Pros of breastfeeding older children include possibly providing emotional and nutritional support, and giving a child greater immunity. Cons comprise interference with toddler diet, issues trying to get pregnant or attempting to support an older and younger child while breastfeeding both, and likelihood of criticism toward the mom and the child. As children age, the negatives of this practice may accumulate, and there is also concern about truly older children, such as five year olds and up establishing a more sexualized relationship with the mother.
In the US, many nursing women stop after the first year, but there are many who also argue that breastfeeding older children remains beneficial. This is a common practice in numerous other cultures. It may be most common in those cultures where nutritional resources are poor and children are made healthier by breastfeeding for longer periods of time. This view can be extrapolated to children in the US to suggest children are healthier if they nurse longer.
Studies suggest that continued breastfeeding still provides immunity. Babies who are breastfed longer may have fewer illnesses. Also, many toddlers are picky eaters and may not have a diet that is nutritionally sound, in which case they might require formula. Moms who support breastfeeding older children suggest it’s better to simply let toddlers have continued access to breastmilk, as it is more healthful than formula.
Another argument made in support of breastfeeding older children is that it can be especially helpful for toddlers as they reach the terrible twos. It keeps a close bond between mother and child, possibly helping to provide emotional stability.
Arguments against breastfeeding older children can encompass diet and nutrition, too. Generally, breastmilk alone is not considered an adequate diet after age one. The child who doesn’t eat enough may not be getting enough variety because he is nursing. Some children may have failure to thrive if they don’t eat a regular diet of solid foods, and this risk increases as the child ages.
The mom who plans other pregnancies might have trouble sustaining a nursing child and a pregnancy. There are moms who are able to do this, but then they must schedule feedings for two children with different nutritional needs. At minimum, moms will need extra nutritional support to nurse two different-aged kids. Also, some women find it difficult to get pregnant when they are nursing.
Strong likelihood of encountering criticism from others occurs when moms are breastfeeding older children, and there is a positive correlation of likelihood of criticism with age of the child. Older toddlers and kindergarteners are likely to draw the most attention, and many moms restrict this practice to home so their children, who are now quite capable of understanding criticism, will not hear it. If moms choose otherwise, they may subject their children to statements that cause worry or distress.
As children age, there may be confusion about the very sexualized notion of breasts in Western culture, and continued association with the mother’s breasts. Freud identified the Oedipal struggle as occurring in toddlerhood, and even if people don’t agree with Freud, any child exposed to media like television commercials, will start to feel that a duality exists about women’s bodies. Continuing breastfeeding as children become more social and more media-exposed may raise some questions about the healthfulness of sexual feelings later.
Ultimately, each woman decides in the best interest of her children. Many women are passionately convinced that breastfeeding older children is appropriate, while others believe a natural cut-off point is the age of one or two. Both paths have advantages and disadvantages.
