The Health Benefits of Breastfeeding Beyond 1 Year Old Are Nutritional, Physical and Mental.

Next time someone asks you if you plan on “weaning” by one year old, you can tell them why this is a culturally constructed idea. You can explain why forcing the child to wean when they are not naturally ready to do so does not fully support baby’s wellbeing or health.

“Isn’t it strange she is still breastfeeding her baby over one year”

No, it is not strange: on a health, nutrition, or biological perspective.✨

It’s strange in a society that does not support babies health or wellbeing.

It’s strange in a society that does not trust a mothers instincts.

A society that focuses on schedules, consumerism, and 9-5s in a never ending pursuit of monetary happiness and success.

A society that praises early independence and working outside the home.

A society that has sexualized the woman’s body and lost sight of its biological function and natural beauty.

Breastfeeding has become so rare in our culture that mothers are hiding in other rooms to feed and comfort their sweet baby’s very real needs - to avoid the insecurities and ignorance (lack of knowledge) from strangers and even their own family members.

Until around the last 100 years natural term breastfeeding was a cultural norm - Why did this change:

• Women breastfed their babies beyond one year. It was never questioned because it was known that this is the ideal nutrition and immune protection.
• Weaning at one year is a cultural idea, typically so the mother can return to a job working outside the home.

Benefits of Breastmilk Beyond One:

1. STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM

Breastmilk provides the strongest natural immunity. Beyond 1 year, this is especially important when toddlers begin exploring. The mothers body produces natural immunity to new germs and viruses the toddler comes in contact with and passes protection through breastmilk.

“It takes between two and six years for a child’s immune system to fully mature. Human milk continues to complement and boost the immune system for as long as it is offered” *1

2. EMOTIONAL + MENTAL HEALTH

 The mental wellness and comfort benefits of breastfeeding beyond one year support babies growing brains, natural independence, and mental health. 

“Breastfeeding can provide feelings of love, comfort, and protection. When a mother makes herself available to nurse her child through a situation that he can’t handle alone, he will likely develop independence based on faith that mother will be there to help. Allowing a toddler to nurse (or wean) at his own pace is an expression of trust that contributes to his self-esteem.” *2

3. NUTRITION

I am passionate about nutrition as a key to optimal health and wellbeing. This starts from our very first day of life, all through childhood and adulthood. Breastmilk provides tailored nutrition to each toddlers specific needs, while going through such an important developmental period.

“A lot of people think there is no nutritive value after a year, and that is just simply not true," says Weiss. Regardless of how old your baby is, he or she will continue to benefit from the protein, calcium, fat, vitamin A, and other nutrients in breast milk. *3

Mothers Deserve Support + Biologically Accurate Information

E𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰.

The health benefits of breastfeeding, especially beyond one year old, are so overlooked in our society. Health begins from infancy.

Families deserve information and support to make informed decisions for their family’s wellbeing. I hope to spread awareness about the health benefits (and even the dangers of not breastfeeding) beyond one, in order to help mothers follow their deeply rooted instincts despite the shaming around breastfeeding a toddler. You’re not alone mama!

- Love, Carlie

Sources:

1* Mohrbacher, N., Stock, J. The Breastfeeding Answer Book. Schaumburg, Illinois: LLLI, 2003AP 1997; Goldman, A. Immunologic components in human milk during the second year of lactation. Acta Paediatr Scand 1983; 72:461-62; Gulick, E. The effects of breastfeeding on toddler health. Ped Nursing 1986; 12:51-54.; Saarinen, U. Prolonged breastfeeding as prophylaxis for recurrent Otitis media. Acta Paediatr Scand 1982; 71:567-71.

2* Mothering Your Nursing Toddler Bumgarner NJ Schaumburg, IL, LLLI, 2000

3* mother of eight children and a certified lactation counselor, Robin Elise Weiss