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Advantages of a Breastfeeding Toddler

“A breastfeeding toddler has many advantages over a bottle feeding toddler.

Mothers used to feed their kids much beyond infancy, even up to five or six years. That was considered quite natural. And, the result was happier and more balanced individuals. There are various advantages of breastfeeding:

1. It is convenient. Breastfeeding is far more convenient than making formula feeds, which have been created in imitation of mother’s milk. But an imitation is an imitation, at best a substitute but not the real thing.

2. It makes the child feel secure. The breastfeeding does not only satisfy the toddler’s hunger by feeding on the mother’s breast, he gets warmth and love along with the milk. There is no substitute for the warmth of the mother’s lap. A poor bottle is no match at all. Then you will look for all kinds of soothers to calm your toddler who is throwing a tantrum because he feels insecure.

3. It prevents allergy. Mother’s milk is safe; it is nourishing and it is readymade. You cannot go wrong with breastfeeding. On the other hand, you don’t know what kinds of infections and allergies can be communicated through top feed.

4. It has maximum nutrition value. Toddlers have unpredictable eating habits. On some days they may eat very well while on other days they may not touch food at all. This can be detrimental to their health and normal growth. If, along with food they are still breastfeeding, they will get proper nourishment on a regular basis.

5. It helps in speech development. A breastfeeding toddler learns to speak early and clearly.

6. It helps fight dehydration. Toddlers get dehydrated more than kids at any other stage of development. They are not so small that they have to be given water at regular intervals, and they are not old enough to remember to drink water. So, they tend to get dehydrated. With breastfeeding, they will take the required amount of liquids through the mother’s milk.

7. It is the best way to lose weight for the mother. A Mother, breastfeeding for long durations does not stand the risk of putting on extra pounds. She remains slim and trim.

8. Birth control and delayed menstruation. The added advantage of breastfeeding is that it is the best way of birth control. Chances of getting pregnant are bleak while the mother is breastfeeding.

All in all, breastfeeding is good for the toddler, good for the mother and also good for the environment. It is a heart warming sight to see a child nursing on the mother’s breast.

One wonders at the miracle of the human body that is complete in itself to provide food and love to the breastfeeding toddler.

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