Extended breastfeeding, which involves nursing a child beyond the typical period of one or two years, can offer various profits to both the nursing mother and the newborn. This practice can positively impact health, mental well-being, and the emotional bond between mother and newborn. Additionally, expanded breastfeeding is a convenient and economical form of nutrition.
However, this practice can also present challenges, especially in cultures where expanded breastfeeding is uncommon or lacks support. Parents who choose to nurse beyond the typical age may face stigma and criticism. Despite these challenges, many find extended breastfeeding to be a rewarding and significant experience.
What is it?
Extended breastfeeding means nursing a child longer than is typical in a particular culture, instead of following a strict medical guideline.
As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that newborns should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months. After that, babies should start eating complementary foods while continuing to get breast milk until a minimum of 1 year old. The World Health Organization supports this recommendation, suggesting breastfeeding can continue for almost 2 years or more along with complementary foods.
There is no specific age at which breastfeeding should stop, as it varies from one person to another. In the U.S., facts from 2018 show that around 35 percent of babies were still chest feeding at twelve months, but this number dropped to 14.8 percent by 18 months.
Katherine Dettwyler, an anthropologist notes that family or cultural factors have always affected breastfeeding decisions. Historically, humans have typically breastfed their children for several years.
Benefits
From a viewpoint of public health, breastfeeding, including extended breastfeeding, has significant advantages for infant survival and health. While not everyone can breastfeed, formula feeding can still provide sufficient nutrition for babies.
Health Benefits for Parents
Breastfeeding isn’t essential for a child’s survival, but research shows many benefits for those who breastfeed for longer periods. For the nursing parent, extended breastfeeding lowers the risk of certain health issues, including ovarian cancer, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. These health benefits continue as long as breastfeeding continues.
Health Benefits for Children
Breast milk is packed with antibodies that help protect infants from infections. It also adapts to the baby’s needs, changing based on the infant’s saliva to provide tailored nutrition that can prevent infections and ensure optimal health. Children who are breastfed tend to have lower rates of asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, ear infections, diabetes, and diarrhea, respiratory infections.
Emotional Health
Studies suggest that breastfeeding can help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, in parents compared to those who use formula. Breastfeeding also strengthens the bond between the parent and the baby, enhancing attachment and decreasing stress. It can be easier to calm a breastfed newborn, particularly when other comfort methods, like a pacifier, are not available.
Relaxing
Many toddlers and infants detect nursing as incredibly soothing. use it to fall asleep, while others seek it out when they are upset or scared. This natural source of comfort can help reduce parenting stress and provide the child with a simple way to calm down.
Convenience
Mother milk is always ready and convenient. Parents can quickly offer their child a snack and make sure they stay hydrated, no matter where they are, no need to prepare food or find water.
Healthy Supplements
Breast milk remains a valuable nutritional source well after the first 12 months of life. As children start trying new foods, breast milk can help fill nutritional gaps.
Disadvantages
While there are no medical drawbacks to breastfeeding after the age of one year as long as the child gets sufficient complementary foods, individuals may encounter several obstacles, particularly without family support.
Cultural Stigma
In many Western countries, expanding breastfeeding is not the cultural rule. This can lead to judgment and shaming from others. Parents may not get sufficient support from their family or partners and might feel isolated or judged by friends.
Time Commitment
Breastfeeding requires significant effort and time. Parents with young children often struggle to balance their time between work, sleep, self-care, and hobbies. Alternatives like bottle-feeding and formula can be more convenient and less time-consuming.
Workplace Challenges
Balancing breastfeeding with working externally from home can be hard, especially for those with persistent hours. Few parents might face pressure at work to stop breastfeeding or may need to fight for their right to take breaks for pumping.
Deciding When to Stop Breastfeeding: A Personal Guide
For those who need to follow public health instructions, it is recommended to mainly breastfeed for the first six months of the baby’s life. Afterward, complementary foods can be introduced while continuing to nurse until the baby reaches one year.
After reaching the beginning milestone of one year, parents should evaluate how well breastfeeding is functioning for them. Consider asking yourself the following questions:
- Are my child and I profiting from breastfeeding?
- Do I wish to continue?
- Is breastfeeding more convenient than other choices?
- Are there any other reasons to consider stopping?
There is no appropriate or inappropriate time to halt nursing; it is completely a personal option. Each parent must estimate how well chestfeeding is used for them and their child when deciding whether to continue or stop.
Tips for Handling Criticism
Many parents report facing shaming and judgment for choosing to breastfeed beyond what is considered the “normal” age.
Mothers should be aware that they may face criticism regardless of their feeding choices. Those who opt for formula may encounter formula shaming, or those who breastfeed, particularly for extended periods, can also experience stigma. Understanding that this judgment is more about controlling parents than about the specific choices they make can help ease the emotional impact.
To handle criticism effectively, parents can try the following strategies:
- Avoid Arguments: Stay neutral and avoid engaging in arguments.
- Invoke Experts: Refer to a pediatrician or other expert to support your choice. For example, you might say, “According to my pediatrician, this is our best choice, and you’re not my pediatrician.”
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries and enforce them.
By using these strategies, parents can better manage the criticism they face and make decisions that are best for their families.
Summary
Extended breastfeeding, which means nursing beyond 1 or 2 years, offers health benefits for both parent and child, including protection against various diseases and fostering emotional bonds. However, it can pose challenges due to cultural stigma, time commitment, workplace issues, and potential impacts on fertility.
Deciding when to stop breastfeeding is a personal choice, influenced by factors like convenience and mutual benefit. Parents may face criticism regardless of their feeding choices and can manage this by staying neutral, invoking expert advice, and setting boundaries. Understanding that judgment is more about control than specific choices can help ease the emotional impact.
