Is My Toddler Getting Enough?

QUESTION: My son nurses twice per day now - 20 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. There is a lot of information out about knowing if your infant is getting enough milk (contentment, wet and soiled diapers, etc.) But how do you know if your toddler is getting enough milk? He won't drink cow's milk, but he will eat yogurt and cheese. What is "enough" nursing for a toddler?

When toddlers breastfeed only twice a day the breast is a source of comfort more than a source of nutrition. As long as Sam is growing well and is healthy, you can be assured that he is getting enough to eat. Yogurt and cheese are excellent sources of protein and calcium and easily substitute for cow�s milk. If you would like for Sam to drink milk, you might consider chocolate milk. I found that it was a favorite of my toddlers.

Amy Spangler, MN, IBCLC, is a nationally known perinatal nurse, lactation consultant and member of the Breastfeeding.com medical advisory board. She has answered several of your breastfeeding questions. Look for more Q&A forums with Amy in the future.

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