The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding the first six months after birth, with addition of complimentary foods around six months of age. The AAP continues to support breastfeeding until 2 years or beyond, as mutually desired by mother and child. The World Health Organization and UNICEF also recommend that babies be breastfed for at least two years.
It’s crucial to establish milk production by starting to breastfeed soon after delivery and to nurse baby on cue/demand frequently, at least every 2-3 hours for as long as baby desires. Hand expression and feeding collected colostrum to baby is also encouraged in the first few days, especially if baby suckles poorly, is uninterested or sleepy at breast. Holding baby skin to skin as much as possible is always beneficial for either a breastfeeding or bottle-fed baby.
Placing baby skin to skin on mom may be a simple act to do with the newborn after delivery and the days following, but it is developmentally important. Whether mom plans to breastfeed or formula bottle feed, baby will benefit physically and psychologically from being placed skin to skin after birth and onward. When skin to skin with mom, baby can hear mom’s heartbeat, is warmed and calmed, heart and breathing rates are normalized, allows for bonding, and if mom plans to nurse, will stimulate and enhance breastfeeding. Ultimately baby transitions from fetal to newborn life with greater respiratory, temperature, and glucose stability and significantly less crying, indicating decreased stress. Evidence supports that skin to skin contact in the first hour after birth, significantly improves outcomes for both mother and baby. Research by Dr. Ann-Marie Widstrom provided an understanding of the timing of the newborn’s progression through nine observable stages after birth when placed skin to skin. Dr. Widstrom, working with Dr. Kajsa Brimdyr (Healthy Children Project) called this newborn progression in the first hour of birth, “The Magical Hour.” Every newborn will go through these nine innate and instinctive stages, but may vary in timing, often extending beyond one hour to complete the nine stages. According to Dr. Widstrom, a baby’s nine instinctive stages in the first hours after birth when placed skin to skin are:
- Stage 1: The Birth Cry
- Stage 2: Relaxation
- Stage 3: Awakening
- Stage 4: Activity
- Stage 5: Rest
- Stage 6: Crawling
- Stage 7: Familiarization
- Stage 8: Suckling
- Stage 9: Sleep
These nine stages which occur in specific order should not be rushed, but allowed to happen naturally after baby’s delivery. Even a baby born by caesarean section placed skin to skin with mom, will experience these nine stages given more time, due to mom receiving anesthesia during labor resulting in possible sedation of baby. Necessary procedures and checks are done while the newborn is skin to skin with mom. If medical reasons prohibit mom from holding baby skin to skin immediately after birth, then start as soon as possible.
In Stage 1, the birth cry is a distinctive cry that occurs immediately after birth as the newborn’s lungs expand.
In Stage 2, after the birth cry stops, the newborn relaxes, exhibits no mouth movements and hands are relaxed. The baby is skin to skin with mom, and baby’s body (not head) covered with a warm dry towel or blanket.
In Stage 3, the newborn awakens and exhibits small thrusts of movement in the head and shoulders. This stage usually begins approximately 3 minutes after birth. Baby may exhibit head movements, open his eyes, show some mouth activity, and move his shoulders.
In Stage 4, the newborn becomes more active. This stage usually begins approximately 8 minutes after birth. The baby begins to make increased mouthing and sucking movements, as the rooting reflex becomes more obvious.
In Stage 5, the newborn may rest at any point. Throughout the first hour or so after birth, the baby may have periods of resting between periods of activity.
Stage 6 is the crawling stage which usually begins about 35 minutes after birth. The baby approaches the breast with short periods of action which result in reaching the breast and nipple.
Stage 7 is the familiarization stage which usually occurs around 45 minutes after birth and could last for 20 minutes or more. During this stage, the newborn becomes acquainted with mom by licking the nipple, and touching and massaging her breast.
Stage 8 is the suckling stage in which the newborn takes the nipple, self-attaches and suckles. This early experience of learning to breastfeed usually begins about an hour after birth. If mother received any analgesia/anesthesia during labor, it may take more time with skin to skin for baby to complete the stages and begin suckling.
