Importance of Nursing Beyond the First Year
Breastfeeding and breastmilk continue
to benefit parents and their children
for longer than we once thought. This
is why the American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends children continue to be nursed
or receive breastmilk for at least 2 years.
Things breastmilk provides toddlers
Nutrition
Breastmilk continues to nourish the
child during the second, and later years
of life. It contains protein, fat, and other
nutrients which children need.
Comfort
Breastfeeding can provide a great deal of
comfort for the toddler—just as it did during the
first year. Many parents find nursing helpful, to
both parent and child, during stressful times.
Protection from illness
Children get immunities from breastmilk. Studies
have even found health protection in greater
amounts during the second year and beyond.
Bonding
Many find nursing to be a way of keeping
that special closeness with their children
after going back to work or school.
Information about breastfeeding into the toddler years
- Many parents who have nursed a child
past 12 months only nurse once or
twice a day. Often, this is at bedtime
or first thing in the morning.
- Toddlers may nurse for comfort when
they are sick or hurt. The closeness is
a great way to help them feel better.
- Older babies and toddlers may nurse
in unusual positions. This is fine.
- WIC encourages parents to breastfeed
past 1 year and to keep it up until at
least 2 years. WIC can answer questions
you might have and will be here to
support your breastfeeding journey for
as long as you and your child desire.
Responding to others
If others comment about your choice to nurse
past the first year, focus on the fact that you are
simply feeding your child milk. This may be the
first time the other person has seen an older child
nursing. If open to hearing more, let them know
that your milk, even at this stage, gives your
child great nutrition, as well as health protection
for both you and your child that store-bought
milk cannot provide. Let them know that this is
what the doctor told you to do. You might be the
first person to teach them about longer term
breastfeeding. In doing so, you are making it
easier for other breastfeeding parents they meet.
Deciding how long to breastfeed
The norm
Parents around the world often nurse each
of their children more than 1 year, and many
nurse 2 or more years. Children let their parents
know when they are ready to move past the
breastfeeding stage. Be sure to pat yourself
on the back for all the good you have done!
Advice from the experts
The American Academy of Pediatrics, The World
Health Organization, and UNICEF all recommend
that all infants be fed only breastmilk from
birth to 6 months of age, and breastmilk along
with family foods until 2 years of age, and
longer, when desired by both parent and child.
The decision about how long to nurse
is up to your child and you.
