Benefits of breastfeeding after 12mths?

[Shazzer]

Hiya! Dropping in for some advice!

I'm still breastfeeding my 15mth old son and am wondering that while there may be some benefits, it seems like it's starting to take a toll on my body! It may not be solely the breastfeeding but I've been down with the flu twice at the beginning of the year and generally feeling run down. (I have been taking a multivit supplement faithfully all this time)

Questions:
1. Is it so that the antibodies and nutritional value contained in the breastmilk decreases after baby turns one?

2. Is it true that if mum is ill, it passes on to baby thru the breastmilk? I ask this because I got traveller's diarrhoea (sorry ) the last few days and despite the most vigilant precautions in hygiene, handwashing etc, baby had a bout of vomitting and slight fever today. Of course it could also be that he's now been feasting on all kinds of tidbits from the ground including ants, grass, soil...

I've been feeling so guilty because a midwife told me that when a mother is down with something, it can pass on to the baby via breastmilk. I haven't been able to verify this but would appreciate it if anyone can help shed some light on this? Will be seeing the paediatrician next week.

Thank you and how's everyone doing? Missing Finnish strawberries, cherries and raspberries...

[Sannita]

I would say that the benefits do not change as soon as your child is one year old. Your body is smart enough to adjust the breastmilk according to what your child needs and how old he is.

2. Is it true that if mum is ill, it passes on to baby thru the breastmilk?

No, it isn't. Actually, if I remember correctly, the fact that the mother is ill first protects the child even more. I think it has to do with the antibodies that you create even more when being ill.

I've been feeling so guilty because a midwife told me that when a mother is down with something, it can pass on to the baby via breastmilk.

If this was the case, lots of mothers had probably stopped breastfeeding their children already.

Sannita (who just stopped breastfeeding her 3-year-old )

[Sannita]

it seems like it's starting to take a toll on my body!

You need to take very good care of yourself, especially when breastfeeding. But having had the flu twice within a very short period of time is something lots of people have, whether they breastfeed or not.

[Sannita]

One more thing.

Have you ever visited the La Leche League site? There is a lot of information on breastfeeding. Also, if you can understand some Finnish, you can check here.

[Shazzer]

Thank you so much to those who replied - your advice has been most useful! Thank you also for those who recommended the La Leche League and Micky for quoting the relevant parts to me!! It certainly is a load off my shoulders. So, just in case anyone wants to know the verdict of whether a breastfeeding mum who has diarrhoea can pass the infection to her baby via breastmilk, the answer is NO. The infection remains in the intestinal track only. Went to the paediatrician today and she confirmed this too. Baby got a mild viral infection quite common when travelling from one country to another.

Now, I will confidently resume breastfeeding! I had "planned" to wean baby at 12 mths but what with the big move and all sorts of other travels in between, I've been putting it off till a more stable time. Plus, I have come to notice that the nursing sessions have become something baby looks forward to and remains a special and rewarding time for us both. Maybe I've just become so used to it that I can't imagine not nursing him!! Heheh, well let's see what happens a few months down the road....

[Sannita]

Now, I will confidently resume breastfeeding!

Very happy to hear that.

Wishing you lots of wonderful moments with your son,
Sannita