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The term “extended nursing” has a different meaning depending on who you ask, where you live, and who you ask.
Breastfeeding an infant past the age of 12 months isn’t considered “extended” in other cultures, where it’s usual to do so much beyond the first year. Even in the United States, there is a wide range of “typical” nursing practices.
At 12 months, approximately 36% of babies are still breastfeeding, whereas, at 18 months, 15% are still breastfeeding. Many others, on the other hand, believe that breastfeeding beyond the minimum guidelines, or even during the first few months, is considered extended breastfeeding.
Most major health organizations recommend nursing your child for at least 12 months, however, many health experts encourage even longer. Here’s what some of the most well-known medical organizations have to say about long-term nursing:
The Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies be nursed exclusively for the first six months of their lives, with breastfeeding continuing for at least one year. After that, they advocate breastfeeding for as long as “both mother and infant wish it.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) also encourages exclusive nursing for the first six months, followed by “up to two years and beyond” breastfeeding.
Nursing should be continued for at least a year, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), and the health of mothers and newborns is optimal “when breastfeeding continues for at least two years.”
Extended breastfeeding isn’t for everyone (and that’s fine! ), but it has a lot of advantages for both breastfeeding parents and their children.
Nutrition.
It’s a fallacy that your milk “turns to water” or loses its nutritional worth after a particular amount of time. Breast milk preserves its nutritious quality for the length of breastfeeding, according to research. Furthermore, its composition may change as your child’s needs change.
According to one study, the nutritional composition of breast milk largely remains constant over the second year of life. Total protein rises as zinc and potassium levels fall. The lactose, fat, iron, and potassium contents of the milk did not alter.
Bonding.
While there are ways to bond with your child if you aren’t breastfeeding, every parent of a toddler will tell you that once your child is mobile and exploring, all of the cuddling and intimacy that came with the early month is gone.
Many breastfeeding mothers believe that nursing is the only time during the day when they can sit down with their children and stay connected.
Comfort.
If you nurse your child for a long time, your breasts will most likely become the primary source of comfort for your child.
This has advantages and disadvantages, as being the first person your child looks to when he or she is angry or hurt can be difficult at times. Nursing, on the other hand, is a fantastic way to help your child relax and regulate their emotions.
The future health of the parent and baby.
Nursing is advantageous both in the long run and in the near run. Breastfeeding over a lengthy period is beneficial to both the mother and the child’s health in the long run.
Babies.
Breastfeeding for at least four months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), can protect children with a family history of allergies from developing allergies later in life.
Breastfeeding for more than 6 months can prevent children from leukemia and lymphoma, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Breastfeeding parent.
According to scientific research by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), breastfeeding for a longer period is linked to a lower risk of maternal sickness and protection. It also lowers the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart attack.
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