Breastfeeding Toddlers Part 2

Steph Walters lives in Dorset with her husband and their five year old daughter, Isla and three year old son, Wilbur. The family are embarking on a school free life and embracing unschooling and a forest school ethos. Isla attends a local forest school twice a week. Wilbur has recently been diagnosed with autism and he is non-verbal. Breastfeeding and peaceful parenting have been a focal point. Follow Steph @littlewildflowers_and_i

“Wilbur and I began our journey together in the delivery room, skin to skin, straight after birth. We’ve been so blessed as our breastfeeding journey has been smooth. As Wilbur is our last baby, I knew that I wanted him to allow him to self-wean naturally and when he is ready. Breastfeeding has given me confidence to follow Wilbur’s lead, allowing him to show me when he wanted breast milk.

Breastfeeding has been a beautiful journey with both of our children. It’s given us such powerful bonds together, and I’ve always followed their lead and fed on demand. Overnight I’ve always kept them both close, it’s been easier to breastfeed at night with them sharing our bed. We’ve had so many extra midnight cuddles and warmth together. It’s given us an unwavering closeness and a strong bond that is even more precious since Wilbur’s autism diagnosis at the start of this year.

We wrap ourselves around each other, he entwines his fingers in mine, and we curl up and rest. I get to smell his long hair and I adore the little looks he gives me when he peers up at me when he’s feeding, it’s a magical feeling. I’m Wilbur’s safe place, and one constant person who will never be far, whenever he needs me day and night, and I can be this for him for as long as he needs me.

ADVICE TO MAMAS

Breastfeeding is more than milk, it’s comfort, closeness, love, protection, safety, nourishment and calmness. Follow your little one’s lead and cues. She will show you. Always believe in yourself and trust your body.”

Breastfeeding is much more than food
In ‘Mothering Your Nursing Toddler’, Norma Bumgarner explains how breastfeeding is so much more than food to toddler, “Breastfeeding can provide feelings of love, comfort, and protection. When a mother makes herself available to nurse her child through a situation that he can’t handle alone, he will likely develop independence based on faith that mother will be there to help. Allowing a toddler to nurse (or wean) at his own pace is an expression of trust that contributes to his self-esteem”.

Natural weaning
A child who weans gradually is able to maintain his emotional attachment to his mother. Rapid weaning may cause the breasts to become uncomfortably full; a mother’s body responds to signals to reduce milk production only gradually. The sudden shift in hormones may cause the mother to become depressed and she may also risk developing mastitis or a breast abscess. The physiological process of weaning is complex and involves microbiological, biochemical, nutritional, immunological, and psychological adjustments for both mother and child. During the weaning process the composition of human milk adjusts to meet the needs of the growing child so that, although the volume is decreasing, an appropriate level of nutrients remains present and immunological protection is not compromised.

VISIT annowenfoto.com
READ Breastfeeding Made Simple - Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
EXPLORE Resources for Natural term Breastfeeding abm.me.uk