AskDrSears Logo
homeabout searsbooksnewsletterfaqsresourcesnewsstorecontact us
what's newregular featurespediatric newsDoctor's Diaries


Search


pregnancy & childbirth
breastfeeding
bottlefeeding
feeding infants & toddlers
family nutrition
discipline & behavior
fussy babies
sleep problems
childhood illnesses
medicine cabinet
a to z index
GoFish Omega 3 DHA Attachment Parenting Vaccines Lean

 


FAQ's

  • Sign-up for E-Newsletter
  • Special Offers
  • Send to a Friend
close
   
Get important information and valuable advice from the Dr. Sears Family
Email:
First Name:
Would you also like to receive special promotions on Dr Sears Books and Products?
Yes No


Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of announcing news, events and special offers available only AskDrSears.com registered users.
close
$1.00 off any Aquaphor Product

Ideal for all babies’ skin care needs, Aquaphor Healing Ointment is so gentle and effective that it’s been trusted by pediatricians for years.

Soothes, protects and helps heal dry, irritated skin Effective relief for the dry skin associated with atopic dermatitis Clinically proven to help reduce diaper rash within 6 hours, without the zinc-oxide mess Helps heal raw, chapped cheeks and chin caused by drooling Fragrance-free, preservative-free and dye-free formula

Click here to print your coupon.

close
Your Information:
Email:
First Name:
Please send me your newsletter
I would also like to receive special promotions on Dr Sears Books and Products?
    Send to:
Email:
First Name:
Message to friend:



Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of announcing news, events and special offers available only AskDrSears.com registered users.
"IS BREASTMILK NUTRITIONALLY USELESS AFTER ONE YEAR?"

IS BREASTMILK NUTRITIONALLY USELESS AFTER ONE YEAR?
"I am looking for a source of good, non-biased scientifically backed-up info on certain aspects of breastfeeding/breastmilk, and was wondering if you could help.. My daughter has just turned one, and is still fixated on breastfeeding. Although I instinctively think this is probably OK, I could do with something to backup my feelings, and to help me with all the explaining I have to do! Amelia has always been an avid breastfeeder (as well as a highneed, non-sleeping baby), and took a while to take to solids. She now eats fairly well, although variably, and is able to chew, fingerfeed, drink from a cup etc. so I am not worried about her development in that way. I am concerned, however, that she will still be getting adequate nutrition from now onwards however as her diet is somewhat unpredictable, and at a recent visit to a pediatrician I was told that breastmilk is nutritionally useless after 1 year! I have read all sort of things from all sorts of websites, and could really do with some info that I can back up with 'science' or whatever it takes to convince people that what I am doing is OK. I am also assuming that her fixation with my breasts will recede with time, and that I am not encouraging problems by continuing to allow her to indulge in her favourite thing! ”

Regardless of what other people think, you will probably be breastfeeding your daughter for quite some time. It is still nutritious. Nothing magical happens to your milk at 1 year. Is your child malnourished? If your child does not appear malnourished to all these people around you, then it is none of their business what you are feeding her. You shouldn’t have to do all this “explaining”. I have many friends with younger kids, and I have no idea of what their kids eat – I guess I never really see them eat. Do you have to explain all the time because your 1 year-old is nursing in public all the time? If this is case, then maybe it would be wise to start setting limits with your daughter, such as “we only do nummies at home”. This worked well for our kids at this age. Let’s face it, it’s no fun to get all those disapproving stares at the mall.

Regarding scientific data, I have a feeling this won’t help you convince anyone of anything, but you could just tell them that the American Academy of Pediatrics new recommendation is this: “It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired”. A “google” search will get you the full recommendations if you want to read them for yourself.

Dr. Jim

   
Home | About Sears | Books | Newsletter | FAQs | Resources | News | Store | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy    

AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs.

© Copyright 2006 AskDrSears.com. All Rights Reserved.