what are the benefits of extended breastfeeding

What are the pros of extended breastfeeding?

• Even though your child now gets most of his nutrition from solid food, breast milk still provides calories, growth hormones, valuable immunities, vitamins, and enzymes. ...
• When a child gets sick, breast milk may be the only thing he'll consume. ...
• Breastfeeding is good for your health too. ...

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Full Answer

What are the real benefits of breastfeeding?

Is extended breastfeeding harmful? As the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) states, “ There is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful to mother or child .” In fact, the AAFP goes a step further and claims that nursing beyond infancy can lead to “better social adjustment” for children.

Is extended breastfeeding harmful?

When you your baby shows hunger signs, follow these steps:

• Make a "nipple sandwich." Hold your breast with your hand, and compress it to make a "nipple sandwich." An easy way to remember how to hold your hand: Keep your ...
• Get your baby to open wide. Touch or rub your nipple on the skin between your baby's nose and lips. ...
• Bring your baby to your breast. ...

When to begin breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding Disadvantage #1: Discomfort and Pain. Pain during breastfeeding is not uncommon, especially during the first two weeks. Sore nipples are definitely a disadvantage of nursing! In addition to the initial soreness of breastfeeding, some mothers also struggle with painful mastitis or thrush.

Are there any disadvantages of breastfeeding?

What does extended breastfeeding do to your body?

According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), a longer duration of breastfeeding is associated with maternal disease reduction and protection. It reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart attack, says the ABM.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

2 yearsThe World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.

Can you breastfeed a 7 year old?

But people should be informed that nursing a 6-7+year-old is a perfectly normal and natural and healthy thing to be doing for the child, and that their fears of emotional harm are baseless."

What happens when you stop extended breastfeeding?

' Once breastfeeding stops, the milk-making cells in your breasts will gradually shrink, making them smaller in size. Some women say their breasts look or feel empty at this stage. As time passes, fat cells will be laid down again in place of milk-making cells, and you might find your breasts regain some fullness.

Can extended breastfeeding cause hormonal imbalance?

The findings indicate that a longer duration of breastfeeding is associated with higher AMH levels and later menopause onset. They also suggest that relationships observed between childbirth and AMH levels or menopause timing may instead be attributable to breastfeeding.

Is it normal to breastfeed a 10 year old?

“If they feed for as long as they want to they will naturally wean. “In a lot of countries it's perfectly normal to breastfeed older children and they will do it for a lot longer than we do in the West.”

Can I breastfeed my husband during pregnancy?

Generally speaking, breastfeeding your husband or partner is OK. It's not perverted or wrong if you want the person you are intimate with to breastfeed, or if they ask to try breastfeeding or taste your breast milk.

How many years can a woman produce breast milk?

Of the 135 million babies born every year, only 42% are breastfed within the first hour of life, only 38% of mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months and 58% of mothers continue breastfeeding up to the age of two years and beyond.

Are breastfed babies smarter?

Babies who are breastfed for at least a year grow up to be significantly more intelligent as adults and earn more money, a new study shows. Babies who are breastfed for at least a year grow up to be significantly more intelligent as adults and they earn more money, too, a new study shows.

Does extended breastfeeding make you tired?

You Feel Exhausted All Of The Time Exhaustion is a real threat to moms at any stage, but it's particularly common for extended breastfeeding moms. Attachment Parenting noted that at a certain point, some moms just feel worn out and may be tempted to wean.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding past 6 months?

By continuing breastfeeding beyond six months, you lower your lifelong risk of developing heart disease,27 type 2 diabetes28 and cancers of the breast,29 ovaries30 and uterus.”31 And breastfeeding mums often find their periods don't return for many months – and possibly for as long as two years.

How long is breastfeeding nutritionally beneficial?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months after birth — and breast-feeding in combination with solid foods until at least age 1. After that, breast-feeding is recommended as long as you and your child wish to continue.

Is 4 years old too old to breastfeed?

For the rest of the world it's very common that toddlers 4 to 5 years old still are nursed by moms for bonding and health reasons. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding babies up to two years, precisely because of the breast-cancer-prevention benefits.

Is breastfeeding beneficial after 2 years?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that continued breastfeeding has benefits for as long as mom and child want to do it. And the World Health Organization (WHO) takes it a step further by recommending that babies be breastfed for 2 years or more, as long as all their nutritional needs are being met.

Is breast milk still nutritious after 2 years?

Breastmilk maintains nutritional value as well as emotional benefits and the World Health Organisation and the Department of Health recommend that breastfeeding continues, with the appropriate additional of complementary foods, for two years and beyond.

Does breast milk have any nutritional value after 1 year?

After age 1, a child might continue regularly drinking a moderate amount of breast milk. As a result, breast milk will continue to be a source of nutrients for him or her. Other children, however, might use solid foods to meet their nutritional needs and want only small amounts of breast milk.

