ann sinnot 11.05am
TRANSCRIPT
Breastfeeding older children Breastfeeding older children
Myth v RealityMyth v Reality
Common misconceptions
1. No nutritional benefit
2. Sustained breastfeeding is unnatural
3. Mothers continue for themselves
4. Breastfeeding an older child is sexual
5. Children are developmentally harmed
6. Fathers are negatively affected
RealityReality
1. Research studies2. History
3. Survey results 4. Research study 5. (Presentation)
6. Fathers
1. Research studies2. History
3. Survey results 4. Research study 5. (Presentation)
6. Fathers
Myth 5: Children developmentally harmed
Children are:
• Out of control
• Over-dependent
RealityReality
No evidence-base for assertions.
No psychosocial adjustment studies on children
breastfed for longer than one year.
Scientifically, the impact of sustained breastfeeding on children is unknown.
No evidence-base for assertions.
No psychosocial adjustment studies on children
breastfed for longer than one year.
Scientifically, the impact of sustained breastfeeding on children is unknown.
Anecdotal evidenceAnecdotal evidence
Evidence in Breastfeeding Older Children on the psychosocial benefits of sustained
breastfeeding is significant and too strong to be ignored
More than 2000 mothers, from 48 countries, responded
to surveys. Irrespective of diverse locations and
different cultures, mothers echo and re-echo
each other about the positive effects
of long-term breastfeeding.
Evidence in Breastfeeding Older Children on the psychosocial benefits of sustained
breastfeeding is significant and too strong to be ignored
More than 2000 mothers, from 48 countries, responded
to surveys. Irrespective of diverse locations and
different cultures, mothers echo and re-echo
each other about the positive effects
of long-term breastfeeding.
Assessment of an older breastfeeding child
Assessment of an older breastfeeding child
Assessment of an older breastfeeding child
Milestones met exceedingly well
Assessment of an older breastfeeding child
Milestones met exceedingly well
Children out of controlChildren out of control
Critics of sustained breastfeeding
rarely have direct experience.
Older breastfeeding children no
different to other children
The only difference: they also breastfeed.
Critics of sustained breastfeeding
rarely have direct experience.
Older breastfeeding children no
different to other children
The only difference: they also breastfeed.
Mothers of long-term breastfed children
no different to other mothers.
Daily life is full of opportunities for setting boundaries, why choose breastfeeding?
Children do self wean
Mothers of long-term breastfed children
no different to other mothers.
Daily life is full of opportunities for setting boundaries, why choose breastfeeding?
Children do self wean
Children over-dependentChildren over-dependent
Young children are dependent, but western
culture
requires them to become independent, as soon
as possible, and believes independence
has to be induced.
Young children are dependent, but western
culture
requires them to become independent, as soon
as possible, and believes independence
has to be induced.
Long-term breastfeeding mothers take a
different view.
They believe children should be allowed to
mature
at their own pace and not be forced into
self-reliance before they are ready.
Long-term breastfeeding mothers take a
different view.
They believe children should be allowed to
mature
at their own pace and not be forced into
self-reliance before they are ready.
When my children stopped they were emotionally ready, which was not the case when I tried to wean
them earlier. They had outgrown the need, it was not forced on them.
South Africa. Ch 1: bfd 6yrs; Ch 2: bfd 4 yrs; Ch 3: bfdg 5yrs
I will stop when they want to stop. In my opinion this step is a very
important one to become independent. But what kind of independence
is this, if you were pushed into it against your own convincement?
Greece. Ch1: bfdg 6.1yr; Ch2: bfdg 4.1yr; Ch3: bfdg 1yr.
When my children stopped they were emotionally ready, which was not the case when I tried to wean
them earlier. They had outgrown the need, it was not forced on them.
South Africa. Ch 1: bfd 6yrs; Ch 2: bfd 4 yrs; Ch 3: bfdg 5yrs
I will stop when they want to stop. In my opinion this step is a very
important one to become independent. But what kind of independence
is this, if you were pushed into it against your own convincement?
Greece. Ch1: bfdg 6.1yr; Ch2: bfdg 4.1yr; Ch3: bfdg 1yr.
Many people think 3 years is too long, they don’t want it themselves
and a few think my child becomes too dependent on me.
My daughter is very strong and independent. My son (2 years older) is much more
dependent and forms a contrast to his sister.
Netherlands. Ch 1: bfd 1.5yrs; Ch 2: bfdg 3.4yrs
Many people think 3 years is too long, they don’t want it themselves
and a few think my child becomes too dependent on me.
