I think it's hilarious when others try to debunk the benefits
of extended breastfeeding by saying it's for the mother's pleasure rather than the baby's needs.
Well done to all you magnificent mothers out there who are proud of extended breastfeeding
She cites biological, cultural, and historical evidence in
support of extended breastfeeding and shares stories gleaned from thousands of families for whom breastfeeding and natural weaning have been the norm.
Pop culture's
depictions of extended breastfeeding (which is generally defined as nursing a child past the age of 12 months) are superficial at best, usually meant to elicit a laugh or a horrified gasp.
And while I'm certain that most people are just using the commonly accepted language, the
terminology of extended breastfeeding feels subtly judge - y and just... totally unnecessary, in my opinion.
Chicago - based photographer Ivette Ivens is one of the many people making waves in the
world of extended breastfeeding with a powerful photo series titled «I Breastfeed My Toddler,» which depicts women intimately feeding their babies.
They refer to a study that looks at the
normalcy of extended breastfeeding in the United States through ages five and six and are in accord with other experts to allow them to wean naturally.
Go back and read what she said, under NO circumstances did she say that cow's milk was the same nutritionally as human milk, she was approaching the subject of lactation changes over the
course of extended breastfeeding:
No doubt, if a mother wishes to nurse her child beyond the first few months when her baby is small, she will need to prepare herself mentally for the likely disapproval of a misinformed public that still is not at all accepting of the many benefits
of extending the breastfeeding relationship well past a child's first birthday.
He's been sick just once or twice in his life, something his mom Jennifer attributes to a
combination of extended breastfeeding, selective and then eventually non-vaccination and diet rich in wholesome foods, as well as daily vitamin regimen of vitamin D3, probiotics, and a high quality kids multivitamin.
I'd like to think I started out as a positive parent - the attachment component atleast by
way of extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby wearing etc. we definitely have a tight bond.
Family physicians should be knowledgeable regarding the ongoing benefits to the
child of extended breastfeeding, including continued immune protection [3], better social adjustment [4], and having a sustainable food source in times of emergency.»
As a very strong
supporter of extended breastfeeding; I honestly believe that Ava as a 4 year old is still not too old much less too big to still be breastfeeding; Perhaps maybe this is one of Ava's ways of bonding with her mother.
Benefits
of extended breastfeeding for mom include reduced risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as improved health.
Not mental health disadvantages, not long term sexual issues from extended breastfeeding, not long term dysfunctions from extended breastfeeding, long term mental health
benefits of extended breastfeeding.
Our pediatrician, Dr. William Sears, was kind enough to explain the benefits
of extended breastfeeding to me and open my eyes to the idea of child led weaning.
I'm forever grateful to Dr. Sears for helping me to realize the benefits
of extended breastfeeding.
Through my Bradley classes, I knew a lot of research on the benefits
of extended breastfeeding.
Find out as much information as you can on the benefits
of extended breastfeeding (and they are numerous!)
Use this opportunity to educate them, they may just not know the benefits
of extended breastfeeding.