Many new mothers ask “How long should I breastfeed my baby?” There is no simple answer, however the World Health Organisation recommends that ideally babies should be breastfed for at least the first two years. Unfortunately, many women find little support when choosing to feed their children into toddler hood. They often hear the words “Are you still feeding?” Sadly, this suggests there is something unusual about breastfeeding beyond twelve months. Women who continue to breastfeed their babies after their first birthday find it a unique and rewarding experience.

We now know that for many reasons breastfeeding beyond twelve month makes good sense. The health benefits to the child are quite astounding. They include:

• Increased protection against bowel and respiratory illnesses
• Reduced incidence of diabetes
• Reduced incidence of middle ear infection
• Reduced incidence of obesity in later life

Overall, breastfeeding boosts a child’s immune system.

There are also benefits to the mother. Many mothers who return to work while breastfeeding their baby or toddler find the breastfeeding relationship they have with their child plays a very special part in their day. It provides a closeness that is hard to replicate. When a child is able to talk, the breastfeeding relationship is taken to a new level with the child’s ability to express their appreciation in words. Some toddlers coin special words to describe breastfeeding.

The family also benefits financially. There are not the costs associated with formula feeding. Extended breastfeeding usually means a healthy baby and fewer visits to the doctor. Breastfeeding provides instant comfort for a child who is teething. Similarly, the pain from immunisation can be reduced or forgotten with a cuddle and a breastfeed.

Perhaps one of the reasons women feel discouraged to breastfeed their toddler is because of the lack of community awareness about breastfeeding. Rarely do we see women breastfeeding in public. Usually when mothers and babies are portrayed on screen and in magazines, it tends to be with a bottle. We are even less likely to see a toddler breastfed in public. While women may be encouraged to breastfeed for the first six to twelve months, there does not seem to be a public acknowledgment of the benefits of feeding beyond twelve months.

Much of the breastfeeding information available is aimed at mothers who are establishing breastfeeding. Initially, learning the art of breastfeeding can sometimes be difficult. With correct information and the right support, mothers who continue to breastfeed into toddler hood find it a wonderfully rewarding experience.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (formally Nursing Mothers’ Association of Australia) provides support and encouragement for women who wish to breastfeed the baby at any age. Judi Creedon, Queensland Branch President with the Australian Breastfeeding Association and a breastfeeding counsellor, says mothers should be encouraged to continue to breastfeed. “There are many benefits in breastfeeding beyond the first twelve months. That special bond you have built with your baby continues with your toddler. Both mother and toddler continue to receive the many benefits of breastfeeding. If your toddler is sick, breastmilk is often the only thing that they will drink and only you can supply it,” she says.

There are a number of myths about feeding an older baby. Some women feel they have to wean once their baby begins to teethe, for fear of being bitten. When a baby is properly attached, the tongue is over the bottom gum in order to milk the breast effectively, thus making it impossible to bite while feeding. Biting when not actively sucking is a separate issue that can occur at any age.

Another myth is that a child who is breastfed for an extended time will become too dependent on his or her mother. This seems to be a fear more associated with boys. On the contrary, it would seem that children who are breastfed become secure in the knowledge that their needs are important and are being met. Children will often decide themselves when they want to wean, thus asserting their independence.

Some people worry that if an older child breastfeeds, he or she will rely too much on breastmilk at the expense of other food. For older babies breastmilk is only a component of their daily diet, not their sole nutritional intake. At the same time, breastmilk still provides the child with valuable vitamins, minerals, iron and calcium.

As any mother will tell you, babies grow up so quickly. There is only a very short time in their life when they can be breastfed; so treasure the moment and breastfeed for as long as it suits you and your baby.