My daughter is very strong and independent. My son (2 years older) is much more
dependent and forms a contrast to his sister.
Netherlands. Ch 1: bfd 1.5yrs; Ch 2: bfdg 3.4yrs
Jack Newman, a Canadian doctor and breastfeeding advocate:
‘Often we push children to become ‘independent’ too quickly.
To sleep alone too soon, to wean from the breast too soon,
to do without their parents too soon, to do everything
too soon. Don’t push and the child will become independent soon enough’.5
Jack Newman, a Canadian doctor and breastfeeding advocate:
‘Often we push children to become ‘independent’ too quickly.
To sleep alone too soon, to wean from the breast too soon,
to do without their parents too soon, to do everything
too soon. Don’t push and the child will become independent soon enough’.5
CorroborationCorroboration
Correlations between descriptions of
long-term breastfeeding children
• Attachment Theory/Secure Attachment
• Neuroscience research
Correlations between descriptions of
long-term breastfeeding children
• Attachment Theory/Secure Attachment
• Neuroscience research
Attachment TheoryAttachment Theory
Bowlby and Ainsworth identified the necessity in early life
of positive mother-child interactions for the
formation of secure attachment.
Both recognised the efficacy of breastfeeding
to nurture secure attachment.
Bowlby and Ainsworth identified the necessity in early life
of positive mother-child interactions for the
formation of secure attachment.
Both recognised the efficacy of breastfeeding
to nurture secure attachment.
Secure attachment fostered when a child’s needs are met
in a timely manner by a sensitive, responsive mother well-attuned to the child’s cues.
Long-term breastfeeding a strong
measure of maternal sensitivity and responsiveness.
Secure attachment fostered when a child’s needs are met
in a timely manner by a sensitive, responsive mother well-attuned to the child’s cues.
Long-term breastfeeding a strong
measure of maternal sensitivity and responsiveness.
Bowlby: ‘The infant and young child should experience
a warm, intimate, and continuous relationship with his mother…in which both find
satisfaction and enjoyment’.
By definition, long-term breastfeeding is a warm,
intimate and continuous relationship.
Bowlby: ‘The infant and young child should experience
a warm, intimate, and continuous relationship with his mother…in which both find
satisfaction and enjoyment’.
By definition, long-term breastfeeding is a warm,
intimate and continuous relationship.
It’s a wonderful feeling to have been fully trusted, and to know that I fulfilled her needs until she was ready
to complete the journey. My daughter is my best friend. I owe our closeness to breastfeeding because
it
taught us both how to respect and trust one another. Hawaii. Ch1: bfd 7.6yrs.
There is no simpler, more effective way to both intuitively and physically respond to a child’s needs
than to breastfeed; you just know yourchild to such a subtle degree that you find you can
anticipate all the moments when a stop at the breast is needed.
USA. Ch1: bfd 4yrs; Ch2: bfd 6.5yrs.
It’s a wonderful feeling to have been fully trusted, and to know that I fulfilled her needs until she was ready
to complete the journey. My daughter is my best friend. I owe our closeness to breastfeeding because
it
taught us both how to respect and trust one another. Hawaii. Ch1: bfd 7.6yrs.
There is no simpler, more effective way to both intuitively and physically respond to a child’s needs
than to breastfeed; you just know yourchild to such a subtle degree that you find you can
anticipate all the moments when a stop at the breast is needed.
USA. Ch1: bfd 4yrs; Ch2: bfd 6.5yrs.
From the early days of breastfeeding, I found the look of absolute bliss the baby would
have after a feed just about spoke volumes. Even today, the way that ‘tuck-in’ and grin
as they do so shows the pure pleasure it gives them.
England. Ch1: bfdg 4yrs; Ch 2: bfdg 2.6yrs.
My oldest loved to nurse. He would tell me it was his favorite part of the day.
USA. Ch1: bfd 4yrs; Ch2: bfdg 7mths.
From the early days of breastfeeding, I found the look of absolute bliss the baby would
have after a feed just about spoke volumes. Even today, the way that ‘tuck-in’ and grin
as they do so shows the pure pleasure it gives them.
England. Ch1: bfdg 4yrs; Ch 2: bfdg 2.6yrs.
My oldest loved to nurse. He would tell me it was his favorite part of the day.
USA. Ch1: bfd 4yrs; Ch2: bfdg 7mths.
‘Internal working model’ of self and other(s).
Basis of the child’s thoughts, feelings, memories,
beliefs and expectations of relationships.
Primary relationship establishes child’s self-esteem
and is the template for all other relationships.