Understanding Extended Breastfeeding

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends feeding your baby breast milk only for the first 6 months of life. Then, you can start introducing pureed or solid foods, but you should continue breastfeeding until your child turns 1.‌

Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is most beneficial in the first days and weeks of life, but the benefits keep going after that.

Weaning Your Baby

The decision to wean your baby is personal. Sometimes, your milk production slowly lessens until you’re not making as much as your baby needs. Other times, you may be returning to work or just feeling like it’s the right time to stop.

Why is extended breastfeeding important?

Benefits of extended breastfeeding. All women are encouraged to breastfeed at the beginning as it’s been proven to give your baby one of the best starts in life. The advantages associated with breastfeeding keep going as you continue the process beyond infancy.

Why do we breastfeed babies?

Health care workers prioritize babies being breastfed within one hour of birth to obtain the immune system benefits it offers. Breastfeeding has everything a baby needs for nutrition and a strong immune system. With the help of IgA from the mother, it also helps them to form a relationship with their mother. There's no reason older infants and ...

How long do you have to wean your baby?

In the West, it’s typical to wean after 12 months. However, worldwide, women tend to breastfeed until kids are 2–4 years old, so you're in good company even if the women around you aren’t doing it. People also seem to assume that extended breastfeeding discourages independence in kids.

What is the role of breast milk in a baby's diet?

Breast milk has hormones, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Your baby controls how much they want and stops when they're full and nourished. This habit is reflected in studies that have shown links between breastfeeding and lower rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes in kids.

How long should breast milk be given?

Balanced nutrition. The nutritional components of breast milk really can’t be beaten. That’s why doctors recommend it exclusively for the first six months if this is an option for the mother. After this, breast milk can be alternated with age-appropriate meals and snacks.

Why is breast milk important for infants?

Boosted immunity and improved health. The antibodies in breast milk protect infants from common childhood illnesses like bacterial meningitis, diarrhea, respiratory tract infections , and late-onset sepsis. Lower infant mortality has also been noted for babies who breastfeed.

What hormones do you release when you breastfeed?

Breastfeeding and the skin-to-skin contact it requires help release oxytocin, prolactin, and serotonin — all "feel-good" hormones. These leave both of you feeling relaxed and bonded to each other. Getting time to chill with your toddler is a treat. These kids are often loud and active, requiring you to run after them.

Why is extended breastfeeding important?

Extended breastfeeding allows natural weaning while the child can maintain the emotional attachment to the mother. A sudden cessation of breastfeeding may cause a shift in maternal hormones, which may lead to temperamental issues, such as depression, among many women.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

The child may enjoy the following benefits from extended breastfeeding. Antibodies, cells, and hormones in breast milk can boost a child’s immunity. Protects against common childhood illnesses, such as diarrhea and pneumonia. Reduces the risk of obesity and overweight in childhood and adolescence.

Why is breastfeeding important for children?

Reduces the risk of obesity and overweight in childhood and adolescence. Prevent dehydration while recovering from infections. Breastfeeding may increase the bonding between mother and child, and children often find comfort in breastfeeding. Some toddlers may prefer to breastfeed before sleeping.

When should a baby start weaning?

Some babies may prefer to wean earlier, whereas others may start weaning later. After six months of age , it is natural to begin weaning, and there is nothing wrong with introducing a solid diet. Some babies may gradually change from breastfeeding to weaning, closer to one year of age.

When do teeth appear?

In humans, the first permanent teeth usually appear between the ages of five and a half and seven years (3). Children may also attain better immune function around the same period. Therefore, breastfeeding until the eruption of permanent teeth is possible if not prevalent, according to experts (4).

Can you breastfeed a baby while pregnant?

However, it can be physically demanding for some mothers. The taste and quantity of breast milk may also change during pregnancy. In some cultures, women tend to breastfeed older children along with the newborn, called tandem nursing. There is nothing wrong with it.

Does breast milk affect infants?

This may reduce the risk of certain illnesses and deficiencies in toddlers. The mother’s breast milk supply could influence how much breast milk the child gets to feed. Children who drink small amounts of breast milk may not receive adequate nutrients from breast milk.

What does extended breastfeeding mean?

While it can vary based upon counties and culture, extended breastfeeding means that moms are breastfeeding their children longer than the first year of their life. Extended breastfeeding is an extension into the typical length that most moms breastfeed, and it often extends into their toddler years and sometimes beyond.

How long is it recommended that you breastfeed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months, with the continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as long as it is mutually desired by mother and infant to continue.

