Extended breastfeeding - for mum or baby?

You hear a lot in the news about breastfeeding, and how beneficial it is to both mother and baby. Now we all know this is true. But you also hear a lot about ‘extended breastfeeding’ – and who it is actually benefitting. Is it of benefit to the older babies and toddlers – or is it more about how the mum feels?

Extended breastfeeding is hard to put a number on, but it basically means breastfeeding an older child that maybe society would not expect to still be breastfed. And society is the key word. Extended breastfeeding is not about some issue of co-dependency on the mothers part, or a reluctance to ‘detach’ – it is just breastfeeding an older baby. And in most parts of the world, that is considered totally and utterly normal.

In most of these cases, both mother and baby just enjoy it. It’s a bit of quiet time, it’s a bit of bonding and it’s a part of a routine, as well as providing comfort. It’s not just about the nutritional side.

So why do we as a culture find it odd to see an older baby or toddler still breastfeeding? I will be honest here – I am not sure. Many mothers are choosing to continue breastfeeding until the child weans themselves naturally. This can be at any age, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. As long as both mother and child are happy, who are we to judge?

Are you a supporter of extended breastfeeding? Is it something you have done? Or do you think babies should be weaned off the breast at a certain age? Would love to hear your thoughts.