Breastfeeding in front of older children
Breastfeeding parents need support from so many people – partners, parents, doctors, employers and society in general. Supportive adults didn’t become that way over night, they learned empathy and understanding as children. So, one of the best ways to create a world full of adults that are supportive and respectful, is to teach older children about breastfeeding at an early age. Teach your older children about breastfeeding by explaining that:
- Your body makes food for the baby: Your body has actually been preparing for this from the time you had your first menstrual cycle.
- Breast milk helps to protect the baby from getting sick: Your body creates and passes anti-bodies that supports the baby’s immune system.
- Breast milk is one of the only foods the baby can eat right now: A baby’s GI tract isn’t able to process solid foods until their body is developmentally ready – which for most term babies is around 6 months of age. Check the links below for information on the signs of readiness.
- Parents need lots of love so they can share it with their kids: It takes a village to raise children. It is also important for parents to take care of their own emotional needs.
- Breast milk can go in a bottle, cup or spoon: Infants are remarkable at learning how to feed by different means. Connect with your local International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for help.
- Breastfeeding helps to protect mom from being sick: Breastfeeding reduces a mother’s risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometriosis. There are many more health benefits that the lactating parent experiences.
- Animals give their babies breast milk too
Click the links below for some resources:
