Breastfeeding Beyond Babyhood is Normal, Science Says

It's 2am and the kid is having a bad dream. When hugs fail to soothe his soul, the mother honors his request, granting him to nurse and hold unto the comfort he desires. Relaxation and relief are immediate.

Tracy Gillet and his son have been on the breastfeeding journey for 4 and a half years, and she is astonished that they have been taken this far on this intimate journey.

Her gratitude just overflows being blessed by this "maternal superpower."

When asked how long she was going to breastfeed before, her answer was 2 years max, as that was the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO). Yet, now they are 2 years beyond the "2 years max," and she has no regrets.

Every day she is able to nourish her 4 year old son continues to be a blessing. An "exceptional encore" even where they are both cheering for more.

Occasionally his son breastfeeds to soothe a bump and bruise, whether physical and emotional, and when he does, it's "spiritual gold dust" for Gillet. A few, rare moments of meditation, where the world stops and it's just the two of them. Moments of slowness that gives her space to ponder the pace and direction of our lives.

Breastfeeding, a personal decision

However, she would not deny the criticisms and the negative comments that abound whenever people hear and see that she is still nursing a 4-year-old child.

She has encountered people trying to teach her that if kids already have teeth or can already ask for milk, they are too old for breastfeeding. Worse, she has heard people saying that it is time to give back her breast to her husband or that this mom is "psychologically damaging" her kid.

These are all reflections of how the western culture considers breastfeeding beyond babyhood to be "abnormal." Unfortunately, in a lot of ways, whether consciously or not, the precious practice of breastfeeding is sabotage.

Gillet believes that the period of time a mother chooses to breastfeed must be a personal decision that should be heard and met with support, not taken away from her because of judgments.

"If nursing beyond babyhood is the right choice for you then I encourage you to follow your heart. Find strength in the knowledge that although we may be trailblazers by modern standards, women have been nursing their children beyond babyhood throughout human history. The science is in: breastfeeding beyond babyhood is normal," Gillet proclaimed.

Read Also: Study Says Breastfeeding Exclusively Might Not Be Good For Bone Health

Science tells that its healthy to breastfeed beyond babyhood

Also founder and writer of the award-winning blog, Raised Good, she gives moms and caregivers 5 reasons science proved that there is normalcy in breastfeeding beyond babyhood.

1. Women are designed to nurse beyond babyhood

Anthropologist and breastfeeding advocate, Dr. Katherine A. Dettwyler, emphasized that evolution dictates that children expect to be breastfeed for 3 -7 years.

The doctor cites numerous anthropological studies, which helps in determining the normal weaning age.

According to research, weaning for large mammals occurs after birth weight is quadrupled, and for humans, this occurs around 27-30 months. Other studies show that primates wean when one-third of adult body weight is reached, and for humans, this means weaning should be at four to seven years. Moreover, taking it from chimpanzees and gorillas, they nurse more than 6 times the length of gestation, and for humans that would mean nursing for 4.5 years. Lastly, a lot of primates nurse until the first permanent molars erupt, and for humans, this occurs at around 5.5 to 6.0 years.

2. Breastmilk does not have expiry date

KellyMom.com reported that a 448mL of breastmilk supplies toddlers with 29 percent of energy requirements, 43 percent of protein requirements, 36 percent of calcium requirements and 94 percent of vitamin B12 requirements.

The composition of breastmilk does change over time but it actually does to compliment the evolving needs of a child. It is false when people say that breast milk has no nutritional value or protective function beyond a certain age. In fact, there was a study published in the journal Pediatrics, which reported that the fat and energy contents in milk from mothers who have been breastfeeding for more than a year were "significantly increased," as well as some immune factors.

There have also been studies revealing that breast milk from a new mom and a mom nursing for 3 years can both completely kill bacteria off and that breastfeeding for more than 6 months is associated with a 19 percent lower risk for childhood leukemia. Moreover, a groundbreaking 2010 study showed that breast milk contains a substance named HAMLET which can kill forty different types of cancer cells.

3. Breastfeeding fuels emotional and intellectual intelligence

Kids who breastfeed the longest have higher rates of cognitive achievement like IQ scores and grades in school, and a better social development, according to extensive research.

Gillet expounded that when children are pushed into premature independence, they feel less secure in that independence as compared to those who have earned it at their own pace.

4. Breastfeeding nourishes a mother's health

Studies have revealed that extended breastfeeding can result in a 30 percent reduction in premenopausal breast cancer risk. It delays the fertility by suppressing ovulation, which results in the family achieving a natural child spacing. It reduces the risk of ovarian, uterine, and endometrial cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and post-natal depression. It protects against osteoporosis.

5. Breastfeeding protects kids, no matter the age

Breast milk is said to be a unique substance that cannot be replicated. It protects both babies and children against disease no matter their age.

WHO proclaimed that an adequate increase in breastfeeding rates could prevent up to 10% of all deaths of children under five. It plays a significant and "sometimes underestimated role" in the cure and prevention of childhood illness.

It is also well-known to parents and caregivers that breastfed babies and children are more likely to encounter lower rates of asthma and allergies, and a stronger immune system.

Related Article: Wisconsin Mom and Lactation Consultant Share Health Benefits of Breastfeeding