8 Amazing Benefits Of Extended Breastfeeding: Nursing Beyond A Year
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We are all aware of the numerous benefits of breastfeeding. Lactation consultants, doctors, and pediatricians recommend feeding your baby for up to a year. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively for six months, after which you can feed them a combination of solid foods and breast milk for at least a year (1). But you can continue breastfeeding if you or your child wants to. There are many myths around extended breastfeeding, but we are here to tell you about the numerous benefits it has, not only for the baby but also for the mother. Scroll down to know more.
Benefits Of Extended Breastfeeding For Your Baby
- Liquid Gold
Breast milk is the gold standard of nutrition and protects your baby against infections. It reduces the risk of diseases like diabetes, asthma, and obesity later in life. It is easily digested than formula or cow’s milk and has the perfect combination of vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins (2).
- Boosts Immune System
The antibodies found in mother’s milk helps in building a strong immune system for the baby. It allows the infant’s gut to host a mix of healthy bacterial species that help prevent infection. A study also indicates that the antibodies found in breast milk interact with the newborn baby’s immune system, which establishes lifelong health and protects the baby from chronic inflammatory conditions (3).
- Enhances Brain Development
Studies suggest that breastfeeding stimulates white matter brain development, which boosts cognitive behaviors in adolescents and adults. Research showed that breastfeeding enhances brain development up to 20 to 30 percent when compared to just formula. Studies also revealed that babies who were breastfed for over a year had significantly improved brain growth, especially in areas of the brain that deals with motor functions (4).
- Enables Active Bonding With Baby
Holding your baby in your arms and providing it with the nourishment it needs enables active bonding. Physical closeness soothes the baby and gives it familiarity to its pre-birth experience. The transition of the closed, dark womb to bright colors and loud noises can be overwhelming for the baby. Therefore, close physical contact reassures your baby and helps them feel protected in the outside world. Besides, breastfeeding promotes a growing attachment between the mother and baby that will continue to play an essential role as the baby develops (5).
Benefits Of Breastfeeding For The Mother
- Increases Mothering Behaviors
Breastfeeding releases hormones in your body that enhances your mothering behaviors. The emotional bond you form with your baby is as important as the nutritional value you provide for your baby (6).
- Affects Mother’s Mood
Studies showed that breastfeeding affects the mother’s mood. It reduced stress, anxiety, and negative moods in mothers compared to moms who used formula milk. Breastfeeding moms also had higher sleep quality and were in a more positive attitude (7).
- Better For Physical Health
Mothers who breastfeed find it easier to lose the pregnancy weight. They burn about 500 calories per day to maintain milk supply. They also have reduced postpartum bleeding, lesser chance of postpartum depression, and anemia. Breastfeeding also stimulates the uterus to contract and return to normal size faster (8).
- Better Health for Life
Breastfeeding reduces several health risks that mothers may face. Extended breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. It also lowers the chance of diabetes, endometriosis, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure (9).
Breastfeeding has several benefits, and it is more than just feeding your baby. How long you choose to breastfeed is up to you. It’s a choice you make. Don’t let others’ opinions dictate your decision. Some mothers cannot breastfeed for several reasons, but breast milk banks fulfill that need for your baby. So fret not and milk away. Did you find this article helpful? Share it with fellow mommies and let them know about the benefits of breastfeeding.
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