Works for Me Wednesday -- Toddler Nutrition

Toddlers aren't the best eaters. Most moms worry about their kids' nutrition. I don't stress over how many veggies my daughter eats or fight to get a lead-laden vitamin in her daily because I know she is getting a good dose of the nutrition she needs from mommy's milk.

(from Kelly Mom)

• In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL (that's about 15 ounces) of breastmilk provides:
  • 29% of energy 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
  -- Dewey 2001

This nutritionally-sound milk also protects my daughter from the germ-y world. She gets my immunities through my milk, and since she and I are usually together, we are exposed to the same things. Since a human's immune system isn't fully developed until two years of age, nursing is the best thing I can do to keep my daughter healthy now. The health benefits she gets now will continue with her for the rest of her life.

for scholarly research about the nutritional benefits of extended nursing, search Google Scholar.
for breastfeeding support and information, contact La Leche League.
I'm sure I'll be posting more about toddler nursing in the coming weeks and months, so check back here, too!
For more Works For Me Wednesday tips, visit Rocks in My Dryer.