‘Internal working model’ of self and other(s).
Basis of the child’s thoughts, feelings, memories,
beliefs and expectations of relationships.
Primary relationship establishes child’s self-esteem
and is the template for all other relationships.
A securely-attached child is self-confident and independent.
Long-term breastfed children closely match indicators of secure attachment.
happy, secure, self-confident, out-going,independent, sociable, well-adjusted.
A securely-attached child is self-confident and independent.
Long-term breastfed children closely match indicators of secure attachment.
happy, secure, self-confident, out-going,independent, sociable, well-adjusted.
Emotionally, he’s really confident and outgoing. He always had me there, so he always knew he could
go and I’d be there, really be there closely, when he chose to come back. England. Ch 1: bfdg 4.3yrs
Both children are very independent and happy, well-adjusted.
USA. Ch 1: bfd 2.3yrs; Ch 2: bfd 3.2yrs.
[Breastfeeding long-term] Makes it easy to know you are loved no matter what, [and is] helpful in
learning how to socialize with other children and adults as well. Guatemala. Ch 1: bfd 3yrs; Ch 2: bfd
3.3yrs
Emotionally, he’s really confident and outgoing. He always had me there, so he always knew he could
go and I’d be there, really be there closely, when he chose to come back. England. Ch 1: bfdg 4.3yrs
Both children are very independent and happy, well-adjusted.
USA. Ch 1: bfd 2.3yrs; Ch 2: bfd 3.2yrs.
[Breastfeeding long-term] Makes it easy to know you are loved no matter what, [and is] helpful in
learning how to socialize with other children and adults as well. Guatemala. Ch 1: bfd 3yrs; Ch 2: bfd
3.3yrs
One of the most important things for us was the independence breastfeeding seemed to give my son. I often watched other toddlers the same age, who were
formula-fed or only breastfed for a short time, and noted how confident my son seemed in comparison.
He has never been clingy at toddler groups, just full of life and ready to try new things.
England. Ch 1: bfd 3yrs; Ch2: bfdg 11mths.
From an emotional point of view, it has helped them form a very
close and secure attachment with me and as a result they are very confident and happy.
Rep of Ireland, Ch 1: bfdg 6yrs; Ch 2: bfdg 4yrs; Ch 3: bfdg 1yr
One of the most important things for us was the independence breastfeeding seemed to give my son. I often watched other toddlers the same age, who were
formula-fed or only breastfed for a short time, and noted how confident my son seemed in comparison.
He has never been clingy at toddler groups, just full of life and ready to try new things.
England. Ch 1: bfd 3yrs; Ch2: bfdg 11mths.
From an emotional point of view, it has helped them form a very
close and secure attachment with me and as a result they are very confident and happy.
Rep of Ireland, Ch 1: bfdg 6yrs; Ch 2: bfdg 4yrs; Ch 3: bfdg 1yr
Neuroscience6Neuroscience6
Validation and extension of Attachment Theory.
Early years identified as a critical window.
Action of oxytocin in development of mother-infant bonding.
Validation and extension of Attachment Theory.
Early years identified as a critical window.
Action of oxytocin in development of mother-infant bonding.
Oxytocin released in response to pleasurable
interactions, including breastfeeding.
Higher oxytocin levels and more, and better
quality,
oxytocin-receptors, in infants that receive
lots of maternal attention, compared
to those that receive less.
Oxytocin released in response to pleasurable
interactions, including breastfeeding.
Higher oxytocin levels and more, and better
quality,
oxytocin-receptors, in infants that receive
lots of maternal attention, compared
to those that receive less.
Sustained breastfeeding:
Repeated daily opportunities for maternal
attention and pleasurable interactions
maintained over several years.
Sustained breastfeeding:
Repeated daily opportunities for maternal
attention and pleasurable interactions
maintained over several years.
Joy and pleasureJoy and pleasure
Feelings of joy and pleasure induced by
physical contact, eye-gazing and other
enjoyable mother-child interactions,
crucial for neural growth.
Feelings of joy and pleasure induced by
physical contact, eye-gazing and other
enjoyable mother-child interactions,
crucial for neural growth.
Children’s pleasure and enjoyment
evident.
Children’s pleasure and enjoyment
evident.
Children speakingChildren speaking
• Human milk is yummy, delicious
• Compare to favourite foods/treats.
• ‘Pet’ names for breasts and for milk ‘Amecitos’, ‘Happy milk’.
• I love your boobys, mummy!
• Human milk is yummy, delicious
• Compare to favourite foods/treats.
