Is Breastmilk Enough for 17 Month Old?

calcium is found in so many other foods. remember, our bodies were made for human milk and cows milk was made for baby cows. don't doubt that your milk is less nutritious. plus, cows milk is fortified with vitamins.

it is just the US alone that breastfeeds their children for the short amount of time that we do. all other countries breastfeed for so much longer. and you know what? look at our incidence of child obesity, diabetes and heart disease, just to name a few. the INTERNATIONAL breastfeeding weaning age AVERAGE is about 5 years old. and this could mean getting breastmilk with a bowl of cereal.

as long as your child has a balanced diet with a variety of fruits, veggies, cheese, yogurt etc. along with your breastmilk, she should be fine.

here's a site from pediatrician Dr. Sears about helping kids start out and stay healthy.

http://www.drsearslean.com/

Nurse for as long as you can, check with your DR. about the Nutritional facts,
I supplememented Soymilk in addition to nursing at 17m and soy milk has extra nutrition without the COW milk doo doo smell & constapation. Also you could try some Goats Milk & of course give them a bottle /sippy cup of water. My daughter is now 6 (nursed her to 2.75) and today you will always see her with a sport bottle of water....
My daughter Pediatric doctor has always discouraged too much fruit juice, given by parents and other caretakers too.

Some moms, as an alternative to dairy milk, use goat's milk or almond milk... and is said to be nutritionally sound and on par.

As for her not liking cow's milk (whole milk), this is also common...their taste buds are acclimating to it. Or it's a preference.

For some children, using half breast and half cow's milk, can be a way to transition them to it... gradually increasing the ratio of it until it is "all" whole milk.

At this age up through 2 years old, whole milk is recommended because the "milk fat" is an essential nutrient and is essential for brain development. It's not just for the calcium factor, it's for the milk fat and brain growth.

ALso good to do, is supplement with kids "Omega 3" vitamins.

Soy milk, is iffy. Lots of bad effects on children. Click this link to read more on it: http://www.mamasource.com/request/15071386847756156929

I did extended breastfeeding with my kids too, and let them self-wean.. .just do as you think is best. EVERY child is different. There is no one "correct" way. Each Mom will go about it differently. And the child will wean when they are ready. Or, when you want to stop.

All the best,
Susan

Myself I haven't tried goat’s milk or almond milk but I do know that the Silk vanilla soy milk has the sweetness of breast milk and might be the best alternative to cow’s milk which isn't as sweet as breast milk. It's packed with calcium and vitamin D (actually more than cow's milk) and soy is a great source of the best type of protein (animal proteins aren't as healthy for the heart). Your best bet is to try all the alternatives to see what she prefers but I do think she will like the Silk Vanilla because of the sweetness. Best wishes.