Introduction:
Breast milk comprises multiple macronutrients (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), along with other various biologically active substances. It also contains antibodies, growth factors, cytokines, antimicrobial compounds, and specific immune cells. Breastfeeding possesses multiple health benefits. Apart from being the most appropriate and protective diet for the newly born baby, it is also beneficial for the mother. Breast milk is crucial for the growth and development of the newborn and is considered an invaluable source of nutrition for infants.
Planning a sufficient needful diet for your baby is worrisome. Despite various advancements in the formulation of formula milk, breast milk is still considered the best source of nutrition for growing infants. In some cases, weaning is practiced in the daytime, but the child is breastfed during the night.
Nursing a baby is a pleasurable experience for both mother and baby. Breastfeeding nourishes the baby and helps in developing a unique bonding between the mother and the baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Then, continuing breastfeeding, along with the introduction of solid or liquid food items, can be continued until the mother and baby desire.
Can a Mother Continue Breastfeeding Beyond 12 Months?
Breastfeeding for a longer period beyond one year is often referred to as extended breastfeeding. An extended period denotes a time period that is longer than normal. According to all health organizations, the recommended period for breastfeeding, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF, is up to one year. Still, breastfeeding can be continued till you and your baby prefer it. Extended breastfeeding after one year still has many beneficial effects for infants and breastfeeding mothers.
Some commonly reported benefits of extended breastfeeding are:
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Nutrition: Breastfeeding is the gold standard nutritional source for infants, and there is no particular age when the benefits could become insignificant.
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Improved Immune Response: With continued breastfeeding, the cells, hormones, and antibodies in the breast milk will continue to nourish the child's immune system.
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Reduced Health Risks for Mothers: Some studies claim a reduction in the chances of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes in mothers who continued breastfeeding for up to a year.
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Boosts Brain Development: It stimulates the child's brain development and promotes a higher IQ (intelligence quotient) in the breastfed child.
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Bonding between Mother and Baby: The mother and infants have skin-to-skin contact while breastfeeding. It builds an intimate connection between the baby and the mother.
What Are the Challenges Faced by Mothers for Breastfeeding Beyond 12 Months?
Breastfeeding beyond 12 months or extended breastfeeding helps the mother in developing closeness with the infants. It might be challenging to plan a nursing period for the baby. One might encounter criticism for continuing to nurse the toddler for an extended period. But the mother should try not to be affected by other people's opinions and avoid indulging in these discussions.
A sweet way to communicate your say about your breastfeeding choice is often the best way to handle the criticism for extended breastfeeding. The other way to handle criticism is by simply mentioning that you are doing so as it is advised by your doctor. To say that, you may simply mention it as the doctor's order. Usually, people would not argue with instructions from a doctor.
Will Breastfeeding Beyond 12 Months Make the Weaning Process More Complicated?
It is not necessary that breastfeeding beyond normalcy can have an impact on the weaning process. Weaning (introduction of solids) is variable for all infants. The easiest way to begin weaning is when your child initiates the process, which might be at anytime, and you might have to follow the hint from your baby. Weaning often begins naturally at about six months of age with the introduction of solid food. However, some babies start to gradually show the transition from breast milk and seek other forms of nutrition. Others might not initiate weaning and prefer breastfeeding.
What Are the Downsides of Continuing Breastfeeding Beyond 12 Months?
Although, most mothers consider extended breastfeeding good for their growing infants. However, there are some drawbacks associated with extended breastfeeding for an older child.
The negative impacts of breastfeeding beyond 12 months are:
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Dealing with social criticism.
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It can be exhausting at times.
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There might be a feeling of loss of your freedom.
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It may affect the child's behavior, as the child may find it embarrassing.
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It may have an impact on your marriage and sexual life.
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It may interfere with the ability to spend time with other family members.
Is Night-Time Nursing Good for an Older Child?
Most toddlers need nursing at night as they wake up from hunger in the nighttime. It may surprise many women, but it is very normal. If nighttime can be managed and your baby desires it, you may continue breastfeeding at night. Otherwise, you may try weaning for night feeding. If your child is resisting weaning at night, it can be tried again after some time.
Conclusion:
Breastfeeding beyond 12 months is completely normal, and it is not unusual for a child to continue breastfeeding for an extended period. Extended breastfeeding possesses numerous advantages as per the properties of human breast milk. You should not let anything affect you when it comes to breastfeeding decisions for you and your baby, and you must focus on your baby’s desires. In addition, it helps in establishing nutritional, environmental, socioeconomic, psychological, and genetic interactions between the mother and the baby. That is why breastfeeding is recommended for about six months and which can be continued as long as mutually desired by the mother and the child.
