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Extended breastfeeding - benefits for mother and child?
Published on
16.01.2025
Breastfeeding is a special time of closeness and connection between mother and baby. While nursing in the first months of life is widely accepted as normal, extended breastfeeding often sparks discussions.
What Does Extended Breastfeeding Mean?
Extended breastfeeding typically refers to nursing beyond the first year of a child’s life. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods until at least two years of age or beyond, the reality is quite different:
👉 In Switzerland, only 40% of babies are still breastfed at six months.
👉 In Germany, only 34% of mothers continue breastfeeding beyond four months.
👉 In Switzerland, only 40% of babies are still breastfed at six months.
👉 In Germany, only 34% of mothers continue breastfeeding beyond four months.
Many mothers stop earlier than intended, even though breastfeeding beyond infancy offers numerous benefits.
Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding for Mothers
Extended breastfeeding is not just emotionally rewarding but also has significant health benefits for moms:
✔ Lower risk of obesity – Breastfeeding helps regulate long-term maternal weight.
✔ Reduced cancer risk – The longer a mother breastfeeds, the lower her chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
✔ Protection against chronic diseases – Studies suggest that breastfeeding lowers the risk of diabetes and other chronic illnesses.
✔ Lower risk of obesity – Breastfeeding helps regulate long-term maternal weight.
✔ Reduced cancer risk – The longer a mother breastfeeds, the lower her chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
✔ Protection against chronic diseases – Studies suggest that breastfeeding lowers the risk of diabetes and other chronic illnesses.
Is Extended Breastfeeding Good for Children?
Breastfeeding beyond infancy provides continued nutritional, emotional, and immune benefits:
✔ Supports brain development – Breast milk is rich in essential nutrients that foster cognitive growth.
✔ Strengthens the immune system – Extended breastfeeding reduces the risk of infections and allergies.
✔ Provides security and bonding – Nursing is not just about food; it offers comfort and emotional connection.
✔ The ultimate source of comfort – Whether during teething, illness, or growth spurts, breastfeeding is a powerful soothing tool.
✔ Supports brain development – Breast milk is rich in essential nutrients that foster cognitive growth.
✔ Strengthens the immune system – Extended breastfeeding reduces the risk of infections and allergies.
✔ Provides security and bonding – Nursing is not just about food; it offers comfort and emotional connection.
✔ The ultimate source of comfort – Whether during teething, illness, or growth spurts, breastfeeding is a powerful soothing tool.
When Is the Right Time to Wean?
A common myth is that breastfeeding should stop at a certain point – but that’s not true.
🍼 Weaning should happen when it feels right for both mother and child.
A new pregnancy does not necessarily mean a mother must stop breastfeeding. Even with multiple children, tandem nursing is entirely possible as long as the youngest baby is gaining weight well.
Extended Breastfeeding – Challenges and Social Stigma
Despite the many benefits, extended breastfeeding still faces societal barriers:
❌ Returning to work or daycare schedules can make breastfeeding harder.
❌ Social stigma – In some cultures, breastfeeding older children is met with skepticism.
❌ Lack of support – Many mothers stop earlier than planned due to external pressure or misinformation.
❌ Returning to work or daycare schedules can make breastfeeding harder.
❌ Social stigma – In some cultures, breastfeeding older children is met with skepticism.
❌ Lack of support – Many mothers stop earlier than planned due to external pressure or misinformation.
At the end of the day, breastfeeding is a personal choice that should be made only by the mother and child. 💛
#Breastfeeding #ExtendedBreastfeeding #Motherhood #BreastfeedingJourney #MomLife #MamaSupport #BreastfeedingBenefits
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