Should I stop breastfeeding my 16-month-old?

After my son turned 1 a few months ago, people told me to stop breastfeeding completely and start baby-led weaning. My baby does wean but should I stop breastfeeding completely? Comments like, “If you don't stop now, you will see yourself breastfeeding him even when he turns 10 years old” haunted me.

I am now a stay-at-home mom. This means I have all the time in the world to be with my child and breastfeed whenever he wishes. If you are a mother who has (is) breastfed, I am sure you will understand when I say that it’s not only about feeding the baby. The whole process is much more than that. For instance, I am immediately relaxed and calm after feeding my child. In fact, I think I developed a stronger bond with my son because of such sessions where it is an exclusive time with just me and him.

But since I got such comments and suggestions from people, it sort of worried me and I decided to do some research and dig deeper. I found some really interesting findings-

1. As most of you would know, breastfeeding is the most ideal and nutritious food for the baby/infant. It is safe and has antibodies that help the baby build strong immunity against diseases.
2. According to WHO, “Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.” Did you read that? The second year of life!
3. Of course, WHO and UNICEF recommend that breastfeeding is initiated in the first hour of birth and exclusively maintained until 6 months old. Post the age of 6 months, children can begin eating safe and adequate complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years and beyond.
4. However, apparently, all over the world, there are some moms who breastfeed their children until the age of 4–5 years for bonding reasons, and it's quite common really.

While it benefits the baby, there are some amazing benefits for the mother too —

1. Promotes faster weight loss after birth, burning about 500 extra calories a day to build and maintain a milk supply. (No exercise needed ;))
2. Breastfeeding is known to help the mother with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers and other diseases too and that’s why WHO insists at least 2 years of breastfeeding. Now that’s a win-win.
3. Less risk of Postpartum depression and it just enhances the mood. I can swear by this. Like I mentioned earlier, it just makes me super relaxed. Almost as if I finished a session of swimming. This is because Breastfeeding produces the naturally soothing hormones oxytocin and prolactin that promote stress reduction and positive feelings in the nursing mother. Since Breastfeeding promotes more skin-to-skin contact, more holding and stroking, the affectionate bonding during the first years of life help reduce social and behavioral problems in both children and adults.
4. A calm mother has a calm baby. A calm baby has a calm family. ;) Breastfeeding can support the wellness of body, mind, and spirit for the whole family.
5. I travel often. So it's easier for me because I can feed him when he is hungry without worrying about the cleanliness or temperature of the milk.
6. Apart from the reduced risks of cancers, there are some more lifetime benefits for the mothers —

• Lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Less endometriosis
• Less osteoporosis with age
• Less diabetes
• Less hypertension decreases blood pressure
• Less cardiovascular disease

Moral of the story: I can, and rather should, be breastfeeding my child until he is 2years old. I rest my case now. 😁

P.S: Little did I know, when I wrote this blog, that this week (Aug 1 to Aug 7th) is observed as World Breastfeeding Week. This year’s theme is — “Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support” I guess I have done my part. :)