You're still nursing!?!
by Skyla Bowman, RN, BSN

The pure joy of nursing a child at the breast, and the intimacy that comes along with that relationship, is something that many mothers and babies are not ready to give up once their baby reaches precisely 12 months of age.

In 1997, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement encouraging mothers to nurse their babies for "at least" 12 months and thereafter so long as desired by both the mother and her baby. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for "at least" two years. If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned.

Babies continue to reap all of the wonderful nutritional and immunological benefits of nursing as long as they are receiving breast milk. The composition of breast milk changes with very feeding, and perfectly meets a baby's needs at every age and stage. The value of breast milk does not diminish over time. Breast milk still contains factors which help the immune system to mature, and which help the brain, gut, and other organs to mature, even after 12 months of age.
     
Mom's benefit from nursing too! Some benefits include delayed fertility, reduced risk of osteoporosis, breast, uterine and ovarian cancers, to name a few. Many mothers also find that nursing beyond the first year makes mothering a toddler so much easier. Nursing is a great way to console a fussing, crying, overtired toddler; to ease the transition to sleep at naps and at bedtime; and to comfort and hydrate a sick child who can't tolerate anything else. So many of a baby's needs are perfectly met at the breast.

 Worldwide, extended breastfeeding is the norm. Most cultures nurse their baby's for years, not months. The worldwide average weaning age is approximately 3 years of age. In the United States, the average weaning age is 3 months. If nursing past 12 months feels right for you and your baby, do so knowing that you and your baby are both better for it!
        

To find out more about extended nursing visit www.kellymom.com, www.llli.org, & www.kathydettwyler.org

Skyla Bowman, is an RN, Breastfeeding Educator, and accredited La Leche League Leader. She can be contacted at breastfeeding_nourishes_the_soul@yahoo.com

You may also reach other leaders at 816-361-0909.