Breastfeeding the Vulnerable Toddler

Abstract

The benefits of breastfeeding for the first 6 months are well established for both the typically and atypically developing infant. As the infant develops, complementary foods are introduced to provide nutrients that breast milk can no longer provide in quantities sufficient to meet nutrient needs. Breastfeeding beyond a year continues to confer significant health, emotional, and cognitive benefits, yet for the vulnerable child, the nursing process may interfere with establishing appropriate solid food intake and weight gain. Vulnerable toddlers include those more likely to have early feeding problems: children with reflux, constipation, allergies, or sensory processing issues. Social-emotional concerns presenting in parent or child may influence the toddler's frequency of nursing and the mother's milk supply. The clinician should be aware of the potential risk for breastfeeding to interfere with solid food intake when medical or developmental concerns reduce interest in complementary foods. Social supports for parent and child as well as more intensive management of nursing allow for both breastfeeding to continue and appropriate complementary food intake. © 2010, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.