The Benefits Of Extended Breastfeeding
April 1, 2009
When a mother continues to breast feed her child after the child has passed their first birthday, it is called extended breastfeeding. Before baby foods found their way to the grocery store shelves, extended breastfeeding was common and it’s starting to make a comeback, mostly because researchers and child development specialists have discovered that there are several benefits to extended breastfeeding.
Most children will start to wean themselves when they are between the ages of three and four. One of the things child psychologists have noticed is that instead of making a child more dependent on their mother, extended breastfeeding actually seems to make the child more confident and independent. When your child is feeling upset or scared, the breastfeeding helps them feel safe, making them feel loved and protected.
How the Child Benefits
Children who have mothers that believe in extended breastfeeding are normally healthier than children who are weaned at a young age. The body automatically creates anti-bodies to counteract any environmental dangers that can be found in the mother’s home. Mothers pass these natural anti-bodies to their children through their breast milk.
Extended breastfeeding is an excellent way to keep your child on a regular schedule and make sure that they always have something to eat when you are traveling.
How the Mother Benefits
The child isn’t the only person who benefits from extended breastfeeding, the mother does too. Most women don’t menstruate while they are breastfeeding. Not having to deal with the mood swings, bloating and cramps that go along with having a period allows the mother to relax and simply enjoy being a mother. Women who breastfeed their children are at a lower risk for endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer.
Breastfeeding releases hormones that help the mother relax and allow her to bond with her child.
One of the biggest concerns mothers have with extended breastfeeding is the reaction other people have. The best way to avoid sideways glances and snide remarks is to simply not make yourself a target. Feed your child before leaving home so that you won’t have to breastfeed in public.
Make sure that you don’t just rely on breast milk to feed your child. Supplement the milk with baby food.
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