Benefits of extended breastfeeding

Depending on who you talk to, there are many benefits of extended breastfeeding. Some benefits of extended breastfeeding are based on pure emotions and can be hormone-driven. While others are actually insights from doctors and physicians. Some of the most significant benefits of extended breastfeeding include:

Extended Breastfeeding Pros and Cons

While the pros of extended breastfeeding are mentioned above, there can be a few cons to think about as well. This doesn’t mean that these would apply to you. But they are just presented to you in order to be informed of both sides of the story.

Are there disadvantages of breastfeeding after 2 years?

Most of the disadvantages that come along with extended breastfeeding are ones that are more personal in nature. The older that your child gets, the less discreet and more vocal they are going to become about breastfeeding. This can be embarrassing for modest moms.

Is Extended Breastfeeding Right For You and Your Child?

The bottom line is that no matter who you ask or talk to, everyone will have their thoughts and opinions on extended breastfeeding. Some see the benefits of extended breastfeeding from a health perspective, while others see the cons from a social or personal level.

1. Extended Breastfeeding Helps with Nutrition

It is said that breastfeeding a child is the best thing a mother can do. While the quality of formula and breast milk substitutes have greatly increased, studies show that breast milk will still always be the best source of nutrition.

2. Children with Better Health

The benefit of extended breastfeeding is increasing your child’s health.

3. Higher Intellectual Development

Although debatable, studies have shown that children who are breastfed longer have higher IQ scores.

4. Better Social Skills

When children spend time with you, they are developing their social skills.

5. Relationship Booster

One of the most popular benefits of extended breastfeeding is that it boosts the relationship between mother and child.

6. Delays Fertility

Although not proven risk-free, breastfeeding can help delay fertility in women.

7. Reduces the Risk of Cancer

Another huge benefit of breastfeeding is that it decreases the risk of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer.

What are the benefits of breast feeding beyond infancy?

What are the benefits of breast-feeding beyond infancy? The benefits of breast-feeding beyond infancy for a child include: Balanced nutrition. Breast milk is considered the gold standard for infant nutrition. There's no known age at which breast milk is considered to become nutritionally insignificant for a child.

Why is breast feeding important for infants?

The benefits of breast-feeding beyond infancy for a mother include: Reduced risk of certain illnesses.

When do babies start weaning from breast milk?

Others might not initiate weaning until their toddler years, when they become less willing to sit still during breast-feeding.

How long after birth can you breastfeed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months after birth — and breast-feeding in combination with solid foods until at least age 1. After that, breast-feeding is recommended as long as you and your child wish to continue.

When can a child drink breast milk?

After age 1, a child might continue regularly drinking a moderate amount of breast milk. As a result, breast milk will continue to be a source of nutrients for him or her. Other children, however, might use solid foods to meet their nutritional needs and want only small amounts of breast milk.

When do you start weaning?

Weaning often begins naturally at about age 6 months, when solid foods are typically introduced.

Does breast feeding reduce the risk of cancer?

Reduced risk of certain illnesses. Breast-feeding for 12 months or more cumulatively in life has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

How many babies are breastfeeding at 12 months?

According to the CDC. Trusted Source. , about 36% of babies are still breastfeeding at 12 months, while about 15% are still doing so by 18 months. However, you’ll find that many people think that breastfeeding past the minimum suggestions, or even the first few months is extended breastfeeding.

What to do if your baby is night weaning?

If it doesn’t, you can begin night weaning your child. You can substitute nighttime sessions with water, a back rub, or other soothing techniques. Some parents find that a partner has to take over for a few nights, as their child only wants to nurse if the breastfeeding parent is around. If night weaning isn’t working, ...

What happens if you breastfeed long term?

The good news is that there is so much evidence to support the benefits of your choice . You will eventually toughen up to the critique, or at least learn to ignore it. After all, this is your choice and no one else’s.

How long should a baby be breastfed?

The Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, with its continuation lasting for at least 1 year. After that, they recommend breastfeeding as long as “mutually desired by mother and infant.”. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends.

Why is nursing important for children?

At the same time, nursing is such a wonderful tool for relaxing your child and helping them regulate their emotions.

Is it normal to breastfeed a baby past 12 months?

In some cultures, it’s perfectly normal to breastfeed well past the first year of life, so the idea of breastfeeding a baby past 12 months isn’t “extended” at all. Even in the United States, there’s a wide range of “normal” when it comes to breastfeeding. According to the CDC. Trusted Source.

Is extended breastfeeding harmful to children?

As the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) states, “There is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful to mother or child.”.

What does extended breastfeeding mean?

Extended breastfeeding is simply nursing a child past Western society’s ‘normal’ expectations. To some people this is past six weeks. For some it means six months. For others it means nursing a toddler.

Is extended breast feeding good for babies?

Although many moms don’t talk about it, extended breast feeding is not a new idea, at all. Moms have continued to feed their babies this way for centuries and new scientific research shows it is a good choice for both moms and their children.