedule an appointment in lactation clinic with a lactation specialist click here.

To schedule an appointment in nutrition clinic with a registered dietitian nutritionist click here.

For information on your right to pump breast milk for your baby at work click here.