Sooner or later they all get to this stage, when they discover that their teeth have "killing power".
I've been nibbled on a couple of times the past few days, but only gently, whereas Daddy was actually ferociously bitten on the hand. Ruvie had gotten his hands on some safety pins and Daddy was trying to take them away, when he turned his head and chomped down on Daddy's offending hand.
Gosh... It was deep enough to bleed...
THE UNIVERSE IS LISTENING.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Why I Chose to Breastfeed my Kids beyond the First Year
My son is now almost 21 months old and when people without my circle of friends and relatives find out that I'm "still breastfeeding him", they invariably ask, "When do you intend to stop?"
My reply, also invariably, is "My daughter was nursed till she was 4 years 2 months old." And that, most invariably, leaves them open-mouthed and speechless.
Before I proceed, please be informed that Full Term Breastfeeding refers to breastfeeding a baby beyond the first year. Do not call it "extended" breastfeeding, because that would imply that breastfeeding beyond the first year is abnormal, and that is certainly not true.
Look, you tell me, we know breastfeeding is best for babies and all that, but surely 6 months, or at the longest, a year is way more than enough?
Not nearly enough for me. And I will tell you why.
1. Full Term Breastfeeding gives my child better health
As long as my child is drinking my milk, he receives antibodies, immune factors, and other scientifically as-yet-undetermined beneficial substances from me that helps him to battle viruses and bacteria so that he falls sick less often, and also to bounce back faster if and when he does fall ill. Don't believe ANYONE who tells you that breastmilk loses its health benefits after 3 months or 6 months, or whatever number of months they cook up. They display their ignorance of science by saying that.
2. Full Term Breastfeeding continues to promote bonding between me and my child
I am a busy WAHM (work at home mom) of 2 kids with no helper, no parents or in-laws to help me with childcare. With so many chores to do every day, I find it hard to fit much so-called quality time with my kids into my schedule. Breastfeeding my older child ensures I sit down at least a few times a day to have some close, body-to-body contact with him, and allows me to cherish his babyhood before time flies all too quickly away. During these quiet periods, my child and I enjoy the close proximity and love that we share.
3. Breastmilk never ceases to be the most complete food
Although children over a year old are usually already taking solids, my milk will always make sure that they get practically every nutrient they need. Especially when they reach that picky stage where they will eat nothing but french fries, or when they fall ill and have little appetite for table food.
4. Breastfeeding is still the most convenient
I am able to satisfy my child's hunger, thirst, and need for comfort and love, no matter where we are (ok, except when we are walking around a busy market).
5. Breastfeeding helps to calm my child in times of stress
Makes the toddler years easier. Hey, I need all the help I can get!
6. Nursing helps to put my child to bed
Bedtime struggles - sayonara!
7. Breastfeeding helps me to slim down
I'm still burning loads of calories through nursing my child each day. Again, I need all the help I can get!
8. Breastfeeding delays the return of my menstrual cycles
My cycles first returned when my daughter was 7.5 months old. With my 2nd, I stayed period-free till he was 19 months old. Besides having less mess, PMS and discomfort to deal with, I know that this is healthier for my body, as with fewer menstrual cycles, my system is exposed to less of the harmful effects of oestrogen. And this in turn lowers my risk of developing breast cancer. The longer I breastfeed, the lower my risk.
If you are breastfeeding a baby younger than 1 year of age and enjoy your nursing relationship with your child, but have been "advised" by people around you to stop, do think carefully before you supplement with formula or other milks. There is nothing harmful to you or your baby about Full Term Breastfeeding, and if you stop now and regret later, you may never be able to return to the past.
If you would like to ask me more about Full Term Breastfeeding, email me.
My reply, also invariably, is "My daughter was nursed till she was 4 years 2 months old." And that, most invariably, leaves them open-mouthed and speechless.
Before I proceed, please be informed that Full Term Breastfeeding refers to breastfeeding a baby beyond the first year. Do not call it "extended" breastfeeding, because that would imply that breastfeeding beyond the first year is abnormal, and that is certainly not true.
Look, you tell me, we know breastfeeding is best for babies and all that, but surely 6 months, or at the longest, a year is way more than enough?
Not nearly enough for me. And I will tell you why.
1. Full Term Breastfeeding gives my child better health
As long as my child is drinking my milk, he receives antibodies, immune factors, and other scientifically as-yet-undetermined beneficial substances from me that helps him to battle viruses and bacteria so that he falls sick less often, and also to bounce back faster if and when he does fall ill. Don't believe ANYONE who tells you that breastmilk loses its health benefits after 3 months or 6 months, or whatever number of months they cook up. They display their ignorance of science by saying that.
2. Full Term Breastfeeding continues to promote bonding between me and my child
I am a busy WAHM (work at home mom) of 2 kids with no helper, no parents or in-laws to help me with childcare. With so many chores to do every day, I find it hard to fit much so-called quality time with my kids into my schedule. Breastfeeding my older child ensures I sit down at least a few times a day to have some close, body-to-body contact with him, and allows me to cherish his babyhood before time flies all too quickly away. During these quiet periods, my child and I enjoy the close proximity and love that we share.
3. Breastmilk never ceases to be the most complete food
Although children over a year old are usually already taking solids, my milk will always make sure that they get practically every nutrient they need. Especially when they reach that picky stage where they will eat nothing but french fries, or when they fall ill and have little appetite for table food.
4. Breastfeeding is still the most convenient
I am able to satisfy my child's hunger, thirst, and need for comfort and love, no matter where we are (ok, except when we are walking around a busy market).
5. Breastfeeding helps to calm my child in times of stress
Makes the toddler years easier. Hey, I need all the help I can get!
6. Nursing helps to put my child to bed
Bedtime struggles - sayonara!
7. Breastfeeding helps me to slim down
I'm still burning loads of calories through nursing my child each day. Again, I need all the help I can get!
8. Breastfeeding delays the return of my menstrual cycles
My cycles first returned when my daughter was 7.5 months old. With my 2nd, I stayed period-free till he was 19 months old. Besides having less mess, PMS and discomfort to deal with, I know that this is healthier for my body, as with fewer menstrual cycles, my system is exposed to less of the harmful effects of oestrogen. And this in turn lowers my risk of developing breast cancer. The longer I breastfeed, the lower my risk.
If you are breastfeeding a baby younger than 1 year of age and enjoy your nursing relationship with your child, but have been "advised" by people around you to stop, do think carefully before you supplement with formula or other milks. There is nothing harmful to you or your baby about Full Term Breastfeeding, and if you stop now and regret later, you may never be able to return to the past.
If you would like to ask me more about Full Term Breastfeeding, email me.
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