These days more and more women are wanting to breastfeed their babies and most of them find this experience wonderful. In most cases women want to continue breastfeeding their babies beyond 6 months but still do not know how long they can continue to breastfeed their babies.
This article is for those mothers who want to continue to feed their babies but have still not made up their mind. At the end of this article, may be you can decide for yourself what you want to do for your babies!
UNICEF has encouraged mothers to breastfeed their babies for two years or more and so have other institutions – both government and medical. We must understand that in the primitive ages and much after that breastfeeding babies till they are 3 or 4 has been quite common.
Why should I breastfeed the baby after 6 months?
Because its a wonderful experience for both the mother and the baby. And mothers milk is definitely more nutritive than formula. If thats not enough, remember, breastfeeding improves the bond between the mother and the child.
But doesn’t breast milk lose value after six months?
Thats not true. Breast milk does not change in quality after 6 months. It continues to carry the same nutritive value that it did when your baby was born. It may though reduce in quantity for some mothers. But the protein and fat content remains the same which is going to up the baby’s resistance powers to various diseases.
What if the immunologic factors in breast milk prevent the baby from developing his own immunity if I breastfeed past six months?
Thats again another myth. Immunizations are given to babies to fight real infection all by themselves. Breast milk also helps the baby fight diseases and infections. And when the baby fights these infections, in the process he becomes immune naturally.
But if I continue to breastfeed he may never be independent
Its important for us to understand that a toddler does not become dependent simply because he is breastfeeding. Children should breastfeed until he can wean himself which is usually between 2 and 4 years of age. In the process, since he makes the choice to wean he becomes more independent. That is a more natural way unlike weaning the baby in 6 months and forcing independence on the baby!
Doesn’t it get embarrassing in public?
If it does, then I think its your mindset. Decide for yourself what is more important? Your baby or the public reaction? Most mothers are too self conscious to feed a hungry baby, leave alone a toddler, in public. But remember all you need is a comfortable place to sit to feed your baby and a blanket or a shawl to cover. Its important for you to feel comfortable and for your baby to bask in your warmth. Let everything else go by. Nothing is more important to you right now than your baby!
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