Breastfeeding is often seen by mamas as a challenging yet fruitful act especially after the pregnancy process. It allows the parents and the baby to bond in the most natural way. Nursing, though, has both advantages and disadvantages even to the mental and emotional well-being of the women. And other mamas also have different methods like formula feeding or mixed feeding. But if you have been committed to breastfeeding and have also seen positive results, then extended breastfeeding may be considered. It may be uncommon but nursing past a year also has its benefits and who knows, maybe it will suit you too.
What is Extended Breastfeeding?
Extended breastfeeding usually has different social standards depending on the location, beliefs, and source. But essentially, it’s pursuing nursing or the act of breastfeeding past the usual period of time. The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines have stated in their National Policies on Infant and Young Child Feeding that “Breastfeeding shall be continued as frequent and on demand for up to two years of age and beyond”. But this comes with lessening the amount of breastmilk intake and having complementary foods. Apart from the government, international health organizations also have their respective recommendations and meanings when it comes to extended breastfeeding:
Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP): “recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, with complementary foods introduced around six months; supports continued breastfeeding until two years or beyond, as mutually desired by mother and child.”
World Health Organization (WHO): “recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, and then continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years and beyond.”
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): “recommends continuing to breastfeed for at least 1 year; the health of moms and babies is optimal when breastfeeding continues for at least 2 years.”
Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding
Nutrition
Some people believe that breast milk loses its nutritional value after a certain period of time. But it’s medically considered as a myth because studies have shown that breast milk retains the nutritional quality for the entire breastfeeding period of a mother. Its nutrients may change but it’s to cope with the changes of the growing baby too. A study found that the zinc and potassium may have decreased but the total protein increased. Another found that after a year, its energy and fat contents significantly grew which can be beneficial to the babies.
The Bond
As a mama begins her breastfeeding journey, the connection between her and the baby will truly be felt. If you breastfeed too then it’s certain you can relate. But as babies grow, they also start to move and explore around and this already lessens the time for cuddling and closeness. Pursuing extended nursing can also keep the bond and connection between the mamas and the little ones. This added period of time can also serve as a way to slowly adjust for both the mama and the baby.
Comfort
Breastfeeding is a time when the babies are comfortable with the mamas breasts and they’re relaxed while being fed. And as they’re slowly growing, it will come with slowly learning how to regulate their emotions too.
Future of Both Mother and Baby
Baby: Studies have shown that breastfeeding at a lengthy duration can help the little ones in a number of ways in the future. If a family history of certain allergies are present, nursing for at least 4 months can protect them from developing the allergies. Breastfeeding for more than 6 months can protect the babies from developing leukemia and lymphoma. Lastly, it can also lessen the risk of developing type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Nursing Mother: A longer duration of breastfeeding by the mama can lower the risk of diseases like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart attack.
The Decision to Extend
Extended breastfeeding may have been uncommon everywhere for far too long. But it shows benefits and society seems to be adjusting to it as this type of nursing is becoming normal recently. In the end, it would still be up to you and your baby taking into consideration both your comfortability, needs, and wants.
References:
National Policies on Infant and Young Child Feeding. 2005. Department of Health. https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/health_programs/National%20Policies%20on%20Infant%20and%20Young%20Child%20Feeding%20-%20AO2005-0014.PDF
Wisner. 2020. Extended Breastfeeding: Can You Nurse for Too Long? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/extended-breastfeeding
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