Milk does a mind good

A few people have asked me when I will begin to wean Jonas.

The answer is that I really don't know when. I'm hoping that he won't be nursing longer than he is 18 months old, but there is no rush at this moment.

Babies that are breastfed for longer than six months are less likely to develop mental health problems in childhood, new research shows. So far Jonas and I are on the right track.

I am glad that I made the decision to nurse my little man, especially if it will help him mentally. I was reading how infant psychotherapy is on the rise. Many parents are seeking therapists to help with their baby's mental health.

This sounds so scary to me. I would hate for my Jonas to have any mental problems growing up, let alone as a baby. If continuing to breastfeed for longer than six months is what I have to do to help in some way, then that is what I shall do.

"The team at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in Perth found that breastfed children had particularly lower rates of delinquent, aggressive and anti-social behavior, and overall were less depressed, anxious or withdrawn."

The American Academy of Pediatrics is a strong advocate for breastfeeding and they state the many great things that a mother's milk can do for her baby.

They say breastfeeding:

has been associated with slightly enhanced performance on tests of cognitive development

decreases the incidence or severity of conditions such as diarrhea, ear infections and bacterial meningitis

may offer protection against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), diabetes, obesity and asthma among others

I have read that it is important to begin weaning when Jonas and I are both ready. Of course I am just waiting for him to give me signs of his readiness, but I am not rushing him at all. Whenever my gordo is ready, then that is when I will be.

For now, I'll just continue to boost his brain power with my magical breast milk.