A Breastfeeding Toddler:
All You Need To Know

A breastfeeding toddler is sometimes a bit of taboo - breastfeeding is often more acceptable when just a little baby is being breastfed. However, breastfeeding a toddler is a wonderful thing to do and toddlers often enjoy the closeness and familiarity that breastfeeding provides.

In this section we look at some of the issues around a nursing toddler and what you may need to consider to make it easier.

• Have a look at our general toddler breastfeeding page for common issues and concerns.
• If you are already have a breastfeeding toddler and are thinking of weaning then you will find help on our weaning a toddler page.
• Or perhaps you want to sleep more and so are particularly interested in night weaning. Read all about it here.
• Perhaps you are thinking of getting pregnant and are wondering how you can continue breastfeeding your toddler too. We have dedicated a page to breastfeeding while pregnant.
• And following on from being pregnant, perhaps you are looking into tandem breastfeeding so that your toddler can continue his toddler breastfeeding if he wants. Tandem breastfeeding may not be for everyone but it certainly has its advantages and you can read more here.

• You will also need information on what breastfeeding positions might suit you whilst you tandem breastfeed.

Breastfeeding in general is a very personal issue. Some mothers never breastfeed and the idea of a baby suckling on their breasts seem quite abhorrent and unnatural. The idea of having a nursing toddler may seem even worse.

However, breastfeeding is very natural and it's quite amazing that your body can provide your new baby with all the nutrition that he needs. Breastfeeding a toddler can simply follow on especially if the mother or parents want the child to self-wean rather than the weaning be led by the parents.

Breastfeeding attitudes vary widely and for the mother, their attitudes can change with time and with what else is going on in their world. Work, body image, other children and siblings and partner relationships can effect how long a mother might want to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding toddlers is not uncommon yet you do not often see toddlers being breastfed unless you are part of a breastfeeding support group such as the La Leche League.

Breastfeeding and stopping breastfeeding is a major step in a toddler's life and will effect how he is during the day and night.

Breastfeeding does not come easily to everyone. It can be unexpectantly painful and can take a lot of practice to do it comfortably. Seek help when you first breastfeed and get help as soon as you experience any difficulties. Problems in breastfeeding can be resolved and the sooner the better at any stage of your breastfeeding experiences. Cracked nipples, engorgement, mastitis are very grim and you want to avoid them as much as possible!

Good luck!