Extended breastfeeding is simply continuing to breastfeed beyond a time that is considered culturally appropriate to stop. Some mums define it as breastfeeding until your child doesn’t want to do it anymore. When it comes to what is culturally appropriate, countries vary. In the US, breastfeeding beyond a year is sometimes called extended. However, as of 2022, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mum continue nursing until a baby is two. Further, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) states in a 2022 position paper that, as evidence is lacking as to when a mother should stop breastfeeding, healthcare professionals should support them doing so for as long as they wish.

Why is extended breastfeeding controversial?

This depends on cultural norms and how long the extension is. Sometimes extended breastfeeding is not controversial. If nursing a toddler or small child is normal in your family or community, you won’t care if you see a woman doing it at a party or on the train. In some cultures breastfeeding continues until a child is anywhere between two and a half and seven. It would raise eyebrows in any Western country when you breastfeed your school age children, but it is still your right as a mother to do this. According to Unii’s Baby Feeding expert, the lactation consultant Wendy Lever, the breastfeeding relationship should last for as long as both parties want to continue.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for longer?

Breastfeeding for an extended period protects you from a number of cancers, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease. It promotes good gut health in your baby. They may also be less vulnerable to chest and ear infections. Longer term benefits for your child include higher scores on intelligence tests and a decreased risk of obesity. You can wean your child onto solid foods after six months while continuing to give them milk feeds. This is recommended by the RCPCH.

Research shows that the contents of your milk naturally evolves to support what your child needs and milk for energetic toddlers typically has more protein and fat than what you produce for babies.

Breastfeeding is quality time with your little one. It promotes a strong parent-child bond, is kind to the environment and makes it easier to travel lightly, as you don’t have to carry feeding equipment. As Wendy always says, breastfeeding is for lazy mums!

Are there any disadvantages to extended breastfeeding?

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, there are no proven disadvantages to extended breastfeeding for you or your child.

Some women who engage in extended breastfeeding may feel unsupported beyond a certain point, by their partner or even their doctor. There can also be negative reactions from mothers who stop breastfeeding at or before two years. Some mums describe being made to feel like a freak for doing what they believe to be biologically normal– i.e., continuing to breastfeed until their child doesn’t want it anymore.

Extended breastfeeding can cause a mother physical pain, as older children with full sets of teeth can bite your nipples. There’s also an element of inconvenience to a child being able to verbalise their desire to be breastfed whenever they wish.

According to the RCPCH, longer periods of breastfeeding have been associated with an increase in tooth decay, emphasising the importance of tooth-brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste once your child’s first tooth appears and flossing daily from the time the first two teeth touch.

However long you choose to breastfeed, you can learn all about how to get it right from Unii Baby Feeding Expert Wendy Lever IBCLC on Unii’s Baby Feeding Journey video course.

What is extended breastfeeding?

Unii looks at the benefits of this sometimes controversial parenting choice.