• ‘Pet’ names for breasts and for milk ‘Amecitos’, ‘Happy milk’.
• I love your boobys, mummy!
Humour and playHumour and play
He can’t really talk, but he sometimes sucks until the milk lets down
and then pulls off, laughing as it sprays in his face!
England. Ch1: bfdg 1.4yrs.
She used to have a very entertaining relationship with my breasts –
talking to them, patting them, making jokes about them.
Scotland. Ch 1: bfd 4.10yrs; Ch2: bfdg 1.7yrs
He can’t really talk, but he sometimes sucks until the milk lets down
and then pulls off, laughing as it sprays in his face!
England. Ch1: bfdg 1.4yrs.
She used to have a very entertaining relationship with my breasts –
talking to them, patting them, making jokes about them.
Scotland. Ch 1: bfd 4.10yrs; Ch2: bfdg 1.7yrs
Wider implicationsWider implications
Oxytocin ‘glue of society’.
Plays vital role in formation of:
• All affectional and affiliative bonds
• Social emotions.
Oxytocin ‘glue of society’.
Plays vital role in formation of:
• All affectional and affiliative bonds
• Social emotions.
Right hemisphere of brainRight hemisphere of brain
• Development of ability to ‘read’ others
and a capacity for empathy.
• Right hemisphere linked to limbic area.
• Positive mother-child interactions
critical for right hemisphere development.
• Development of ability to ‘read’ others
and a capacity for empathy.
• Right hemisphere linked to limbic area.
• Positive mother-child interactions
critical for right hemisphere development.
Long-term breastfed children:
• Securely-attached
• Kind, generous, sensitive, compassionate,
empathic,
Ability to ‘read’ and interpret need
and unhappiness in other children.
Long-term breastfed children:
• Securely-attached
• Kind, generous, sensitive, compassionate,
empathic,
Ability to ‘read’ and interpret need
and unhappiness in other children.
He is very empathic towards other babies and children who are crying… he’ll say, ‘The baby’s
crying, he needs a hug and some milk’. When he was 18 mths old there was a baby crying on the
plane and he said, ‘Baby crying, baby need milk’.England. Ch 1: bfdg 2yrs.
Emotionally I feel it has been of great benefit to E as a form of contact
and reassurance. She now seems very confident and ready to
take on her daily life at school, but also very empathic
and aware of the feelings of others and the need for closeness and cuddles.
Jersey, CI. Ch1: bfdg 4yrs
He is very empathic towards other babies and children who are crying… he’ll say, ‘The baby’s
crying, he needs a hug and some milk’. When he was 18 mths old there was a baby crying on the
plane and he said, ‘Baby crying, baby need milk’.England. Ch 1: bfdg 2yrs.
Emotionally I feel it has been of great benefit to E as a form of contact
and reassurance. She now seems very confident and ready to
take on her daily life at school, but also very empathic
and aware of the feelings of others and the need for closeness and cuddles.
Jersey, CI. Ch1: bfdg 4yrs
Both boys weaned themselves, have happy memories of nursing and are strong advocates of their baby sister
breastfeeding. They both have an abiding understanding of the value and experience of
nursing ‘til they were ready to be done.
USA. Ch1: bfd 6.6yrs; Ch2: bfd 6yrs; Ch3: bfdg 5mths.
I felt happy and cosy and sleepy when I was having lolo. If I see
a baby having lolo it makes me happy because I remember
me having lolo. If I see a baby having a bottle, it makes me worry a bit, I feel a bit sad, I don’t know why.
England. Ch1: bfd 3.9yrs; Ch2: bfd 7.3yrs.
Both boys weaned themselves, have happy memories of nursing and are strong advocates of their baby sister
breastfeeding. They both have an abiding understanding of the value and experience of
nursing ‘til they were ready to be done.
USA. Ch1: bfd 6.6yrs; Ch2: bfd 6yrs; Ch3: bfdg 5mths.
I felt happy and cosy and sleepy when I was having lolo. If I see
a baby having lolo it makes me happy because I remember
me having lolo. If I see a baby having a bottle, it makes me worry a bit, I feel a bit sad, I don’t know why.
England. Ch1: bfd 3.9yrs; Ch2: bfd 7.3yrs.
Negative emotionsNegative emotions
Attachment Theory and Neuroscience
Importance of:
• maximising positive emotions
• diffusing negative emotions.
Attachment Theory and Neuroscience
Importance of:
• maximising positive emotions
• diffusing negative emotions.
Attachment Theory
Young child developmentally unable to regulate itself
– dependent on intervention.
