Advantages and Disadvantages of Breastfeeding After 2 Years
Hey, my lovely mothers! How’s your breastfeeding journey going?
Have you wondered about the consequences of breastfeeding your child for an extended time? I certainly have! I’ve since learned that there are strong benefits and disadvantages of breastfeeding after 2 years or more.
And what happens if you do not breastfeed at all?
So, allow me to answer it all with a complete guide to extended breastfeeding. I’ll talk long-term side effects of not breastfeeding, discuss the pros and cons, and share with you all that I’ve learned over the years.
Table of Contents
Extended Breastfeeding: The Benefits
- More Nutrition: When you practice extended breastfeeding, you allow your baby to benefit from more nutrients specifically available only in breast milk.
- Emotional Connect: When I was breastfeeding, I made sure I held my baby close. It helped me foster a stronger attachment with my little one. Also, it made my postpartum bearable.
- Super Convenient: I know that many mothers don’t like the hassle of filling bottles, prepping formula, or carrying it all wherever they go. And many places accommodate nursing mothers too, so breastfeeding is just easier all around.
- Mother’s Health: Breastfeeding can help lower your risk of certain diseases, too! Some of them include ovarian cancer, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- Comfort: My baby, Theo, finds comfort during breastfeeding. He always felt secure during feeds and slept quite well. It can definitely help soothe your little one.
Recommended Reading: Breastfeeding and Pumping
My friend (a mother to a toddler) once said –
“When I started breastfeeding my baby, I had to go through a lot of discomfort and always wondered how someone could breastfeed a baby for one year. But now, here I am, my baby is at 25 months, and I am still enjoying breastfeeding. He loves it too. I strongly suggest waiting for the time they wean or refuse.”
Alongside breastfeeding, a baby wrap or carrier is a great option for keeping your little one close in a comfortable and hands-free way throughout the day.
Disadvantages of Breastfeeding After 2 Years
Breastfeeding routines change over time and are different for each mother and baby. Also, while many mothers try extended breastfeeding, it doesn’t quite work out well for some.
So, it is equally crucial to be aware of the potential disadvantages of extended breastfeeding.
- Social Stigma: While I haven’t experienced it much myself, I know that the practice of mothers breastfeeding their babies beyond 2 years is still considered taboo in many societies. Likewise, some mothers may not receive enough support from their partners or families to extend their feeding.
- Fertility Issues: Extended breastfeeding seems to have a direct impact on a woman’s ovulation process and has been known to suppress it. In some cases, it might cause a delayed period or issues with conception. However, this isn’t a permanent concern. So, if you stop breastfeeding, your body will start ovulation normally after a while.
- Time Management: I decided to continue breastfeeding only until my baby felt comfortable. And being a mother to multiple kids, I faced issues with extended breastfeeding and had to stop pretty quickly. It was difficult to manage time with other kids and of course, the effort was too much.
With all this being said, just know that it is up to you to extend breastfeeding or stop at an appropriate time. Extended breastfeeding is okay and quite normal.
It also helps to have a word with your lactation consultant or pediatrician about the need for extended breastfeeding and if you can manage it.
The Long-Term Side Effects of Not Breastfeeding!
There are cases when some mothers choose not to breastfeed at all. For others, breastfeeding may not be possible due to medical reasons, too.
But, it is also vital to understand that there are significant concerns about not breastfeeding at all.
IMPORTANT: Before you read through these side effects, know that while some babies suffer the effects of not being breastfed at all, other babies grow up quite healthy on formula alone. These are only potential concerns, not guaranteed ones.
1. Infant Health
- Breastfed babies develop essential antibodies that do wonders to keep them safe from infections. When babies are not breastfed, they eventually lack the antibodies that are transferred only through the mother’s milk.
- Also, babies who are exclusively formula-fed can be exposed to respiratory tract infections in their first few months. Other possible disease exposures include diabetes, childhood obesity, gastroenteritis, and leukemia.
2. Mother’s Health
- As a mother, I have been through postpartum and I know how effective breastfeeding was to heal myself. So, when mothers don’t breastfeed, they face risks too.
- Women who do not breastfeed risk ovarian cancer, breast cancer, early menopause, and infertility. I would always recommend breastfeeding, except when medical situations force you not to.
3. High Expenses
- Yes, you read that right – high expenses are another risk of not breastfeeding. If you are all set to formula-feed your baby, then prepare yourself for the medical bills, cost of formula powder or liquid, and other similar expenditures.
Breastfeeding or Otherwise: Ways to Bond With Your Baby
When it comes to extended breastfeeding, know that the choice is yours. You can choose to breastfeed for longer or go the other way. Even if you are not breastfeeding, there are ways to connect with your baby just like other breastfeeding mothers:
- Wrap your baby or wear your baby. Constant physical connection will foster a stronger relationship.
- Talk to your little one. While they can’t understand the words, your voice will always be calming to them.
- Sing them a lullaby. It can soothe them and help you unwind too!
- Skin-to-skin contact is a win-win method.
- Lastly, put the phone down when you’re with your baby. Avoid screen time with your little ones.
To Conclude: Extended Breastfeeding is a Choice
Extended breastfeeding is a normal process that totally depends on the mother and the baby.
Understand what would be best for your baby and yourself, and don’t let it bother you whether you face criticism for extending breastfeeding or not breastfeeding at all. Every child grows at their pace and if the baby decides to hold on to breastfeeding for over 12 months, that is perfectly okay too.
Take your time and let your baby wean naturally.
Also, if you face persistent doubts, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
