How Long Should You Breastfeed?
You should breastfeed your baby for as long as you and your child want to continue breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and the continuation of breastfeeding along with the introduction of solid foods throughout your baby’s first year. After one year, the AAP recommends breastfeeding for as long you and your baby wish to do so. The AAP also states that “There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer.”
Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding
All of the health and developmental benefits of breastfeeding continue for your child for as long as you nurse. And, many of the benefits become even greater the longer you breastfeed.
Nutrition
Breast milk is the most nutritious source of milk for your child. Even though many children are eating a variety of other foods by the time they’re a year old, breast milk helps to complete your child’s nutrition. It continues to provide your child with fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Immunity
Breast milk contains antibodies and other healthy immune-boosting factors. Even older children benefit from the immune protection that passes to them through breast milk.
Illness
Children who are breastfed longer get sick less often and have shorter periods of illness compared to non-breastfed children. Plus, when your child is sick, breastfeeding is comforting and can help prevent dehydration.
Comfort and Security
Breastfeeding is calming and relaxing. It can help your toddler to cope with fear and stress. As your child becomes more independent and begins to venture out into the world, it’s comforting for them to know that they can return to the safety and security of nursing in your arms. People who have breastfed beyond one year describe their children as:
More emotionally securePhysically healthierMore loving and friendlyMore independentEasier to comfort during pain or stressHappier and more cheerful
Downsides to Long-Term Breastfeeding
Although the majority of parents feel that there are no negative aspects to nursing long-term, there may be some drawbacks to breastfeeding an older child.
You might have to deal with social hostility. You could feel a loss of your freedom. An older child may not be very discreet in public, which could be embarrassing. It can be exhausting. Breastfeeding longer can affect your marriage and your sex life. It may interfere with your ability to spend time with other children.
How to Deal With Criticism
Many people feel that the downside to long-term nursing is social stigma. It can be tough to deal with the strange looks or negative comments that breastfeeding a toddler can bring. They often become uncomfortable nursing older children around others and will only nurse at home. Sometimes parents become closet nursers and do not even let their own mothers or best friends know that they’re still breastfeeding. They would rather breastfeed in secret than deal with the disapproving remarks of family and friends. If you feel this way, a local community breastfeeding group, such as La Leche League International, can be very helpful. It’s a great place to go to feel accepted and find much-needed encouragement and support.
Changing Attitudes
More and more people are breastfeeding longer. With greater education and understanding, attitudes are beginning to change. Laws have been put in place to protect parents who need to return to work and those who breastfeed in public. Hopefully, as breastfeeding becomes more visible in American society, the negative attitudes will begin to fade away and be replaced by acceptance. Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural function of life. The continuation of breastfeeding for longer than one year is not only normal but beneficial. Therefore, breastfeeding should be supported and encouraged for as long as possible.
