I've just been looking at a copy of 'What to Expect- the Toddler Years' which was given to me. I've mostly been ignoring it as my 15mo doesn't walk yet (bottom-shuffler) so much of it is depressing/useless. Anyway, I've just been a bit gobsmacked by the section on 'When to wean from Breastfeeding' (in the 13 month section, p30-31 in my copy). It says 'you don't necessarily have to wean... at a year' then lists the following points 'to consider' (paraphrased):
-It's easier to wean at a year than later
-Breast feeding now has no nutritional benefits and some studies suggest children weaned at this point do better
-It can damage teeth
-It can interfere with their appetite for (implicitly more important) solid food
-(my favourite) mothers who like breastfeeding sometimes don't realise that they're not spending enough time interacting with their child in other ways
-Feeding lying down can increase risk of ear infections
-(only positive) it may reduce risk of allergies
-it may cause the mother or toddler to become over dependent on each other (!)
-It can stop your toddler from developing important self-comforting skills
-It can be detrimental to your 'spousal relationship'
This is propaganda, isn't it? Even if some of it is true surely it's hugely one-sided? I have no plans to stop breastfeeding my 15mo at the moment- reassure me that that's fine!