When and how to stop breastfeeding

My New Life

Host Jessica Rolph breastfed all three of her children, but weaning the last has been an emotional experience. It’s hard to say how many mothers breastfeed beyond that first year or two, but often those mothers feel judged for choosing to continue.

Lyndsey Hookway joins us to help demystify “extended” breastfeeding and offer tips on weaning for those who are ready. She is an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant for The Maternity Collective, based out of the UK.

Highlights:

[1:14] Why do we refer to breastfeeding beyond age 2 as “extended”?

[3:15] Jessica shares her personal experience feeding her daughter, even though it’s clearly not a nutritional experience anymore.

[5:14] What are some of the benefits to the nursing mother?

[7:02] Can breast milk lose some of its nutritional value over time? As volume decreases, why does the child still want to suck?

[8:30] If a mother wants to continue breastfeeding her toddler when a newborn arrives, is there any reason why she shouldn’t nurse both children simultaneously? What does the science say about this?

[11:20] Tender breasts are common with pregnancy and often initiate a natural weaning process.

[13:11] Is there an optimum period to wean your child?

[16:13] Lyndsey talks about hormonal fluctuations that can cause sadness after weaning, as well as temporary difficulty sleeping.

[18:09] How to handle a toddler who keeps asking to be breastfed at night?

[21:03] What is step one for a mother who wants to start the weaning process?

[23:21] Lyndsey shares some additional tips for weaning during the day.

[26:10] What to do if you’re feeling anxious about the weaning process.

[28:54] Jessica shares takeaways from her conversation with Lyndsey Hookway.

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Find Lyndsey @Lyndsey_Hookway

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Listen to Perspectives on feeding: Baby-led weaning with Jenny Best