• Needs unmet
• Negative emotions unmodulated
Insecure-attachment likely outcome.
Attachment Theory
Young child developmentally unable to regulate itself
– dependent on intervention.
• Needs unmet
• Negative emotions unmodulated
Insecure-attachment likely outcome.
Neuroscience
• Oxytocin believed to work by reducing stress.
Early oxytocin-deficiency can lead to greater stress-reactivity in later life.
• Low levels of oxytocin
Less inclination to seek social interaction.
Neuroscience
• Oxytocin believed to work by reducing stress.
Early oxytocin-deficiency can lead to greater stress-reactivity in later life.
• Low levels of oxytocin
Less inclination to seek social interaction.
Deficiency in oxytocin, or in the number and quality
of oxytocin-receptors, has a negative impact on the central nervous system, with behavioural consequences.
• Personality disorder• Social dysfunction
• Schizophrenia, Autism
Deficiency in oxytocin, or in the number and quality
of oxytocin-receptors, has a negative impact on the central nervous system, with behavioural consequences.
• Personality disorder• Social dysfunction
• Schizophrenia, Autism
• Increased levels of cortisol in episodes of crying and distress.
• Stress hormones can affect oxytocin-receptorbinding in central nervous system.
• High cortisol levels linked to developmental delay.
• Reduction in size of hippocampus – involved in learning and memory storage
• Increased levels of cortisol in episodes of crying and distress.
• Stress hormones can affect oxytocin-receptorbinding in central nervous system.
• High cortisol levels linked to developmental delay.
• Reduction in size of hippocampus – involved in learning and memory storage
Western culture tends not to attach much
importance to distress in children.
Crying unavoidable.
Is this true?
Two distress scenarios:
Western culture tends not to attach much
importance to distress in children.
Crying unavoidable.
Is this true?
Two distress scenarios:
WeaningWeaning
Young children often highly resistant.
• Distress
• Trauma
• Pleading, tears, screams, anger
Many children left with long-lasting
feelings of loss and longing.
.
Young children often highly resistant.
• Distress
• Trauma
• Pleading, tears, screams, anger
Many children left with long-lasting
feelings of loss and longing.
.
The ‘terrible twos’ (and threes and fours…)
The ‘terrible twos’ (and threes and fours…)
Child caught up in whirlwind of agitation and rage that ratchets
ever-upwards until, locked into a storm of frustration
and anger, the child, shocked and frightened by the
ferocity of its own emotions, spirals up into
a screaming emotional hurricane.
Devastating experience for all concerned.
Child caught up in whirlwind of agitation and rage that ratchets
ever-upwards until, locked into a storm of frustration
and anger, the child, shocked and frightened by the
ferocity of its own emotions, spirals up into
a screaming emotional hurricane.
Devastating experience for all concerned.
Long-term breastfed children rarely cry. The ‘terrible twos’ usually not terrible at all! Many mothers report not even a hint of a
tantrum.
Should a tantrum begin, or other distress occur, mothers,
quickly able to neutralise distress, calm children
and quickly restore equilibrium.
Long-term breastfed children rarely cry. The ‘terrible twos’ usually not terrible at all! Many mothers report not even a hint of a
tantrum.
Should a tantrum begin, or other distress occur, mothers,
quickly able to neutralise distress, calm children
and quickly restore equilibrium.
If I were to choose one word that characterised my daughter throughout her
childhood, it would be ‘serene’. Tantrums were non-existent.
England. Ch1: bfd 6.6yrs.
For a baby who was so stressed-out from the earliest moments of his life (surgical
procedure for tongue-tie), he was calmed easily with nursing - and it sure
calmed him down when he was injured or really mad.USA. Ch1: bfd 5.3yrs.
I often referred to breastmilk as the ‘mood enhancer’ because it
was remarkable how it could change their mood. The transformation was astonishing and immediate.
Rep of Ireland. Ch1: bfd 5yrs; Ch 2: bfd 5.3yrs.
If I were to choose one word that characterised my daughter throughout her
childhood, it would be ‘serene’. Tantrums were non-existent.
England. Ch1: bfd 6.6yrs.
For a baby who was so stressed-out from the earliest moments of his life (surgical
procedure for tongue-tie), he was calmed easily with nursing - and it sure
calmed him down when he was injured or really mad.USA. Ch1: bfd 5.3yrs.
I often referred to breastmilk as the ‘mood enhancer’ because it
was remarkable how it could change their mood. The transformation was astonishing and immediate.
Rep of Ireland. Ch1: bfd 5yrs; Ch 2: bfd 5.3yrs.
was