I shared a clip on my Breast Vest Insta during the week of me feeding Aisling past 2 years and what that was like. I really wanted to highlight that mums feed past infancy and into toddlerhood, as many times you don't hear or see much about this especially in Ireland.
I wanted to remind mums also this was really normal and you are also helping educate your older children about breastfeeding.
I was really upset when some people decided to comment and tell me it was disgusting and my girl was too old. For those of you that don't know or understand the benefits of feeding a toddler, I have listed them below here from the HSE website;
Research shows that breast milk contains more antibodies when your child is a toddler. This can help to protect them as they become more mobile.
For example, in your child's second year (12 to 23 months), 448ml or 15oz of breast milk provides:
- 29% of their energy requirements
- 43% of their protein requirements
- 36% of their calcium requirements
- 75% of their vitamin A requirements
- 76% of their folate requirements
- 94% of their vitamin B12 requirements
- 60% of their vitamin C requirements
Breastfeeding has huge health benefits for mothers.
Breastfeeding protects against osteoporosis.
It reduces the risk of:
- breast cancer
- ovarian cancer
- uterine cancer
- endometrial cancer
- rheumatoid arthritis
- cardiovascular disease
Extended breastfeeding is sometimes called 'natural term breastfeeding'.
Breastfeeding your toddler beyond infancy:
- promotes a strong attachment
- is a chance to have quality time together
- makes it easier to go out and about, or travel
- means you do not have to carry feeding equipment or worry about keeping supplies fresh and germ-free
- means less packaging to get rid of, which is better for the environment