The Nursing Baby - Q&A

Actually, Amy, if your daughter quit solids altogether and ate only breastmilk her nutrition would be at "the ideal". There is nothing lost in the quality of your breastmilk as your daughter ages. As long as you offer a variety of healthy solids for *her* to choose from, she will most likely choose an array of healthy foods for herself. Also, you may be surprised to know that toddlers breastfed at least 3 times a day are unlikely to need any additional milk products for calcium, since the calcium in mother's milk is highly absorbable. It may seem to you that your breasts cannot be producing much milk at this stage, but you would be surprised at how much milk a toddler can get without the mother feeling much sensation of letdown or any breast fullness.

In addition the the high qualility of your milk, you are already aware of the security your daughter gains. This bond between you will make the turbulent toddler years even easier to handle. Your daughter always knows that you are a source of comfort as well as a loving source of discipline.

Finally, breastfed toddlers have been shown to be far healthier than their weaned peers. Breastfed toddlers still receive the anti-infective properties of their mother's milk. In one poverty-sticken country, breastfed two year olds were 50% more likely to survive.

I applaud your continuing to breastfeed in a pro-weaning society. Your daughter is reaping the rewards.