In the final Stage 9, baby and sometimes mother fall into a restful sleep. This usually occurs 1.5 to 2 hours after birth.
The video “The Magical Hour: Holding Your Baby Skin to Skin in the First Hour After Birth” produced by Dr. Brimdyr, Dr. Widstrom, and Kristin Svensson is a good resource as well: check it out at https://amzn.to/3ZdtvUe
(DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Affiliate/Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases for any products linked or posted on this website.)
Both you and your birth partner should check out and read Dr. Ann-Marie Widstrom’s research of “The Nine Instinctive Stages of the Newborn After Birth,” and Dr. Kajsa Brimdyr’s “The Magical Hour.”
Familiarize yourself with Dr. Widstrom’s Nine Instinctive Stages After Birth and make plans to observe the nine stages in your own newborn after delivery. While every birth story, mother and newborn are different, the evidence of the short and long-term benefits of skin to skin contact for all babies is irrefutable. By the way, even dad or another family member may hold baby skin to skin!
Breastfeeding generally occurs in Stage 8: Suckling Stage, but as aforementioned, timing will vary with each mother and baby. For every mother/baby dyad, the sooner they begin breastfeeding, the more quickly milk production increases, which also increases breastfeeding success and duration.
“Delayed onset of lactation (beyond 72 hours postpartum) can pose a problem of less breastfeeding and shorter duration of breastfeeding. Risk factors for delayed onset of lactation include first birth (primapara), maternal age over 30, maternal obesity or overweight condition, infant birth weight over 3600g, cesarean delivery, maternal diabetes, and long duration of labor. In the first three days postpartum, other factors may appear and influence the onset of lactation: formula supplementation, initial feed established more than 105 minutes post-birth, suboptimal feeding in the first three days, postpartum edema, and postpartum hemorrhage.” (Durbin, K., 2023)
If you have delayed onset of lactation, ask for assistance and support from your medical care team during your hospital stay. Your nurses and lactation specialists can provide lactation support and education to help you feed your baby. Pumping with a hospital-grade breast pump may also be recommended to help provide additional stimulation for milk production. It will also be important to contact a lactation consultant soon after you get home, to provide you with appropriate breastfeeding support until lactation is fully established.
In general even without any medical issues, as you start breastfeeding soon after delivery, ask for assistance from your medical care team throughout your hospital stay. “Many hospitals use the strategies from the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. This support initiated during the hospital stay encourages exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding intensity in the early months is a predictor for continuation of breastfeeding at one year. The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding include: facilitate skin-to-skin after birth; minimize dyad separation; practice rooming-in; initiate breastfeeding within one hour after birth; breastfeed on demand; teach parents to recognize feeding cues; avoid pacifiers; give no other food/liquids other than human milk.” (World Health Organization: Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding)
The first six months of exclusively feeding breast milk are critical to developing baby’s neurodevelopment and immune system. Docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic (AA) acids, the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids found in human milk, are thought to be necessary for normal brain growth and development. Cholesterol is also present in human milk and increases during the course of lactation. Cholesterol is an essential part of all membranes and is involved with the laying down of the myelin sheath, which facilitates nerve conduction in the brain. Formula does not have these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids or cholesterol that exactly replicates human breast milk.
Human milk lactose and approximately 130 oligosaccharides (non-lactose carbohydrates) confer immune protection to baby. Human milk lactose is integral in colonization of the baby’s intestine with microflora that compete with and exclude pathogens, and human oligosaccharides inhibit pathogens from binding to their receptor sites in the gut and on mucous membranes. The more breast milk a baby receives during the first six months of life, the less likely baby is to develop illness or allergy. Consequently, exclusively breastfed babies have different health, growth, and developmental outcomes than formula-fed babies.
