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Extended Breastfeeding
Extended breastfeeding is nursing a child past Western society’s 'normal' expectations. To some people this is past six weeks. For some it means six months. For others it means breastfeeding a toddler. I don't understand why people think that the same milk that at one point provided all of your sweeties needs for food and drink (not to mention all sorts of other benefits) no longer has value after 6, 9 or 12 months? That is, in fact, simply a myth. Breast milk contains valuable vitamins, calcium and antibodies for as long as it is made. Extended Breastfeeding Facts and BenefitsHere are some facts that may surprise you.• In most of the world’s cultures, breast feeding continues for at least 2 years. • The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that moms breastfeed their children from birth until 2 years and then as long as mutually desired. • The worldwide average age of weaning is 4.2 years! • The Director General of the Health Department in Pakistan claims that 22 percent of infant deaths could be prevented if the mothers had breastfed for at least the first six months of the baby's life…even more if they breastfed longer. • The Scottish parliament is considering a bill that makes it a criminal offense for anyone to stop a mom from nursing a child up to 2 years old in a public place. • Cancer risk decreases the longer a mother breast feeds. • After 6 months breast feeding is usually a pleasure – Mothers and babies are comfortable and are in sync. Why give up before then? • Studies have shown that kids who are breastfed grow up to be more secure and self reliant than their bottle-fed peers.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Tandem NursingIf you decide that extended breastfeeding is the best choice for you and your children, you will probably find yourself either trying to get pregnant, actually being pregnant while still breastfeeding and eventually...tandem nursing.Here are some resources on our site to help you: Getting Pregnant While Breastfeeding--What you need to know about getting pregnant while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding While Pregnant--Important information about breastfeeding while pregnant. Tandem Breastfeeding--Help for mothers considering tandem nursing. Breastfeeding a Toddler--Why breastfeeding a toddler is more "normal" than you might think.
It's a Your Choice
Although many moms don’t talk about it, extended breast feeding is not a new idea, at all. Moms have continued to feed their babies this way for centuries and new scientific research shows it is a good choice for both moms and their children. Extended breast feeding is not for everyone, but it is breast feeding as nature intended…not on someone else’s arbitrary schedule. So I say—breastfeed as long as you and your child want – and who cares what your neighbors think?!
Extraordinary Breastfeeding StoriesHere are some of the extended breastfeeding stories submitted to us:*NEW* Tandem Breastfeeding a Toddler and a New Baby
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