Toddler Moms and Relactation

Since I joined L.A.T.C.H., I have received several inquiries connected with relactation. The ages of their babies vary from 1 month to 16 months. For a mom to successfully relactate, a lot of dedication, special strategies and medication is usually necessary. Thus, I always refer cases like these to the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) in the Philippines. There are currently just 5 with a couple more applicants trying to complete their certification.

However, I also give the moms some reading materials on relactation so they know what to expect before they contact the IBCLCs. Here are some of the materials I share:

1. Kellymom

2. La Leche League International

3. Idaho Public Health (PDF)

4. Dr. Jay Gordon

For moms with toddlers, however, I also advice them not to stress out about relactation anymore. As a toddler, it is more important for him/her to learn how to eat healthy foods and have a balanced diet. In fact, milk is gradually replaced by solids beyond the first year. In fact, some kids completely stop drinking milk by age 2 and get their calcium and other requirements from foods such as malunggay, orange juice, cheese and yogurt. In my previous post, I shared the thoughts of Dr. Francesca Tatad-To, on the importance of having a balanced and healthy diet instead of filling up toddlers with milk. Thus, the best advice I can share to moms with toddlers is to focus on their children's diet and making sure that they are fed with healthy nutritious food, rather than worrying and stressing themselves out with relactation.