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4 Tips to Breastfeed When You’re Autistic
A lot of autistic parents want to breastfeed their babies, but a lot of us also struggle with sensory processing disorder (SPD). We are easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, and babies are like the number one source of sensory input in the world.
Babies scream, they wack you with their little flailing fists, they vomit and poo constantly, and they want to nurse all. the. time. I mean, they’re also amazing little wonders, don’t get me wrong. But taking care of a baby is not an easy task, let’s be honest.
What Do I Know About Breastfeeding While Autistic?
I know that breastfeeding can be really hard!
I have two kids, and I breastfed both of them until I finally gave up on them self-weaning and weaned them each at 4 years-old. That means I breastfed my son throughout my pregnancy with my daughter, and continued to breastfeed them both after she was born for two full years, until I weaned my son. Then I breastfed my daughter only for another two years.
So, I have some experience breastfeeding — 6 years total! It was a lot of good things, but it was never, ever easy. Both of my kids have sensory processing issues…
