Breastfeeding a toddler.

Breastfeeding journeys and nutrition depletion often go hand in hand. As Georgia’s breastfeeding postpartum period continues 18 months on, she’s all about trying to maintain energy and avoid that flat feeling.

For some reason I thought that children generally weaned themselves. Naive as this sounds, I now realise this is definitely not the case. Floriane is boob obsessed. Hands are down the shirt at any moment when she feels she needs comfort. Boobs are twisted out of their top in an attempt to suckle at any moment. While we have managed to cut back to three feeds during the day, this little possum comes alive at night. She’s a hard one to unlatch and she’ll howl like a wolf when she wakes and the boob is no longer in her mouth. Let’s just say, she’s hooked and there is no end in site. 

While I’m okay with this (perhaps not always in the middle of the night), it’s true that I do feel depleted. 18 months on, my body still requires energy to breastfeed, and I know I’m not always giving myself the best nourishment. The fourth trimester postpartum I had water at my side every waking minute, I had food to replenish at all times of the day. Now, chasing after a toddler, I’m sometimes going hours between drinks, food and I’m always looking for that quick bit of energy as opposed to long lasting nutritious food (which is what I want to be doing).  

If you are breastfeeding a toddler, you still require those additional calories, protein, fluids and micronutrients (namely iodine, DHA, zinc, choline, vitamin B12 and vitamin A). To maintain these needs try to add an extra egg to your day, nuts and seeds, as well as increasing your organ meats, fish and veggie intake.

If you are exercising more regularly, fluids are really important to maintain. A simple electrolyte drink may help to quench the thirst and restore lost nutrients too. Coconut water is a good option or you could try my homemade electrolyte drink.

Recipe for electrolyte drink

2 cups water or coconut water

Juice of 1 lemon or orange

1/8 teaspoon salt

1-2 teaspoons honey

Pop everything into a jar with a lid and shake well to combine. Add some ice if you like it cold.

Remember nutrient dense food is still so important to maintain your energy and milk supplies, especially if you are wishing to conceive another child in the near future. Just like pregnancy, the same basic principles apply during postpartum and beyond:

• choose whole foods where you can

• enjoy fermented food

• increase protein

• keep up iron-rich foods

• enjoy warming and comfort foods

• eat in quantities that feel good to your body

• choose foods that are rich in antioxidants

• get your bloods checked every so often to ensure you aren’t depleted in any nutrients.

Despite sleep still not being on my side, I find when I am making the most nutritious and nourishing food, I am ready to be a more active and resilient mother. I love being able to share this with my daughter through solids, as well as through my breastmilk and give her a great start in life too.

The realities of postpartum life. Bare bums, washing everywhere, and chaotic hair.