Extended Breastfeeding

Weaning is a word that your breastfed baby will likely not want to hear and to your surprise as you continue to breastfeed you may not want to hear it too.

The average age that a baby weans from breastfeeding in the world is 4 to 7 years old. This may seem like it can't be possible, but keep in mind as a baby grows they will nurse less and less. Six month old babies nurse less than newborns, and Sixteen month old babies nurse less than six month old babies and so on. A fascinating article was once written on the science of weaning comparing factors that nature would intend for weaning to happen, they included weight development, dental development and gestation lengths among other things. Some of the factors suggested weaning would likely happen at 2.25 to 2.5, 4 to 7, 2.8 to 3.7, 4.5, 5.5 to 6.0 and 7 years. To fully understand the brilliance of this article we suggest that you read in its entirety. A Time to Wean by Katherine A. Dettwyler, PhD

Statistics and studies aside one reason that many moms find that they are nursing their toddler is because of baby-led weaning, also called child-led weaning. Baby-led weaning is a practice that leaves the time that a baby weans from breastfeeding up to the baby who breastfeeds. As a baby grows older, although breastfeeding is still beneficial for them, they nurse less out of hunger and more out of comfort. However because they are nursing they continue to have the benefits of breast milk.

What are the benefits of extended nursing. Well strictly nutrition speaking, your milk does not expire even though you have been nursing for x amount of time. It still continues to provide immunities, vitamins and enzymes for your baby, toddler or young child. Now if we are talking about the emotional aspects of extended breastfeeding they are the same as when you and your baby started breastfeeding. A continued bond between mom and baby that can help with the stress of everyday toddlerhood and even early childhood, to help the pain from bumps and bruises or to end the day with a nice before bedtime snack that sends baby into a peaceful sleep.

Should you have concerns, no. One common concern with extended nursing is that a baby will get cavities from night time nursing but there is no scientific evidence to suggest this. Another concern a mother may have is that her child will become too clingy, however that is a personality trait and would be true if the child was nursing or not. In fact breastfeeding instills confidence in a baby, so insecurity is not a concern of extended breastfeeding.