How beneficial is breastfeeding for older babies and toddlers?

Feeding & Weaning
1

Many parents wonder about the benefits of breastfeeding as their child grows, especially beyond the first year. While some experts suggest that breastfeeding continues to provide important nutritional and emotional support, societal expectations can make the decision more complex. For those of you with older babies or toddlers, what has your experience been like with extended breastfeeding?

Supporting the nutritional needs of older infants while also addressing the comfort and emotional connections can be challenging. How do you see breastfeeding impacting your child’s development at this stage? Are there specific health benefits or changes you’ve noticed?

I’d love to hear your experiences! When did you find breastfeeding to be most beneficial, and how has it worked for you with your older infants or toddlers?

2

I found breastfeeding my toddler to be super helpful, especially during those teething phases. The comfort it provided really seemed to soothe him, and I noticed he was less fussy. Plus, I think it strengthened our bond even more during that time!

3

I think it really depends on the child and the family. For my toddler, I found breastfeeding was great for comforting him during transitions, like starting daycare. But honestly, the pressure from others can be pretty overwhelming when you’re trying to make it work past the first year. It’s nice to hear different perspectives on it!