Extended breastfeeding is a biological norm

A new report from Amy Brown, associate professor of psychology at Swansea University, has tackled the topic of breastfeeding older children. This is a subject which is often widely discussed and mothers who breastfed older children can find themselves criticised.

One of the comments frequently made when a mother nurses longer than our culture expects, is that she is somehow harming her child. Yet there is no evidence at all that this is the case. The American Academy of Pediatrics says “There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer.” In fact, as Amy Brown reiterates in her report, breastfeeding continues to be of significance to a child’s health and well-being both in the short and long-term. It is also beneficial to the health of mothers.

Breastfeeding Beyond a Year

La Leche League GB welcomes this new report which addresses many of the issues raised around full-term breastfeeding.
For further information on this topic see Breastfeeding Beyond a Year