More Women Are Breastfeeding Their Toddlers
In the US the majority of mothers who choose to breastfeed wean by a year. Though the World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 2 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics only holds a recommendation of 12 months. Despite of being outside the majority there is a growing number of mothers who are choosing to breastfeed beyond the first year. In the same study by the CDC and Abbott Labs' Ross it was shown that in 1997, 14.5 percent of mothers were still breast-feeding at 12 months; by 2005, the number had climbed to 20 percent.
Nursing an older child is becoming less uncommon as mothers are being educated more on the benefits of breastfeeding a toddler. Though most mothers are less open about breastfeeding a toddler than an infant, the numbers show that it is being more and more common. Singer and actress Erykah Badu spoke openly in an interview about breastfeeding her son for two years. Actress and model Jerry Hall posed for a photo shoot with Vanity Fair, elegantly dressed, and sitting down breastfeeding her son. Even actress Carrie Ann Moss has been photographed walking downtown while carrying and breastfeeding her then one year old son. The positive image that breastfeeding has been gaining is making more and more mothers who once nursed their toddlers in secret come out and admit that they are not weaning before the first year.
Breastmilk is just as nutritious after the first year as during studies have shown. During the second year of nursing 15 ounces of breastmilk contains 43 percent of the required protein, 36 percent of the required calcium, 75 percent of the required vitamin A, 76 percent of the required folate, 94 percent of the required vitamin B12, and 60 percent of the required vitamin C. Continuing to breastfeed past the first year is supported by many health professionals. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that children weaned before two years of age are at increased risk of illness. The World health Organization emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond. They have stated "a modest increase in breastfeeding rates could prevent up to 10% of all deaths of children under five: Breastfeeding plays an essential and sometimes underestimated role in the treatment and prevention of childhood illness."
"There are no medical or psychological reasons not to nurse long term," says Dr. Jane Morton, a pediatrician who is a clinical professor at Stanford Medical School as well as a member of the AAP breast-feeding section. "It's frowned on in the US because the breast has become so highly sexualized." She says it's a myth to think that a child who nurses long term will not develop autonomy.
According to research done by Anthropologist Katherine Dettwyler, PhD the natural age of weaning for human children is between 2.5 years and 7 years. Though many in the US would feel uncomfortable at those numbers the AAP has stated that "There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer."
Published by Summer Minor
Summer Minor is a mother of 3 who practices Attachment Parenting and believes that with gentle guidance children can grow to be who they were meant to be. She blogs about parenting at http://mama2mamatips.com View profile
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23 Comments
Post a Commenti also accept this i am from tamil nadu,i also used to be naked while i breast feeding that only comfortable for me because i have big breast
Nursing a toddler rocks.
The nervous system isn't mature till aroound age 6 or 7. Which coincides with maturation of the immune system, and 3rd set of molars. In many cultures, this age also marks the end of early childhood. Breastmilk is age-appropriate, meaning it gives the child just what he or she needs at that stage of development, and it never stops having superior nutritional value (especially if received directly from the breast). Just thought I'd clarify this.
As a very strong supporter of extended breastfeeding I would like to applaud all the nursing mothers who are continuing to breastfeed their older children
no matter what other people say... There is NOTHING wrong with extended breastfeeding! It's a beautiful way for a nursing mother and her child to bond together!
Great article! Just to add, I am breastfeeding my 7.5 and 9 yr old boys, usually tandem. They have been active and healthy children ever since their birth. They enjoy it so much, that they ask for it early morning, after school and bedtime. Great way to give the best I can.
Anita
kamala_ram@rediffmail.com
For me i am an indian living in a remote hilly area and that the nearest hospital or clinic is about 200 miles and that i cannot reach that place very quick.So i decided to breatfeed my children who are both 4 and 9 and that they are girls.Breastfeeding is not any sexual technique, it is just the motherly protection for the kids.Breastfeeding is for protecting the kids from any type of diseases and to give strength to the body of the kids.Breastmilk is a strength-giver.
As far as i am concerned, i took to breastfeeding my kids just bcos i wanted to give my kids the best of protection from diseases and other epidemics. I breastfeed both of my kids early in the morning and at night.Even while breastfeeding one should ensure that wearing dresses should be eased so that the warmth of the mother's body will comfort the kids.I sleep naked in bed with my kids to the same and eventually i stay naked while I breastfeed my kids at night and at early mor
If breastfeeding toddlers held back children, a lot of Asians, Africans, and South Americans would be holding on to their mamas! I'm still nursing my 17 month old, but I'm also unexpectedly pregnant, and so we're cutting back because it's exhausting!!! But I'm still committed to it because I know my breastmilk still matters, at least until age 2, when his nervous system will finally be fully developed.
I bf'ed my daughter till she was 18 months old. I required emergency surgery at that time and could no longer BF. It was a very hard abrupt cut off for my daughter. Although I do not feel there should be any issues with nursing a toddler. I think a 7 year old is way to old. Once a child goes to school it seems a little extreme to still be bf'ing. You did a great job with this article!
It's funny that you see statements like this: "i believe it holds back their independence." At least this was stated as opinion, because there is nothing to back up such a belief. Two and three year olds DO explore the world, along with a few stops to grab a drink and explore their mother's face, her hair, her smell, the sound of her voice through her chest. What's really cool is to start asking around, "How long did your mom breastfeed you?" When you find those extended breastfeeders who are grown adults, look around them. Do you see Mommy? Does she dress them for work? Nope. Normal people, just functioning in the world!
So happy to see this article! Love the photo you have too. Great job.