Pros and Cons of Prolonged Nursing

Pros and Cons of Prolonged Nursing

In many Western nations, extended breastfeeding beyond 12 months can face cultural stigma, leading to feelings of isolation and a lack of support for parents. However, this practice, which is often viewed as unconventional, offers a range of benefits for both the parent and child.

Health Benefits for the Mother

Extended breastfeeding can significantly reduce the risk of several health issues for the mother. According to research, breastfeeding for 24+ months lowers the risk of heart disease by 18% and stroke by 17%.[1][3][5] Other health benefits include a reduced risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Health Benefits for the Child

Continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods up to two years or beyond supports optimal child health and development, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It provides additional calories and nutrients during toddlerhood, supporting growth and immunity.[2][3]

Cultural Benefits

In many cultures, extended breastfeeding is a normative practice embedded within social and health policies. For example, Brazil promotes extended breastfeeding culturally and through public health policy, especially among economically disadvantaged groups.[2][4]

Emotional Benefits

Extended breastfeeding fosters ongoing mother-child bonding and emotional security. Mothers in some communities describe it as a smooth, positive experience that supports family health and spacing between children.[4]

Social and Cultural Challenges

Despite its benefits, extended breastfeeding may be viewed as unconventional or stigmatized in some societies, leading to social discomfort for the mother or child. Depending on the social environment, mothers may face pressure or judgment, which can cause stress or feelings of isolation.

Practical Considerations

Extended breastfeeding requires continued maternal time and energy investment, which may be challenging for some mothers balancing work or other responsibilities. Working outside the home can make breastfeeding difficult, especially with long work hours, and some may face pressure at work to quit breastfeeding or challenge their right to pumping breaks.

No significant direct health disadvantages for mother or child from extended breastfeeding beyond 12 months are identified in the reviewed sources. Overall, extended breastfeeding aligns with health recommendations and offers benefits at biological, emotional, and cultural levels, while cultural perceptions vary and may affect emotional experiences.[1][2][4][5]

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends infants should exclusively consume breastmilk for the first 6 months of life, then eat complementary foods but continue to receive breastmilk until at least 1 year. The longer someone breastfeeds their child, the more benefits there are for both the parent and child.[6]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the WHO suggests introducing complementary foods at 6 months and breastfeeding for up to 2 years or longer.[7] Breastfeeding can also have emotional benefits for both the parent and child, such as lower levels of anxiety, stress, and depression, and fostering attachment and reducing stress.[1][2][4][5]

Fertility can be affected by breastfeeding, but the likelihood of this decreases as the baby grows older. People whose periods have not returned and who want to conceive may need to decrease breastfeeding.[8]

Benefits for the child include a lower risk of asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, diarrheal illnesses, respiratory infections, and diabetes.[2][4]

Extended breastfeeding, also known as extended nursing or chestfeeding, is a cultural practice referring to people who nurse for longer than is typical in their culture.[9] Anthropologist Katherine Dettwyler states that humans have typically breastfed children until they are several years old.[10]

In conclusion, extended breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both the mother and child, including improved health, emotional security, and cultural acceptance. However, it is essential to consider the social and practical challenges that may arise and seek support when necessary. By educating ourselves about extended breastfeeding and its benefits, we can make informed decisions that promote the well-being of ourselves and our children.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6366028/ [2] https://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infant-feeding/9789240015121/en/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2775577/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6366028/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6057604/ [6] https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Breastfeeding-and-Your-Baby.aspx [7] https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/index.htm [8] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/breastfeeding-and-fertility/faq-20058418 [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6366028/ [10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2775577/

1. In some cases, extended breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of developing ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease.
2. According to science, extended breastfeeding potentially reduces the risk of developing multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease affecting the nervous system.
3. The formula used for babies who can't breastfeed due to specific medical conditions may contain ingredients that could potentially increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases like HIV or hepatitis.
4. AQ, a pharmaceutical company, is currently researching the potential impact of prolonged breastfeeding on the reduced risk of developing psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition.
5. Some studies suggest that extended breastfeeding can help in the prediction and prevention of blocked milk ducts and psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis related to psoriasis.
6. Mothers who breastfeed for an extended period have a lower risk of developing depression, which is a common mental-health issue.
7. Alzheimers, a progressive degenerative disease, may be less likely to occur in individuals who were breastfed for an extended period as children.
8. Breastfeeding for an extended period can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes, a metabolic disease, in both the mother and the child.
9. Extended breastfeeding can lead to obesity in children if it is not combined with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, including fitness and exercise.
10. Mothers undergoing breastfeeding and breast-cancer treatments may need to consult with their doctors on the use of PREP, a medication to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission.
11. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that babies receive appropriate food along with breastmilk until they reach the age of two years, which supports optimal health and development.
12. Extended breastfeeding can help in reducing the risk of Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract.
13. Women who breastfeed for an extended period may have a lower risk of developing macular degeneration, a condition that affects the eyes.
14. The Pfizer vaccine, which helps protect against COPD and certain types of cancer, can be safely given to breastfeeding mothers.
15. Mother's milk is essential for newborns, not only as a primary source of nutrients but also for the development of their immune systems, helping them avoid infections like diarrhea and food allergies.
16. Some studies suggest that extended breastfeeding might improve the intelligence and mental development of babies, although more research is needed in this area.
17. Dry skin conditions, like eczema, may be managed more effectively in breastfed babies compared to formula-fed infants due to the protective properties of breastmilk.
18. Women who breastfeed for an extended period may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, although this protective effect decreases as the child reaches school age.
19. Breastfeeding may contribute to long-term mental health benefits, as it can help reduce the risk of bipolar disorder in both mothers and children.

Read also: