Thanks, Dr. Dean, for recently supporting breastfeeding the older
nursling (a 3 yr old) on your radio show. I also read the transcript of
the Q&A on your website. I think it is wonderful that mothers have your
support on this. While I agree that the health benefits are more
important for the infants, I firmly believe the child still receives
antibodies, immunoglobulins, and maintains a more healthy gut flora. My
own daughter won't drink cow's milk - it makes her gag - but she still
nurses (very little now) at age 4. I am so glad, too, that you
acknowledged that the emotional component is important to consider as
well.

I wanted to point out that teeth are not an issue at this age.  The
teeth have been there a very long time by now and when the child nurses
they do not get in the way. When they begin to fall asleep, though, some
kids do bite down.  The mother can de-latch the child at this point.
Also you stated to the caller that since the child was down to only the
naptime and bedtime nursings (naturally usually the last to go) this
likely marks the end of their breastfeeding time.  I wanted to let you
know that although natural weaning may very well be near for them, for
others those nursing times can still continue for a year or more.

Thanks again for your continued support of breastfeeding.

Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
Board certified lactation consultant and nursing mother
Coordinator, Louisiana Breastfeeding MediaWatch Campaign
Violet Louisiana, USA
mailto:[log in to unmask]


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