Extended Breastfeeding Benefits
While many of us have heard and know that breastfeeding is far superior to formula when it comes to nutrition for your newborn baby, not many of us have possibly heard the benefits that come with continued breastfeeding for your toddler.
Instead, many women have heard their children’s pediatrician tell them that after one year, breastmilk loses its benefit for the child. That is simply untrue. Breastmilk never loses it’s benefit for you child. Not only does it offer comfort and a safe space, it still has nutritional benefits. Breastfeeding a toddler can provide much of their daily needs:
29% of energy
43% of protein
75% of vitamin A
60% of vitamin C
76% of folate
94% of B12
36% of calcium
The benefits of extended breastfeeding don’t stop at nutrition! Breastfeeding has many health benefits including:
Reduction of GI infections
Reduction of respiratory infections
Reduction of ear infections
Reduction of dental malocclusions
My favorite perk to breastfeeding that I don’t think is talked about enough, is the rest. Of course many moms multitask, but I know my days feel so much busier when we don’t lay down somewhere in the middle and just take that much needed rest together. I always wonder if that was part of the the design of breastfeeding — a built in rest, forcing us to slow down a little as mothers.
I used to think that extended breastfeeding would be more common living in a more traditional culture in Eastern Africa. Even here, so many mothers are finished breastfeeding their child before or around one year old. At the end of the day, if a mom is ready to be done, that is her call. It makes me wonder though, if the benefits of extended breastfeeding are not discussed here. Especially where we have less access to reliable and safe healthcare, I thought more moms would choose to breastfeed longer.
No matter how long you choose to breastfeed your child, breastmilk has incredible benefits for baby! If you’re not ready to stop just because you have a toddler now, or you just don’t want to go through the fight of weaning, then I’m here to remind you that you don’t have to. If pressure is coming from outside, like friends or family, remind yourself of all the benefits you are still providing your child!
Statistics:
https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/breastfeeding-toddler