How to continue your breastfeeding journey
While most women around the world breastfeed their babies in the early months, breastfeeding rates at 12 months of age vary widely. With the Health Canada recommendation to breastfeed for 24 months or longer, there is every reason to carry on for as long as it works for you both.
In some countries, over 90% of women are still breastfeeding at 12 months, while in other countries that number is 25%. By still breastfeeding when your baby is 10 to 12 months old, you join these moms who are breastfeeding their babies at one year of age. Be assured you are giving your baby the very best start in life.
Tips for… breastfeeding your 10-12-month-old
- If your baby seems less interested…
Don’t be put off! Your baby may seem distracted, but this is only because they are becoming more aware of their surroundings and finding more and more to interest them everywhere.
- If your baby’s biting…
Biting doesn’t mean the end of breastfeeding. Instead, take your baby off your breast. Speak to them and tell them ‘no’ in a calm but firm voice. If they continue to bite, take them off your breast again and try another activity or give them a teething toy.
- If you are going back to work…
You can still continue to breastfeed by pumping and storing your milk so they can drink expressed milk during your working hours. They will quickly become used to breastfeeding only at certain hours, such as morning and evening.
Tips for… giving your baby the calories he needs
- Breast milk is still important…
At 10-12 months, half of your baby’s calorie needs are still likely to be met by breast milk.
- Breast milk as well as complementary foods…
Naturally, as your baby’s intake of solid foods increases, the amount of breast milk they drink will go down.
Tips for… breastfeeding after 12 months
- Breastfeed as you have been…
If you are breastfeeding, let your baby continue to lead the way and feed on demand.
- Breastfeed when you are together…
If you are breastfeeding when together and expressing milk while separated from your baby, you may choose to decrease the amount of breast milk you are pumping when your baby turns one. When you are away from your baby, your baby’s caregiver may offer nutritious foods, water, and a small amount of pumped breast milk or whole cow’s milk.
- Breastfeed at certain times of day…
Some mothers find it helpful to breastfeed first thing in the morning and before naps and bedtime – when their baby is more interested and less distracted. In addition to receiving the benefits of breast milk, these times are often about comfort and closeness, too.
Sources
Breastfeeding handbook for physicians. 2nd ed. Elk Grove IL. 2014
Lawrence R, Lawrence R. (2016) Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Professional. 8th ed: Elsevier.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. Your guide to breastfeeding (updated 2017)
https://www.womenshealth.gov/files/documents/your-guide-to-breastfeedin… (Accessed April 11 2018)
World Health Organization. Infant and young child feeding: Model chapter for textbooks for medical students and allied health professionals. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2009.
Related articles
How to Know if Breastfed Baby is Full
How to Know if Breastfed Baby is Full? The longer a mom breastfeeds, the more she responds to her baby’s signs of fullness.
2 mins to read
7 reasons to keep breastfeeding
Breastfeeding beyond 6 months has many benefits for you and your baby. Discover them!
1 min to read
Why babies need breast milk AND water
Did you know? Offering sugary drinks to your baby adds extra calories to their diet and makes tooth decay more likely. It can also mean they drink less&
2 mins to read
Feeding Tips for Older Babies
Your baby is now used to eating solids and may be grabbing at the spoon or picking up food by herself. This means she is ready for more self-feeding, a whole new messy adventure!
6 mins to read
7 basic rules of safe food preparation
Follow these stay-safe principles when you’re shopping or preparing food for your baby.
4 mins to read
Your 5-step guide to eco-shopping
Bringing a baby into this world can make new parents think about the future of the planet, and how they can lessen their impact for generations to come. Here are five ways
3 mins to read
How to Switch From Breastfeeding to Bottle-feeding
Whether you want to express breast milk or you’re thinking of supplementing with baby formula, try these 13 tips on how to switch from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding.
7 mins to read
Mini meals for mini people
Focus on your baby’s nutrition by offering them smart eating choices in between mealtimes.
3 mins to read
Did you know?
The way young children are fed may be as important as the food offered
1 min to read
Healthy eating habits start now
Did you know? Your baby’s dietary patterns are set before their second birthday.
2 mins to read
Safe first finger food for babies
By now you've noticed that everything seems to make its way into your little one’s mouth. Once he’s able grasp small objects, eating those little goodies is exactly what he'll try to do.
5 mins to read
What does organic mean for my baby?
Did you know? In a global survey, 30% of respondents looked for organic qualities when shopping.
2 mins to read
The difference between prebiotics and probiotics
If you have doubts about what the function of each one is, keep reading
3 mins to read
Benefits of breastfeeding
Experts agree breast milk is best for babies.
4 mins to read
Adventures in feeding: new tastes, new textures, new techniques
Now that your baby is eight to 10 months old, has enjoyed their first tastes, and is becoming more experienced at eating, it’s time to move on to lumpy foods and helping them learn to feed themself
6 mins to read
Food Allergies in Babies
There is growing evidence that many factors in the environment play a role in allergies developing in babies.
3 mins to read
Healthy eating starts with you
Did you know? You’re a role model for your baby—what you eat and drink influences their choices.
2 mins to read
Baby Poop Guide
This baby poop guide will help you understand the differences between different baby stool colours and consistencies as well as the stools of babies on different diets.
7 mins to read
5 grab-and-go mini meals
When you’re out and about and your baby is hungry between meals, you can give them a healthy mini meal. Here are 5 ideas to get you inspired.
1 min to read
