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Because of the culture we live in, mothers tend to think that their milk is no longer good or needed past the first birthday. In fact, in our culture, breastfeeding for the entire first year is looked at as quite an extensive amount of time. And it is wonderful if a child is so fortunate to be breastfed for this length of time. But I'd like to just share the many benefits of breastfeeding past the first 12 months of babyhood for those mothers who are interested and would like to know what difference it would make.
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that babies be breastfed for at least the first year and the American Academy of Family Physicians notes that children weaned before two years of age are at an increased risk of illness. Former Surgeon General, Dr. Antonia Novella, stated "It is the lucky baby, I feel, who continues to nurse until he is two." And the World Health Organization says "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." So as you can see, even though in our culture it is the norm to think of breastfeeding duration in terms of months, our very own health advisers recommend thinking in terms of years.
The benefits of breastfeeding definitely do not stop at one year. At one year of age, a child's immune system is only functioning at 60% of an adult level. Many mothers who wean at one year find that their babies start to catch more colds than before while receiving breast milk. Breast milk in the second year continues to be a major source of not only immunity, but protein, fat, calcium, and vitamins. And for the breastfeeding toddler who catches a cold and does not want to eat or drink, breastfeeding is the optimal way to keep him hydrated and on the receiving end of mommy's immunity cells. Nursing toddlers also have a shorter duration of illness than their non-breastfeeding peers. This chart breaks down what breastmilk provides during the second year:
In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:
- 29% of energy requirements
- 43% of protein requirements
- 36% of calcium requirements
- 75% of vitamin A requirements
- 76% of folate requirements
- 94% of vitamin B12 requirements
- 60% of vitamin C requirements
-- Dewey 2001
The healing properties of breast milk are quite astounding. What science is only beginning to scratch the surface of, mothers have known for centuries. What exactly are a few things that a little breast milk can't help clear up? Diaper rash, cradle cap, ear ache, pink eye, sty, acne, scratches, clogged tear ducts. For more uses, check out this list entitled "57 Medicinal, Cosmetic, and other Alternative Uses for Breastmilk".
Another very cool fact is that a mother's breast milk immunity has been shown to increase the older her baby gets and nurses less, so that when her baby does nurse, he is still receiving lots of immune factors. I think that's pretty amazing!
There is also the benefit of avoiding allergies. Studies have shown that the later cow's milk and other common allergens are introduced into a child's diet, the less chance there is of allergic reactions.
One little known fact is that extended breastfeeding is beneficial for the mother as well. Mothers who breastfeed past infancy reduce their risk of the following: breast, ovarian, uterine, and endometrial cancers, breastfeeding protects against osteoporosis, and reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis just to name a few.
Some mothers believe the myth that extended breastfeeding will make for a dependent child, but this is actually far from the truth. Dr. Sears stated:
It's important to keep in mind the psychological benefits of nursing as well. Nursing with mommy is a way for babies and toddlers to reconnect with their home base. Many nursing mothers of toddlers state that there is no quicker way to help soothe and calm an upset toddler than offering the breast. It is what cultures the world over have done for centuries and still do today. Hopefully it will begin to make a bigger comeback in our own culture and can be normalized once again.
Anna @ Feminine Adve
Beautiful post! It's just amazing how God designed our bodies to provide the nourishment our child needs and that as they grow their milk changes to best protect them.
Jessica@MakingHomeSw
I know, it really IS amazing how our bodies were designed so perfectly for our babies. Did you know the breastmilk of a mom with a boy is different than a mom with a girl?! With a baby boy, the breastmilk has a higher fat content. So amazing! Thank you for commenting Anna!
Kate @ Teaching What
Very cool! Of my 8 babies, 6 of them nursed well into their second year of life. The others weaned themselves (usually because my milk dried up in pregnancy). This is such a great post!
Jessica@MakingHomeSw
Oh wow, how awesome! Yes, I want to get pregnant again this year and I've been a little worried about that. I think we'll wait a few more months. Thank you for commenting Kate, glad you enjoyed the post!
Meghan Carver
Thank you for stating the obvious benefits of breastfeeding past one year! I am currently nursing my sixth child; he just turned thirteen months yesterday. We are having a fabulous time -- although I don't share that with everyone. (I don't hide it; I just don't go around telling everyone!) I had an incident in Macy's recently and blogged about it at http://www.meghancarver.blogspot.com/2012/01/dont.... Apparently, it's a hot topic -- that's one of my most popular posts! Thanks again for the facts and the encouragement!
Jessica@MakingHomeSw
Mine just turned 13 months as well! I'm the same...I don't go around trying to show everyone we're still nursing, but I don't hide it either. Thanks for the link, I'm gonna go read that since I actually shop at Macy's quite a bit. I nursed in their changing rooms once. It's definitely a hot topic with lots of public places coming under fire for discriminating. Thanks for commenting!
Rosilind Jukic
What a great post. Would you mind if I post it as a guest post on my blog for my readers? I would love for them to be able to read the wealth of information here. I would, of course, link to your blog and give you full credit. Popping over from Living Well Wednesdays.
Carol @ Aliisa'
I'm visiting from Titus 2sday--glad to find your blog. this is a great post with good information!Blessings,Carol
Dionna @ Code Name:
I couldn't agree more 🙂 By the way, I feature a series on the "joys of bf'ing past infancy," if you'd ever want to submit a guest post. Email me if you are interested!
Jessica@MakingHomeSw
So crazy, I've read so many articles from Code Name: Mama! 🙂 I'd be honored!
Jessica@MakingHomeSw
I'm so happy I found your blog hop! I have been looking for one that was for natural parents. That is wonderful, what a lucky 2 1/2 year old you have <3
Katherine
Very interesting! I stopped nursing my son a month ago for multiple reasons. My son was 10 1/2 months old. Now I wish I had not quit too soon. In the past month (literally the week I stopped nursing), my son has gotten the stomach bug, a bad cold which came along with an eye and ear infection, and the flu! It's been a rough month, and I feel so terrible about it! I will definitely nurse longer with my future children. Let it be a lesson to all...