Parentpedia

What Experts Say^*

Though extended nursing of at least three to four years is commonly seen in other parts of the world, most moms in the United States don't begin their nursing relationship with plans to breastfeed for several years. Even if nursing an older baby wasn't a part of your original plan, learn the rewards and challenges of extended nursing and find out how to make it work for you and your family.

The Benefits

The health benefits of nursing continue.
Extended nursing has been found to enhance immune function. A child's immune system isn't fully mature until 18 months up to six years of age. Continued nursing through the toddler years and beyond has been associated with fewer and shorter incidences of illness.

Extended nursing provides more than just optimal nutrition.

• It's convenient. There's no need to carry milk with you whether you are traveling or just are running around town.
• It calms both you and your little one/ The hormones of nursing continue to relax stressed out moms while nursing calms their toddlers.
• It provides closeness. Toddlers are busy all the time. Sitting down together to nurse can provide a much-needed break for both of you.
• It can delay the return of fertility. It's not uncommon for moms whose older babies still nurse a lot to remain period-free.

You have the experts on your side.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises continuing to breastfeed "for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired," while the World Health Organization recommends "continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond."

The Challenges

It may be hard to believe your little one will actually wean.
Most children wean gradually. With child-led weaning, the time of weaning naturally varies from child to child. Your child is unique. Just as all little ones do not walk or talk at the same time, they also choose different times for weaning.

Some children who nurse quite a bit longer than the average may have special needs that parents aren't even aware of at the time, such as food allergies, that are benefited by extended nursing. Generally, as your little one begins to wean, you'll start to see her nurse for shorter periods of time and begin to cut out one or more of the least important feeds.

You will want to teach your little one nursing manners.
Just as you teach your child how to behave in other areas, it's important to help your little one learn what you are comfortable with as far as nursing in public.

• Early on, if possible, think of a word for nursing, and your breasts, that you are comfortable being said out loud in public.

• Explain your ground rules before every trip. Your rules may change as your child gets older.
• You may feel uncomfortable nursing your older child in public. If so, let your little one know you won't be nursing when you are outside the house. When you head out, it can be very helpful to bring along a couple of toys or books that will help distract you little one, as well as a healthy snack and drink. If your child throws a tantrum and just needs to nurse, you will need to remove yourselves from the situation, perhaps going out to the car for some quiet time to regroup.

Be prepared for some criticism.
Many people are not accustomed to seeing older children nursing and they may have very strong views that they don't hesitate to share with you. This can be the hardest part of nursing your older baby, especially when the criticism comes from someone who is close to you.

You'll need a good support system.
The best thing you can do is to surround yourself with like-minded friends. A great way to meet other moms who practice extended nursing is to visit your local La Leche League meeting.

Safety Note

Even if you are still period-free, do not use nursing as your sole means of birth control unless you are comfortable with the idea of having another baby. Though some moms do not get pregnant as long as they nurse, it's wise to use a back-up method of contraception.