Breastfeeding 2.0 | Cesanne shares her experience with extended breastfeeding

I previously wrote a blog post* about breastfeeding as a "new mom." Now, two years later, Kideo asked me to write a new blog post about breastfeeding. So here it is.

Are you still breastfeeding?

As a breastfeeding mom, but also as a nutritionist, this is such a painful sentence! It still hurts, as if it's not normal to continue breastfeeding after three months, because honestly, you've actually heard this sentence since about 12 weeks postpartum. It's socially unacceptable to breastfeed your baby for that long. Strange, because the WHO (World Health Organization) recommends breastfeeding for at least two years or longer. This is for health reasons for both mother and child. The next question is often: how long will you continue? My answer? As long as he wants to. And that's true, as long as my son still asks for "mama's milk," I will continue breastfeeding. I do notice that people have their doubts about this as well. These are often men or people who haven't breastfed children or have breastfed for a short time.

Breastfeeding, not just food.

The first year, breastfeeding is, of course, real nutrition, but it's so much more than that. It's a form of comfort, regulation, bonding, and the acquisition of antibodies, but breastfeeding also has many health benefits for mom. I could go on and on about that, but that's not the topic of this blog. The second year is just as wonderful as the first. Okay, the night feedings can be a real drag, but once you find a solution, even the rough patches are worth it! When Ties has had an exciting day or a day full of stimulation, with new things, he asks for "mama's milk" more often than on "normal" days. When I'm home or when he's alone with my boyfriend also makes a difference. For example, if he's doing something fun/new with dad and I'm not there, cuddling with dad is enough, but when mom is back home, he still wants a drink.

Mom is always needed...

Putting him to bed is essentially the same story. When I put him to bed, I "have to" nurse him to sleep, and Dad can put him right back to bed; a cuddle (and sometimes the pacifier) ​​is enough. Thank goodness, because it would be strange if Dad could suddenly nurse, haha. But I digress. Feeding isn't just about nourishment; it's also about comfort, support, and security. And it's a moment of bonding. A mother-child moment. I also love it when he nurses on my lap and then falls asleep. Yes, you do have to manage to get 12 kilos of baby to sleep in bed, or let him sleep on you. While those moments are quite frequent in the first year, they slowly disappear after the first year. When they do come back, I truly cherish them. And you know, a friend of mine recently put it so beautifully: it's only a few years where you "sacrifice" yourself like that, and you get so much beauty in return.

There are also difficult moments.

The thing I find most challenging about breastfeeding is that my son has a complete cow's milk allergy, and I have a partial one. I can't tolerate cow's milk itself, and he also can't tolerate sour dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Basically, all (cow's) dairy. Because I'm breastfeeding, I'm not allowed to eat that myself, and I love yogurt and cheese! Especially brie... but you know, I'm willing to do that. And every now and then I'll have a cream puff or a piece of cheese. Luckily, Ties doesn't get intense cramps like other babies, and I can cheat a little now and then, but it's better if I don't, of course. But hey, we're all human, and sometimes it's just really hard.

Continuous feeding has many benefits.

The nutritionist in me, of course, also sees other advantages to "continue feeding." Besides emotional development and moments of enjoyment, it also has physical benefits for you and your baby. You continue to build their immune system, and your own, because if your baby is sick, you immediately produce the antibodies they need. Your baby continues to benefit from the nutrients you ingest. So, if your baby eats fewer vegetables, they'll still get a small portion of you. Less than in the first year, of course, but something is always better than nothing. It also has advantages for you, as every feeding reduces your risk of breast and cervical cancer, among other things.

* https://cesanneshealthyfood.com/mijn-bv-verhaal/