Long breastfeeding: what you need to know
All young mothers have many questions about breastfeeding. Is it compulsory to breastfeed your child? Until what age is it normal to breastfeed a child ?
First of all, we want to reassure you on one thing: there is not really a standard at this level. So just because you bottle-feed your baby quickly doesn't mean you're a bad mother. It's also not because you breastfeed for several years that you overdo it.
Our article on long-term breastfeeding will help you to see more clearly.
Long breastfeeding : standards that change according to the country
You should know that in France, the average is 15 weeks of breastfeeding. You can know a mom who has been breastfeeding longer. It's all about envy. In Sweden, for example, it is not uncommon for a mother to continue to feed her child during the first year of life.
As a result, you understand that there is no strict definition of long breastfeeding. That said, the WHO estimates that babies who are breastfed after 6 months are the exception and fall into the long-term breastfeeding category.
The Benefits of Long Breastfeeding
Long breastfeeding has many benefits for both mom and toddler. Studies have shown that a woman who breastfeeds for a long time is less likely to develop certain cancers. In addition, long breastfeeding also promotes faster weight loss as well as improved mood. Without forgetting the creation of a real mother-child bond.
For infants, breast milk has also been shown to provide a full meal while protecting it from allergies and viruses.
It can also be a benchmark for toddlers, in the morning and in the evening.
When to stop long breastfeeding ?
As you can see, long-term breastfeeding has many benefits for mothers and babies.
So, it should be a special time between you and your child so don't let anyone dictate what to do. However, returning to work may require you to end this intimate moment. In addition, the father can also feel excluded since he cannot feed his child. The most important thing is to talk about it as a family. This also applies to older children who may also feel that they no longer have enough attention from their mother.
These are factors that can be taken into account to stop long breastfeeding. The most important thing is to take the time to talk about it as a family and see what everyone thinks about it.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask your pediatrician who can advise you on weaning or reconciling work and your baby's breast milk need.
By the way, speaking of weaning from breastfeeding, we advise you to read this article :