Breastfeeding a toddler is a lot different than breastfeeding a newborn. Find out what makes it challenging, why it’s so rewarding, plus get helpful tips.
Truth is, breastfeeding a toddler is nothing like breastfeeding a teeny-tiny newborn baby. Things get a lot more exciting once baby is moving and grooving, let me tell you! Here’s a fun collaboration I did with my friend Stephanie from the frowniebrown86 channel on YouTube.
Watch the video below to let us show you just how much different breastfeeding a toddler is than breastfeeding a newborn.
Alternatively, you can check out this little recap I put together below:
Every necklace becomes a choker
Yeah—that necklace you love? You might want to retire it for a little while. Otherwise, your toddler might just end up yanking it right off. A broken necklace? A hurt neck? No, thank you!
You now have dinner conversation
Well, at least you now always have someone to talk to during meal times, amiright?!
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They sometimes pick a winner
Little prodding hands don’t just grab necklaces—they’ll grab anything in sight. And sometimes that means your nose. Or an eye—ouch!
They begin to multitask
So much for quick, focused nursing sessions. You can say goodbye to quiet snuggle sessions, too. Your toddler wants to eat and do 100 other things at the same time. Play with a toy? Check! Grab your phone? Check! Settle in, mama.
Suddenly your baby wears glasses
Oh, and those glasses on your face? You know those aren’t your glasses right. They’ll either end up on baby’s face or with smudges all over those nice clean lenses. Go ahead—you might as well get the cleaning cloth out before you even sit down.
Your shirt becomes a cookie jar
It doesn’t matter where you are or what time it is—your toddler wants milk, and they want it now. Be prepared to hear those demands for more over and over… and over again.
Your boob doubles as a chew toy
Forget that gummy, toothless smile of the baby you once nursed. Your toddler has teeth now—a full set of them. Get ready for some accidental (and rather painful) nibbles.
Free dental work!
Too bad a toddler sticking their hand in your mouth over and over again doesn’t actually qualify as free dental work. Could have saved you a ton of money!
You long for the days when baby would fall asleep
Remember when baby would doze off as soon as they got a taste of that nice, warm milk? Yep, that’s not happening anymore. You’re in it for the long-haul, mama!
Some days, you wish daddy could take over
OK, truth is: You wouldn’t change anything for the world. But sometimes—just once in a while—you think to yourself, now, wouldn’t that be nice?!
How About You?
So how about it, mama? Do you know what we’re talking about? I want to hear from you: Share your extended breastfeeding experiences below.
Need Breastfeeding Help?
If you need breastfeeding help of any kind, I’ve got tons of other resources for you:
Breastfeeding Gets Easier (So Stick With It!) Cheat Sheet
