What you should know about extended breastfeeding
Breastfeeding for any length of time, from the birth of a child to the
age of one, gives you a sense of accomplishment and well-being. Long-term
breastfeeding is also good for you and your baby.
Understanding extended breastfeeding
Experts recommend breastfeeding your baby only for the first 6 months of
life. Pureed or solid foods can then be introduced, but breastfeeding should
continue until the child is 1 year old.
At this point, you can switch to cow's milk or another milk alternative.
Most experts agree that breastfeeding during the first year of life is the best
for your baby. After this, babies often lose interest in breastfeeding as they
become more mobile.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for the
first 2 years of life. Anything older than 1 year is considered continuous
breastfeeding.
But keep in mind that long-term breastfeeding isn't all or nothing. You
can wean yourself during the day and breastfeed only at night, or vice versa.
Tandem care. Women who have two close children can breastfeed both at
the same time, for example if your baby hasn't stopped breastfeeding after you
had another baby.
Keep in mind that your milk changes according to your newborn's needs,
so your baby's stool may change. Tandem breastfeeding often helps ease the
transition to having a baby sibling, although it can be difficult for mothers.
If you cannot or do not want to breastfeed both babies at the same time,
you can breastfeed your baby after the baby is born. This ensures that your
baby gets the milk first and allows your baby to suckle for more comfort
without having to drink all the milk.
Benefits of extended breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is most beneficial in the first days and weeks of life,
but the benefits continue after that.
- Nutrition. Your breast milk provides complete nutrition for your baby. As they get older, your breast milk changes according to their needs. Even though your baby eats three times a day, your milk provides him with valuable nutrients.
- Improving immunity. When you or your
baby are exposed to germs and start to get sick, your breast milk contains
antibodies that help fight infections. Your milk continues to produce special
cells and antibodies that improve both short and long term immunity.
- Less risk to maternal health. You, as a mother,
also benefit. Breastfeeding for 12 months or more reduces the risk of breast
cancer, ovarian cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, heart
disease and diabetes.
Weaning a baby from the breast
The decision to wean a baby is a personal decision. Sometimes milk
production gradually decreases until you stop producing the amount of milk your
baby needs. Other times, you may return to work or simply feel like it's time
to quit.
If you choose to wean after prolonged breastfeeding, your baby may
become more resilient. Breastfeeding brings them comfort and nourishment. It is
important to have a weaning plan.
It may be time to wean when your baby:
- Loses interest in nursing
- Is fussy while nursing
- Nurses for less time or less often
- Plays or is easily distracted while breastfeeding
- Nurses for comfort without drinking milk
Weaning advice. Take it slowly so
that both of you can get used to it. Your baby is adjusting emotionally while
you prevent the breasts from filling with blood and suddenly stopping. Try
replacing just one breastfeeding session at first by offering milk from a
bottle or cup instead.
You can skip midday feedings instead of morning or evening feedings,
when your baby is most likely to seek solace. You can also let your child take
care of it and wait until he loses interest. As you breastfeed for less time,
your milk will gradually dry out to meet the smaller need.
Make sure your child is successfully drinking milk from a cup. Breast
milk provides the nutrients your baby needs to grow, and you don't want to wean
without replacing those nutrients. Encourage them to drink milk with meals or
snacks.
Other weaning tips include:
- Postpone this if your child is going through a big life change, like teething or opening a new daycare.
- Cuddle while your child drinks milk from a cup.
- Change your morning and evening routine.
- Ask your partner to help you start a new routine at your usual breastfeeding time.
- Encourage other comfort habits such as cuddling, using a pacifier, or thumb sucking during the transition period.