Is it normal for an 18 month old to still breastfeed?

Understanding Extended Breastfeeding
In the realm of parenting, the question of whether it is normal for an 18-month-old to still breastfeed often arises, stirring a mix of opinions and emotions among caregivers. The answer, while nuanced, leans towards affirmation: yes, it is indeed normal for toddlers to continue breastfeeding at this age.
The Statistics Behind Breastfeeding
According to recent data, approximately 15% of children are still breastfeeding by the time they reach 18 months. This statistic reflects a growing acceptance of extended breastfeeding, which is often influenced by cultural norms and personal choices made by families. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports this trend, emphasizing that breastfeeding can continue as long as it is mutually desired by both mother and child.
The Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding beyond infancy offers numerous benefits. For toddlers, breast milk remains a valuable source of nutrition, providing essential vitamins and antibodies that support their immune systems. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond, highlighting its importance in fostering a child’s health and emotional well-being.
Moreover, the act of breastfeeding can strengthen the bond between mother and child, offering comfort and security during a time of rapid growth and change. As noted by parenting experts, as long as both mother and child are content with their breastfeeding relationship, it is a positive experience.
Cultural Perspectives and Personal Choices
Cultural attitudes towards breastfeeding can vary significantly. In some societies, extended breastfeeding is the norm, while in others, it may be viewed with skepticism. This disparity can lead to feelings of isolation for mothers who choose to breastfeed beyond the typical age. However, many parenting communities, such as La Leche League, advocate for the normalization of breastfeeding at any age, encouraging mothers to follow their instincts and the needs of their children.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breastfeeding an 18-month-old is not only normal but can also be beneficial for both the child and the mother. As societal views continue to evolve, the conversation around extended breastfeeding is likely to grow, fostering a more supportive environment for families who choose this path. Ultimately, the decision to continue breastfeeding should be based on what feels right for each individual family, free from societal pressures or judgments.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

There are many professional associations that recommend breastfeeding beyond 1 year, but to date there is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful in any way. There is currently no known age when breastmilk is considered to be nutritionally insignificant for a child.

Can 18 month old survive on breastmilk?

It’s entirely normal and natural to breastfeed an older child. In Australia, 28% of children are still breastfeeding at 12 months. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that children be breastfed for at least 2 years.

Is it normal for 18 month old to only want breastmilk?

It is normal for baby to keep breastmilk as the primary part of his diet up until 18 months or even longer. An example of a nice gradual increase in solids would be 25% solids at 12 months, 50% solids at 18 months, and 80% solids at 24 months. Some children take a little longer to begin taking solids well.

Is it normal to still breastfeed at 18 months?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, then continued breastfeeding for two years or beyond as long as mutually desired. Yet only 36% are still breastfeeding at 1 year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). I can understand why.

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding too long?

For example, duration of breastfeeding experience has been shown to correlate negatively with parent-reported antisocial and aggressive behavior in children from 4 to 11 years of age [43]. These effects on antisocial behavior appear to extend well beyond childhood into adulthood.

Why does my 18 month old still want to nurse?

As a general rule, toddlers do nurse less often, mostly as nursing sessions are replaced by solid food. But toddlers don’t just nurse for nutrition or quench their thirst; they do so when they are craving connection, attention, are tired, bored, etc. So your toddler may want to nurse a lot sometimes.

Should I stop breastfeeding at 18 months?

After 18 months of age, some children protest with crying. The AAP recommends mothers breastfeed until 12 months. After 12 months, they recommend continued nursing “as long as you and your baby desire it”. The AAP does not recommend an upper age limit for weaning from breastfeeding.

How often should an 18 month old breastfeed?

This answer varies greatly from one toddler to the next. Some mothers and nurslings have slowly decreased the number of breastfeeding sessions they have each day and may find that at this age, their toddler is breastfeeding as little as once or twice a day.

What is the longest age to breastfeed?

In the US, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and to continue for at least 12 months5. But in other countries, the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to the age of 2 or beyond6.

What percentage of babies are breastfed at 18 months?

Percent of mothers who breastfed were as follows: never (28.6%), 6 weeks (50.3%), 6 months (26.4%), 9 months (16.6%), 12 months (9.7%), 18 months (2.7%), 20 months (1%). We windsorized the 2% of mothers who reported breastfeeding longer than 24 months.