Preggie Pals

Breastfeeding Toddlers: Frequency, Biting and Staying Motivated

Episode 41 | February 15th, 2013

Breastfeeding a toddler is drastically different than breastfeeding a newborn. Just ask any mom whose baby has teeth or can specifically ask for the boob. So, what does nursing a toddler really look like? How often do most mothers nurse and for how long? How do you handle biting? And what about the awkward stares from strangers while breastfeeding in public?

Our Expert

Andrea J. Blanco, IBCLC

Andrea J. Blanco is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in private practice in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. She realized the need for caring, consistent and evidence-based breastfeeding support and information through her own experience with her first born. Shortly after the birth of her 2nd, Andrea began her career as a WIC Peer Counselor for one of the largest agencies in the nation, helping families from multicultural backgrounds further their breastfeeding goals. In 2010 and 2011, she worked on lowering obesity rates by increasing breastfeeding exclusivity and duration through the federally funded Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant. Her work under the grant focused on helping local hospitals begin the lengthy process towards achieving Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative status. Most recently, she has enjoyed writing for the San Diego Breastfeeding Center, sharing her expertise and memories on toddler nursing as a guest blogger. In addition to her daily work supporting families and their new babies, she co-leads an active monthly breastfeeding support group for moms and their nurslings of all ages. She lives in the Greater Miami area with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband and is the very proud mom of two funny, spirited, Lego loving boys full of mini-ninja power, ages 5 and 7. She can be reached at andrea@lovingstartlc.com or on Twitter @AndreaBlancoLC.

Host/Panelists

Robin Kaplan (host)
Children: Ben (2005), Ryan (2006)

Rachel Rainbolt
Married
Children: Skyler (2005), Bailey (2008), Weston (2011)

Rosario Rodriguez
Married
Children: Kylie (2010), Keilani (2012)

Christine McCarty
Married
Children: Zoe (2012)

Additional Resources

KellyMom.com | Nutrition for Breastfeeding Toddlers
http://kellymom.com/nutrition/starting-solids/toddler-foods

KellyMom.com | Breastfeeding Past Infancy: Fact Sheet
http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits

WhatToExpect.com | Breastfeeding a Toddler: Good for Him, Good for You!
http://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/breastfeeding-a-toddler.aspx

Featured Segments

News Headlines

Breastfeeding in Las Vegas
A popular breastfeeding mom blogger has some issues with breastfeeding in public while in Las Vegas, despite the fact that she was surrounded by women wearing far less clothes than her. How do we change this idea that breastfeeding is “inappropriate”? Visit The Boob Group Pinterest Board for more great breastfeeding headlines!

Ask The Experts

Breastfeeding and Depression
If you’re feeling depressed while nursing an 18 month old, are you experiencing some form of postpartum depression? What factors could be contributing to your mood? Hear what our expert, Veronica Tingzon, has to say.

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