Information on breastfeeding an older baby /child
The Breastfeeding Network supports the recommendations set out in the World Health Organisation’s Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (2003) which states that:
Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. As a global public health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond . Exclusive breastfeeding from birth is possible except for a few medical conditions, and unrestricted exclusive breastfeeding results in ample milk production.”
Click here for a full version of the Global Strategy *
The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) frequently focuses on the value of continuing to breastfeed children up to 2 years or beyond. See statement below and the action folder from World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7th 2005) WABA * Continued Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding continues to be important for children’s nutrition, development and care after the first 6 months of life. On average, breastfed babies of 6-8 months obtain around 70% of their energy needs from breastmilk, this falls to around 55% at 9-11 months, and 40% at 12-23 months. Breastmilk is also a major provider of protein, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and protective factors. It provides more calories and nutrients per ml than most of the other foods, and much more than the soft cereals, baby rice or pureed vegetables that are typically some of the first foods given to older babies. If babies’ stomachs are filled with nutritionally poor foods, they will take less breastmilk and their overall diet and health will be inferior. The contribution of breastmilk is often overlooked in the enthusiasm to get complementary feeding started. The challenge is how to feed other foods so that they add to the nutritional contribution of breastmilk, rather than replace it.
Links to other external sites offering information on extended breastfeeding* La Leche League International:
How long should a mother breastfeed?http://www.llli.org//FAQ/bflength.html
What are the benefits of breastfeeding my toddler? http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/advantagetoddler.html
Jack Newman’s Site (Canadian Paediatrician): Breastfeed a Toddler – Why on Earth?http://www.thebirthden.com/Breastfeed%20a%20Toddler-January%202005.doc
Katherine Dettwyler’s Site (An Anthropologist in the United States):
A Natural Age of Weaning http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html
How long should I nurse my baby? http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dethowlong.htm
Kellymom.com website:Extended Breastfeeding Fact Sheet http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html
*Clicking on any link above will mean that you leave the Breastfeeding Network site to access an external link. The Breastfeeding Network is not responsible for the content or reliability of this linked website and does not necessarily endorse the view expressed within it. Listings shall not be taken as an endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that this link will be available all the time and we have no control over availability of the link.