Extended breastfeeding practices
EXTENDED breastfeeding, or nursing a baby after their first birthday, is practised by a number of women, mainly by choice.
But some women who opt to do this usually face disapproving stares. However, the practice is not unhealthy.
Paediatrician Dr Anona Griffith said the World Health Organization recommendation states that exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to six months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.
She said this is so as the nutritional demands of a growing child outstrip the nutritional capacity of exclusive breastfeeding.
“Anatomical changes such as the development of teeth herald the transition from a purely liquid diet to one composed of varying textures to allow for utilisation of dentition,” she said.
Dr Griffith added: “It’s a great option for hydration if the baby is not eating otherwise, plus non-nutritive benefits aid in healing and offering comfort.”
Gay Williams, a midwife at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation in Kingston, said the standard period for breastfeeding a baby is six months, and then you start introducing foods.
“For those who breastfeed beyond this point, while it doesn’t harm the baby, they are not getting much needed nutrients beyond six months and it would be just for comfort,” she said.
If you are breastfeeding beyond one year, it is important to ensure that the child is eating balanced and nutritious meals so that he or she grows at a healthy rate.
