What you need to know about extended breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be a charged topic of conversation – for some moms, it’s a painful reprimand if they’ve not been able to breastfeed. For others, the process may be a seamless dream of ease.
Then there’s extended breastfeeding – continuing to breastfeed a child beyond the age when most people typically stop. This is usually around one to two years old. It’s also known as long-term breastfeeding or nursing beyond infancy.
Why breastfeed?
Breastfeeding is a natural way to provide nutrition to your new-born and is an amazing technique to bond with them. For new-born’s, breastmilk is all the food and nourishment they need. As they grow older, their diet requirements expand to solid foods. But at the start of their tender life, breastmilk has everything they need.
That first milk – colostrum – has an abundance of immune-boosting nutrients. Interestingly, research shows that breastmilk becomes even healthier after the first year, containing high levels of fats, proteins, and energy.
Which makes the case for extended breastfeeding an exciting one.
Benefits of extended breastfeeding
- Breastmilk continues to provide essential nutrients, immune factors, and antibodies to enhance your growing child's health and immune system.
- Breastfeeding can do a lot to foster a strong emotional bond between mother and child. It can provide comfort, security, and a sense of closeness, promoting a nurturing relationship.
- Breastmilk is readily available, at the right temperature. No added prep or sterilisation needed.
- Research suggests that extended breastfeeding may offer certain health benefits to both the child and the mother. For the child, it may reduce the risk of certain infections, allergies, and chronic diseases. For the mother, it may lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and help with postpartum weight loss.
It's important to note that extended breastfeeding is a personal choice, and every mother and child's situation is unique. Some moms may choose to breastfeed for a shorter period, while others may continue for an extended time.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding plus appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.
Good to know
Moms who choose to continue with breastfeeding might have to contend with judgement from others. Something else to consider critics often argue that breastfeeding for an extended period of time negatively impacts a child's development and independence, making them overly dependent and clingy.
However, there’s no substantial evidence to support such claims. It's important to remember that these criticisms may stem from a lack of understanding or personal biases and it's essential to make informed decisions based on accurate and reliable information.
If this is your bandwagon, consider joining or creating a breastfeeding support group to provide a sense of community. These groups can offer valuable advice, shared experiences, and emotional support. Remember, different cultures value different ideals when it comes to parenting, so find your niche and work with what is comfortable.
On the practical side, use apps or digital tools designed for breastfeeding to help track feeding sessions, monitor milk supply, set reminders, and provide educational resources. These tools can assist in establishing breastfeeding routines and provide helpful insights.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.