Human breast milk is species-specific and changes as baby ages, to meet the needs of the growing baby. Moreover, human breast milk’s nutritional and hormonal content varies according to the maternal circadian rhythm. Milk composition and milk production are influenced by the time of day. Daytime milk has higher cortisol, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and sodium levels. Nighttime milk has higher tryptophan and melatonin. Milk production at night yields increased milk volume due to the higher levels of prolactin. “Circadian fluctuations in human milk composition are likely to assist the transfer of information on time of day from the mother to her newborn. This makes human milk a unique form of ‘chrono-nutrition’ and possibly helps the neonate to synchronize with its external environment.” (Italianer, M. etal, 2020)
Month 1: Breastfeed, Sleep, Repeat
The more assistance and support you have with breastfeeding from the very beginning and maintaining that support through a lactation consultant (IBCLC) when you go home, the likelihood of an extended and successful breastfeeding journey. The first month after birth is basic training for your breastfeeding experience. Continue to breastfeed your baby on cue/demand and at least 8 times every 24 hours. Feed fully on each breast. In other words, allow baby to nurse as long as he desires on each breast. If baby breastfeeds for 40 minutes on one side and seems satisfied afterward, then the feeding is done. Just start on the opposite breast next feeding. On the other hand, if baby still seems hungry after letting go at one breast, then offer the other side also. Follow your baby’s lead in breastfeeding. Although your breasts never empty, to keep milk production efficient, baby needs to drain each breast fully when feeding. This constant process signals your body to maintain milk supply, in addition to increasing supply as baby goes through growth spurts.
Healthy newborn infants should not continue to lose weight after 10 days of life.
Healthy newborn infants should regain their birth weight by 2-3 weeks of life.
If you plan to return to work and depending on the length of time of your maternity leave, start pumping by weeks 2 or 3 to start collecting breast milk for freezer storage. Breast milk production transitions from colostrum to mature milk within 10-14 days. By 2-3 weeks, milk production is established, and milk supply will continue to increase with baby’s breastfeeding and additional pumping. Maintain stimulation at breast for milk production, 8-12 times per 24 hours. Allow baby to nurse as long as he wants, and when pumping, double pump (pump both breasts at the same time) for 15-20 minutes. Stimulation includes both breastfeeding and pumping. In other words, if you breastfeed 8 times and pump 2 times in 24 hours, your total times receiving stimulation is 10 times. Start double pumping 1-2 times per day for at least one week, and monitor how much milk you obtain. If you think you need more milk for storage, increase your pumping sessions by one more time per day for at least one week, then again monitor the milk volume obtained. Remember that more stimulation from pumping will produce more milk, and your body will maintain this increased supply when you return to work.
Plan on taking a pumping break during your workday. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to provide eligible employees with reasonable break time to pump breast milk for her nursing child for one year after the child’s birth: Nursing Mother Workplace Protections (dol.gov)
Check into a clean, private location where you may pump comfortably, if your workplace does not already have an associate breastfeeding room. You will want to also consider where you may refrigerate your collected pumped breast milk until you can take it home after work.
Months 2-3: Breastfeed on cue/demand, Play, Sleep
The median daily weight gain is 26-31g for infants in the first three months. (Desmarais and Browne, 1990)
Social/Emotional Milestones
Calms down when spoken to or picked up
Looks at your face
Seems happy to see you when you walk up to her
Smiles when you talk to or smile at her
Language/Communication Milestones
Makes sounds other than crying
Reacts to loud sounds
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
Watches you as you move
Looks at a toy for several seconds
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
Holds head up when on tummy
Moves both arms and both legs
Opens hands briefly
Feed only breast milk or formula to your baby. Babies are not ready for other foods, water or other drinks for about the first 6 months of life.
Learn when your baby is hungry by looking for signs. Watch for signs of hunger, such as putting hands to mouth, turning head toward breast/bottle, or smacking/licking lips.
Look for signs your baby is full, such as closing her mouth or turning her head away from the breast/bottle. If your baby is not hungry, it’s ok to stop feeding
Spend time cuddling and holding your baby. This will help him feel safe and cared for. You will not spoil your baby by holding or responding to him
Take care of yourself. Parenting can be hard work! It’s easier to enjoy your new baby when you feel good yourself.
