04/24/2023
Breastmilk doesn’t lose its benefits with age. In fact “human milk in the second year postpartum contained significantly higher concentrations of total protein, lactoferrin, lysozyme, and Immunoglobulin A.” (Perrin, 2016). In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:
* 29% of energy requirements
* 43% of protein requirements
* 36% of calcium requirements
* 75% of vitamin A requirements
* 76% of folate requirements
* 94% of vitamin B12 requirements
* 60% of vitamin C requirements (Dewey, 2001)
“Human milk expressed by mothers who have been lactating for >1 year has significantly increased fat and energy contents, compared with milk expressed by women who have been lactating for shorter periods. During prolonged lactation, the fat energy contribution of breast milk to the infant diet might be significant.”
(Mandel, 2005)
The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until 2 and beyond for broth developed and developing countries. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that children weaned before two years of age are at increased risk of illness (AAFP 2008).
“Antibodies are abundant in human milk throughout lactation” (Nutrition During Lactation 1991; p. 134). In fact, some of the immune factors in breastmilk increase in concentration during the second year and also during the weaning process. (Lawrence & Lawrence 2011, Goldman 1983, Goldman & Goldblum 1983, Institute of Medicine 1991)
Scientific research by Katherine A. Dettwyler, PhD shows that 2.5 to 7.0 years of nursing is what our children have been designed to expect (KellyMom, Dettwyler 1995).
"It's the lucky baby, I feel, who continues to nurse until he's two." US Surgeon General Coello-Novello (1990).
She’s 3.5 and yes we are breastfeeding. Not still, not extended, it’s not an extension of anything with a time limit or expiration, it’s just breastfeeding.
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