Breastfeeding, like most aspects of motherhood, looks different for every mom. Some women find it incredibly difficult to get started, while others find it comes more "naturally." Some women choose to supplement with formula, while others exclusively breastfeed. Eventually, the time comes when you'll think about when you plan to stop breastfeeding. Whether your baby is a newborn or into toddlerhood, you've probably heard of women who nurse their babies long after the recommended year. When exactly does extended breastfeeding start and is it right for you and your baby?
As mentioned above, most experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and then nursing as well as feeding solids until your baby turns one. It's well established that breast milk provides your baby with the best possible nutrition, especially in the early months. However, there's less buzz about the benefits extended breastfeeding may provide your baby.
Besides the convenience of nursing your baby, extended breastfeeding offers the same amount of benefits to a toddler as it does to a newborn. Baby Center notes that stronger immune systems, is one of the benefits, while Time acknowledges that and lowered rates of childhood cancer and obesity rates are also positive side effects of breast feeding.
If you do decide to prolong your time breastfeeding your child, here are a few tips to help you make it through.