While it is a controversial topic for some, extended breastfeeding has a lot of benefits for both the child and the nursing mother. If you decide that it is the best thing for you and your child, you have an entire community of moms worldwide to support you. In many societies, the weaning age from a mother’s breast ranges up to four years.
So, what is extended breastfeeding, and how long can you do it? What are the benefits, and are there any adverse effects to be aware of? Learn about long-term breastfeeding, the benefits, and much more from the most reliable source.
That said, if you have any further questions or concerns related to your child’s health, reach out to a healthcare specialist. If you are looking for the best experts in the area, consult with a pediatrician in Miami, Florida.
Find answers to “how long can you breastfeed?” and more below. Keep reading.
Extended Breastfeeding: The Term Defined
Long-term or extended breastfeeding is when the mother continues to nurse the baby beyond the first year of the child’s life. The truth is that just because the baby is slowly becoming a toddler does not mean that mothers need to stop breastfeeding. Some societies around the world encourage long-term breastfeeding beyond age two. For example, it is normal for mothers in Mongolia and the Philippines to breastfeed their children beyond their second birthday. Moreover, in Bangladesh, the average age of breastmilk weaning is around two years and nine months (or 33 months).
Based on the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, mothers should nurse their babies for two years. However, many mothers feel uncomfortable about nursing toddlers or preschoolers in areas open to the public. How long can you breastfeed? Is it the right choice for you and the child? If you want to get expert advice custom-tailored to your needs, talk to a healthcare specialist. We recommend consulting with Dr. Hernandez-Puga, an expert who is specialty certified in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics and the Florida Board of Medicine.
Extended Breastfeeding Benefits
Some mothers stop nursing their babies when they reach the six-month mark. However, long-term breastfeeding is associated with an abundance of benefits for both the mother and the nursing child. Below, you’ll find some of these extended breastfeeding benefits.
These are some of the benefits of extended nursing:
- The baby will get a nutritional boost.
- The baby will be protected from illnesses.
- The baby will enjoy some health benefits in the future.
- The baby’s brain development will be boosted.
- The baby will receive comfort.
- The mother’s risk of certain cancers will be reduced.
Here are the extended nursing benefits in detail.
Extended Nursing Gives the Baby a Nutritional Boost.
One of the biggest perks of nursing your baby for longer than one year is that it provides your child with adequate nutrition for proper growth and development. For instance, one study revealed that a mother’s breast milk after one year has higher fat and energy contents, adequate for growing babies. While potassium and zinc decrease during the second year of the baby’s life, protein count increases. Babies can reap these extended breastfeeding benefits, especially if they are picky eaters. Experts claim that even if the child does not eat a lot, nursing could make up for deficiencies due to picky eating.
Extended Nursing Can Protect the Baby from Diseases.
A mother’s milk provides immunity from diseases and vitamins and nutrients. Research shows that toddlers who are breastfed get sick less often than toddlers who are not. Also, if the child is not feeling well, the milk of the mother could be the only thing that he could keep down. Overall, breastmilk enhances the toddler’s immunity against ear infections, colds, allergies, and other health conditions. Even if the child gets ill, nursing may help provide comfort.
Extended Nursing Has a Lot of Health Benefits in the Future.
According to researchers, breastfed children enjoy different health benefits as they get bigger. For instance, the risk of having high cholesterol or high blood pressure is decreased. Babies who enjoy extended nursing are also less likely to be obese or overweight. Moreover, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is also significantly reduced.
Babies Who Are Nursed Longer Get Boosted Brain Development.
Even though more research is required, some findings reveal that breastfeeding toddlers longer and more often boosts their brain development. This is due to the abundance of omega-3 fatty acids in breast milk.
Babies Receive Comfort
There are many extended breastfeeding benefits, including comfort and quiet time. Since toddlers are out in the world exploring and working on new skills, they need to get sufficient quiet time for rest. Breastfeeding the toddler will help give comfort to the child as well as quiet time to the mother. Extended nursing may also help with any mood issues, making it the perfect solution when you have an upset toddler.
Mothers Who Breastfeed Are at Lower Risk of Ovarian Cancer.
According to research, breastfeeding may reduce a mother’s risk of cancers like ovarian and breast cancer. Moreover, nursing could help maintain a healthy weight. This may be because nursing toddlers are often energy-draining (and it can burn extra calories!).
Concerns about Long-Term Breastfeeding
Although extended nursing is a suitable choice for most families, it can also come with some worries and reservations. For example, you may hear the annoying phrase “your child is too old for breastfeeding” repeatedly.
Here are some of the main concerns mothers face regarding long-term breastfeeding.
Nursing Mothers May Be Judged in Public
If you opt for extended breastfeeding, you may receive criticism and comments from people that can cause you to be embarrassed or self-conscious about nursing in public settings. Many mothers feel embarrassed when their toddlers lift up their tops in shops, demanding breast milk.
Try to avoid people who say that the child is too old for breastfeeding. Refraining from engaging in arguments is the best way to go.
Learning How to Balance Liquids and Solids
By the age of six months old, you will want to incorporate solid foods into your child’s diet. If you are still breastfeeding the child, you will want to balance liquids with solids. Talk to your child’s doctor for advice.
FAQ
When Is My Baby Too Old for Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is okay as long as the infant and the mother mutually desire it. According to the World Health Organization, mothers should exclusively breastfeed babies for the initial six months and then continue to nurse for two years or more.
How Should I Know When to Stop Breastfeeding?
Often, toddlers will become disinterested in nursing. It is up to the mother and the baby to decide when the right time is to begin the weaning process.
How Can I Handle the Critics?
Remember, it is completely normal to nurse your child, and you should feel confident doing so. We recommend not engaging in conversations with critics and trying to remain calm whenever the topic arises. A brief and non-defensive reply is often the best way to handle criticism. One good way to silence critics is to tell them that the child’s pediatrician recommends long-term nursing.
If you need expert help and guidance concerning the health of your child and motherhood, we’re here for you. Book an appointment with us today to get started.