Learn to notice and respond to your baby’s signals to know what she’s feeling and needs. You will feel good and your baby will feel safe and loved. For example, is she trying to “play” with you by making sounds and looking at you, or is she turning her head away, yawning, or becoming fussy because she needs a break?
Lay your baby on his tummy when he is awake and put toys at eye level in front of him. This will help him practice lifting his head up. Do not leave your baby alone.
(CDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC)
Months 4-5: Breastfeed on cue/demand
The median daily weight gain is 17-18g from 3-6 months. (Desmarais and Browne, 1990)
Social/Emotional Milestones
Smiles on his own to get your attention
Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make her laugh
Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention
Language/Communication Milestones
Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh” (cooing)
Makes sounds back when you talk to him
Turns head towards the sound of your voice
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
If hungry, opens mouth when she sees breast or bottle
Looks at his hands with interest
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
Holds head steady without support when you are holding her
Holds a toy when you put it in his hand
Uses her arm to swing at toys
Brings hands to mouth
Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy
Feed only breast milk or formula to your baby. Babies are not ready for other foods, water or other drinks for about the first 6 months of life.
Respond positively to your baby. Act excited, smile, and talk to him when he makes
sounds. This teaches him to take turns “talking” back and forth in conversation.
Provide safe opportunities for your baby to reach for toys, kick at toys and explore what is around her. For example, put her on a blanket with safe toys.
Allow your baby to put safe things in his mouth to explore them. This is how babies learn. For example, let him see, hear, and touch things that are not sharp, hot, or small enough to choke on.
Talk, read, and sing to your baby. This will help her learn to speak and understand words later.
(CDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC)
Months 6-8: Start of Solid Foods, Continue Breastfeeding on demand
The median daily weight gain is 12-13g from 6-9 months. (Desmarais and Browne, 1990)
Social/Emotional Milestones
Knows familiar people
Likes to look at himself in a mirror
Laughs
Language/Communication Milestones
Takes turns making sounds with you
Blows “raspberries” (sticks tongue out and blows)
Makes squealing noises
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
Puts things in her mouth to explore them
Reaches to grab a toy he wants
Closes lips to show she doesn’t want more food
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
Rolls from tummy to back
Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy
Leans on hands to support himself when sitting
Talk with your baby’s doctor about when to start solid foods and what foods are choking risks. Breast milk or formula is still the most important source of “food” for your baby.
Learn when your baby is hungry or full. Pointing to foods, opening his mouth to a spoon, or getting excited when seeing food are signs that he is hungry. Others, like pushing food away, closing his mouth, or turning his head away from food tells you that he’s had enough.
“Read” to your baby every day by looking at colorful pictures in magazines or books and talk about them. Respond to her when she babbles and “reads” too. For example, if she makes sounds, say “Yes, that’s the doggy!”
Point out new things to your baby and name them. For example, when on a walk, point out cars, trees, and animals.
Sing to your baby and play music. This will help his brain develop
Hold your baby up while she sits. Let her look around and give her toys to look at while she learns to balance herself.
(CDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC)
Months 9-10: Start of Finger Feeding and Drinking from Cup, Breastfeeding on demand
Social/Emotional Milestones
Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers
Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, and surprised
Looks when you call her name
Reacts when you leave (looks, reaches for you, or cries)
Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-boo
Language/Communication Milestones
Makes different sounds like “mamamama” and “babababa”
Lifts arms up to be picked up
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy)
Bangs two things together
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
Gets to a sitting position by herself
Moves things from one hand to her other hand
Uses fingers to “rake” food towards himself
Sits without support
At 9 months, your baby is due for general developmental screening, as recommended for all children by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ask the doctor about your baby’s developmental screening.
Find out about choking risks and safe foods to feed your baby. Let him practice feeding himself with his fingers and using a cup with a small amount of water. Sit next to your baby and enjoy mealtime together. Expect spills. Learning is messy and fun!
Ask for behaviors that you want. For example, instead of saying “don’t stand,” say “time to sit.”
