Breastfeeding has always been deemed as the most natural way for mothers to feed their infants, and it is highly recommended by medical professionals worldwide.

While most women stop breastfeeding their babies after the first year, some continue to do it for longer periods, a practice called extended breastfeeding. However, it is a subject of much debate and has generated a lot of controversy in recent times. Let us explore the pros and cons of extended breastfeeding, and see what the fuss is all about.

What is Extended Breastfeeding?

Extended breastfeeding is breastfeeding beyond the recommended age range of one year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding with complementary foods until 12 months of age or as long as mutually desired by the mother and child. Extended breastfeeding typically means breastfeeding a child for two years or more.

The Advantages of Extended Breastfeeding

Extended breastfeeding has several benefits for both the mother and the child. Some of them include:.

Immune System Boost

Breast milk is packed with nutrients that help the baby build their immune system. The longer a mother breastfeeds, the stronger the baby’s immunity will be, and it will help protect them against illnesses and diseases.

Bonding

Breastfeeding provides an excellent opportunity for mothers and babies to bond. Breast milk also contains hormones that enhance bonding and attachment between mother and child.

Nutrition

Breast milk is an excellent source of nutrition, and it adapts to the baby’s needs as they grow.

The composition of breast milk changes to provide the right balance of nutrients for the baby’s developmental stage, ensuring they get exactly what they need.

Mental health benefits for mothers

Breastfeeding helps mothers relax and promotes feelings of calmness and well-being when nursing their babies. Continual breastfeeding past infancy can also help prevent postpartum depression.

Disadvantages of Extended Breastfeeding

Despite the advantages of extended breastfeeding, there are also potential downsides that need to be considered. The following are some of the disadvantages:.

Societal discomfort and stigma

The most significant downside of extended breastfeeding is social stigma, and the discomfort that surrounds it. Breastfeeding a child beyond infancy might be perceived as unhygienic, inappropriate, and even sexual in some cultures.

Nutrient density

Breast milk is an excellent source of nutrition for infants, but after the first year, it may not provide enough nutrients for the child’s needs.

Children need a wide variety of foods to meet their nutritional needs, and extended breastfeeding alone may not be able to do that.

Dependency

Continual breastfeeding past infancy may lead to a dependency on the mother for the child. The child may become overly attached to the mother, making it challenging for the mother to leave the child and for others to care for them.

When to End Breastfeeding

Deciding when to stop breastfeeding is a personal choice, and it should be made based on the mother’s and child’s needs.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding should continue for at least 12 months, and after that, it should continue as long as mutually desired by the mother and child.

Factors to Consider

Several factors may influence a mother’s decision to stop breastfeeding, including:.

The child’s readiness to wean

The child might show signs of losing interest in breastfeeding, become more interested in solid foods instead, or self-wean when ready.

The mother’s comfort

The mother might experience discomfort while breastfeeding a child beyond two years, and it can also interfere with her menstrual cycle if breastfeeding continues after 12 months.

Social considerations

Social factors, such as going back to work or caring for other children, may influence a mother’s decision to stop breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Extended breastfeeding can be a contentious topic. Still, it is ultimately up to the mother to decide how long to breastfeed based on their child’s needs and their own comfort levels.

While the practice has health and developmental benefits for children, it is essential to consider the potential downsides, including the social stigma that comes with it.