Did you know that we're in the middle of World Breastfeeding Week? August 1st-7th is the official celebration.
I am a breastfeeding supporter and I still breastfeed my now 1 year old daughter. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding exclusively from 1-6 months and then breastfeeding in addition to table food from 6-24 months.
Why am I still breastfeeding my toddler?
Breastfeeding past a year of age continues to have many benefits to both baby and mother. Breastmilk is a source of nutrition and disease protection the entire time a child breastfeeds.
For example:
29% of energy (calorie) requirements
43% of protein requirements
36% of calcium requirements
75% of vitamin A requirements
76% of folate requirements
94% of vitamin B12 requirements
60% of vitamin C requirements
Breastmilk is more than just food.
Extended breastfeeding contributes to a child's health, providing important antibodies. It has shown to contribute to intellectual development (cognitive achievement) and also mental and social development. When you meet your child's needs in a consistent way you are laying the groundwork for healthy attachment and independence.
What about me?
There are also benefits to the mother including delayed return of fertility (whoot whoot), lower risk of breast cancer, lower risk of endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, protection against osteoporosis, reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and last but not least you can lose weight easier.
Note: My information was obtained from kellymom.com and the world health organization.
In honor of World Breastfeeding Week I'd like to share my oh-so-popular and VERY tasty lactation chip cookie recipe. They are not made with breastmilk (a common question I get, ha!) but help support breastmilk production. They are safe for anyone to eat however, whether man or child. Trust me, both my husband and my kids LOVE these cookies.
Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
4 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp flax seed meal
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 cups oats
1 cup chocolate chip
3 Tbsp brewer's yeast
1/2 cup raisins
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350. Mix the flax seed meal and water and let sit for 3-5 min. Beat the butter, sugar and brown sugar well. Add eggs and mix well. Add flax seed mix and vanilla, mix well. In a medium bowl mix together flour, brewers yeast, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients to the butter mix. Stir in oats, chips and raisins. Scoop onto baking sheet (I covered mine with parchment paper). Bake for 12 minutes. Let sit for a couple minutes then enjoy!
This recipe made 3 dozen cookies, enough for you and to share with another lactating friend. These make a great gift for a new-mommy by the way. It's the brewer's yeast and oatmeal that help with milk supply and the flaxseed meal is a great way to get fiber and omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3's are good for you and your baby. :)
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