Help your baby get used to foods with different tastes and textures. Foods can be smooth, mashed, or finely chopped. Your baby might not like every food on the first try. Give her a chance to try foods again and again
Place toys on the ground or on a play mat a little out of reach and encourage your baby to crawl, scoot, or roll to get them. Celebrate when she reaches them
Play games, such as peek-a-boo. You can cover your head with a cloth and see if your baby pulls it off
“Read” to your baby. Reading can be talking about pictures.
(CDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC)
Months 11-12: Eating Variety of Foods and Drink, Breastfeeding on demand
Be conscientious of milk supply because baby will not be breastfeeding as frequently as in past. At this point, if you have been pumping in addition to breastfeeding to maintain milk supply due to work, you most likely have a reserve of breast milk in the freezer. However, pumping must continue if you want milk production to continue.
The median daily weight gain is 9g from 9-12 months. (Desmarais and Browne, 1990)
Social/Emotional Milestones
Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake
Language/Communication Milestones
Waves “bye-bye”
Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup
Looks for things he sees you hide, like a toy under a blanket
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
Pulls up to stand
Walks, holding on to furniture
Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it
Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food
Give your baby water, breast milk, or plain milk. You don’t need to give your baby juice, but if you do, give 4 ounces or less a day of 100% fruit juice. Do not give your baby other sugary beverages, such as fruit drinks, soda, sports drinks, or flavored milks.
Help your baby get used to foods with different tastes and textures. Foods can be smooth, mashed, or finely chopped. Your baby might not like every food on the first try. Give your baby a chance to try foods again and again
Teach your baby “wanted behaviors.” Show her what to do and use positive words or
give her hugs and kisses when she does it. For example, if she pulls your pet’s tail, teach
her how to pet gently and give her a hug when she does it.
Talk or sing to your baby about what you’re doing. For example, “Mommy is washing your hands” or sing, “This is the way we wash our hands.”
Build on what your baby tries to say. If he says “ta,” say “Yes, a truck,” or if he says “truck,” say “Yes, that’s a big, blue truck.”
Redirect your baby quickly and consistently by giving her a toy or moving her if she is getting into things you don’t want her to get into. Save “no” for behaviors that are dangerous. When you say “no,” say it firmly. Do not spank, yell, or give her long explanations.
Give your baby safe places to explore. Baby-proof your home. For example, move sharp or breakable things out of reach. Lock away medicines, chemicals, and cleaning products. Save the Poison Help Line number, 800-222-1222, in all phones.
(CDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC)
Month 15: Practice Eating with Utensils, Breastfeeding on demand
Social/Emotional Milestones
Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does
Shows you an object she likes
Claps when excited
Hugs stuffed doll or other toy
Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)
Language/Communication Milestones
Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
Looks at a familiar object when you name it
Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.”
Points to ask for something or to get help
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book
Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
Takes a few steps on his own
Uses fingers to feed herself some food
Let your child use a cup without a lid for drinking and practice eating with a spoon. Learning to eat and drink is messy but fun!
Help your child learn to speak. A child’s early words are not complete. Repeat and add
to what he says. He may say “ba” for ball and you can say “Ball, yes, that’s a ball.”
Have steady routines for sleeping and feeding. Create a calm, quiet bedtime for your child. Put on his pajamas, brush his teeth, and read 1 or 2 books to him. Children between 1 and 2 years of age need 11 to 14 hours of sleep a day (including naps). Consistent sleep times make it easier!
Say what you think your child is feeling (for example, sad, mad, frustrated, happy). Use your words, facial expressions, and voice to show what you think she is feeling. For example, say “You are frustrated because we can’t go outside, but you can’t hit. Let’s go look for an indoor game.”
Expect tantrums. They are normal at this age and are more likely if your child is tired or hungry. Tantrums should become shorter and happen less as he gets older. You can try a distraction, but it is ok to let him have the tantrum without doing anything. Give him some time to calm down and move on.
Teach your child “wanted behaviors.” Show her what to do and use positive words or give her hugs and kisses when she does it. For example, if she pulls your pet’s tail, teach her how to pet gently. Give her a hug when she does it.
(CDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC)
Month 18: Continued Practice Self-Feeding, Breastfeeding on demand
Social/Emotional Milestones
Moves away from you, but looks to make sure you are close by
Points to show you something interesting
Puts hands out for you to wash them
Looks at a few pages in a book with you
Helps you dress him by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting up foot
Language/Communication Milestones
Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
Walks without holding on to anyone or anything
Scribbles
Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes
Feeds herself with her fingers
Tries to use a spoon
Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help
At 18 months, your child is due for general developmental screening and an autism screening, as recommended for all children by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ask the doctor about your child’s developmental screening
Let your child use a cup without a lid for drinking and practice eating with a spoon. Learning to eat and drink is messy but fun!
Have steady routines for sleeping and eating. For example, sit at the table with your child when she’s eating meals and snacks. This helps set mealtime routines for your family.
Use positive words and give more attention to behaviors you want to see (“wanted
behaviors”). For example, “Look how nicely you put the toy away.” Give less attention to those you don’t want to see.
Encourage “pretend” play. Give your child a spoon so she can pretend to feed her stuffed animal. Take turns pretending.
Give simple choices. Let your child choose between two things. For example, when dressing, ask him if he wants to wear the red or blue shirt.
Expect tantrums. They are normal at this age and should become shorter and happen less often as your child gets older. You can try distractions, but it’s ok to ignore the tantrum. Give him some time to calm down and move on.
Talk with your child by facing her and getting down to her eye level when possible. This helps your child “see” what you’re saying through your eyes and face, not just your words.
(CDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC)
Month 24: Terrific TWO’s! Comfort Breastfeeding
Social/Emotional Milestones
Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying
Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation
Language/Communication Milestones
Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?”
Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”
Points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show you
Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
Holds something in one hand while using the other hand; for example, holding a container and taking the lid off
Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
Kicks a ball
Runs
Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
Eats with a spoon
At 2 years, your child is due for an autism screening, as recommended for all children by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ask the doctor about your child’s developmental
screening.
Have your child help you get ready for mealtime, by letting him carry things to the table, such as plastic cups or napkins. Thank your child for helping.
Allow your child to eat as much or as little as she wants at each meal. Toddlers don’t always eat the same amount or type of food each day. Your job is to offer her healthy foods and it’s your child’s job to decide if and how much she needs to eat.
Watch your child closely during playdates. Children this age play next to each other, but do not know how to share and solve problems. Show your child how to deal with conflicts by helping her share, take turns, and use words when possible.
Give your child balls to kick, roll, and throw.
Give toys that teach your child how to make things work and how to solve problems. For example, give her toys where she can push a button and something happens.
Use positive words when your child is being a good helper. Let him help with simple chores, such as putting toys or laundry in a basket.
(CDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC)
If he hasn’t already, your little two-year-old may have weaned himself to breastfeeding only for comfort a few times each day. He may want to nurse only at naptime or bedtime, and it’s mainly comfort sucking, no longer full feedings. He’s a terrific toddler now, and his capabilities and interactions with others and the world have developed tremendously in the last two years! Weaning from breastfeeding whenever it occurs, is definitely one of those bittersweet times. Whenever you are ready Momma, let it go!!!
KUDOS Mom for breastfeeding your little one!!! It wasn’t an easy journey, but so worth it for both of you! Your precious gift of breast milk helped build your baby’s immune system for a lifetime of better health!
REFERENCES
Durbin, K. Protecting Your Potential for Breastfeeding. Amarillo, TX: Praeclarus Press, 2023.
https://amzn.to/3MzVcz8
Italianer, M., Naninck, E., Roelants, J., van der Horst, G., Reiss, I., van Goudoever, J., Joosten, K., Chaves, I., Vermeulen, M. Circadian Variation in Human Milk Composition, A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 2020 Aug; 12(8): 2328, doi: 10.3390/nu12082328
U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention:
CDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC
CDC Milestone Tracker App
Walker, M. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2002.
Wambach K, Riordan J. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, enhanced 5th ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2015.
https://amzn.to/3ZbojA8
(DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Affiliate/Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases for any products linked or posted on this website.)