Extended Breastfeeding

In a society where many mothers work outside the home and families are often on the go, it can be challenging to breastfeed a child for any length of time. Surprisingly, though, more and more women are choosing to nurse their children well into their toddler years. This is known as extended breastfeeding.

Proponents of the practice cite numerous benefits of extended breastfeeding and in fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics has this to say, "Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first yearof life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by motherand child."

So just what is so great about extended breastfeeding? Consider these benefits:

• Nutritional Value - The nutritional needs of nursing toddlers are better met when breastmilk is a part of their diets. Breastmilk provides high amounts of protein and vitamins which are essential to growing children.
• Emotional Bonds - The bond that is developed between a breastfeeding mother and baby is further strengthened the longer the child nurses.
• Better Health - The longer a child breastfeeds, the more immunities he will build up against diseases. Additionally, breastfeeding babies and toddlers are less likely to suffer from allergies and asthma.
• Benefits for Mom - Nursing often suppresses ovulation, acting as a natural birth control method.* Nursing also burns extra calories, resulting in easier weight management. Additionally, studies show that extended breastfeeding reduces the risk of several cancers in women.

While mothers around the world practice extended breastfeeding, it is seldom seen as "extended" outside of the United States. It is common practice in many countries and cultures to breastfeed until a child is four years old or older. However, as more and more women choose to nurse their toddlers, this practice may become more commonplace in the United States. Until then, remember that it is your right to continue to breastfeed your child as long as it is agreeable to both you and your child.

*Note: Breastfeeding is not a guaranteed safeguard against pregnancy. The only completely reliable method of birth control is abstinence. If you are concerned about getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about birth control methods that are safe to use while breastfeeding.

You may also be interested in How to Succeed at Breastfeeding infantstoddlers.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_succeed_at_breastfeeding

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