Is it normal to breastfeed until 5 years old?

Understanding Extended Breastfeeding: Is It Normal to Breastfeed Until Age Five?
The question of whether it is normal to breastfeed a child until the age of five is one that often stirs debate among parents, healthcare professionals, and society at large. While many cultures have varying practices regarding breastfeeding duration, the conversation is increasingly informed by both scientific research and personal experiences.
Cultural Perspectives and Practices
In many parts of the world, extended breastfeeding is not only accepted but is also a common practice. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond, emphasizing that the decision to continue breastfeeding should be based on the needs of both the mother and the child. This aligns with findings that suggest the average age of weaning globally is around four years.
In some cultures, breastfeeding beyond infancy is seen as a natural part of child-rearing. A mother who breastfeeds her five-year-old daughter and two-year-old son noted that her children are rarely ill, attributing their health to the nutritional benefits of extended breastfeeding. This perspective highlights the belief that breastfeeding can provide ongoing health benefits, including emotional security and nutritional support.
Scientific Insights
From a biological standpoint, research indicates that human beings are naturally inclined to breastfeed for several years. Anthropologist Dr. Katherine Dettwyler has pointed out that nursing large-bodied mammalian offspring until their first permanent teeth erupt—around ages 5.5 to 6 years—is considered “natural” for humans. This suggests that extended breastfeeding may align with our evolutionary history, where prolonged nursing could have provided essential nutrients and immune support during early childhood.
Personal Choices and Recommendations
Ultimately, the decision to breastfeed until age five or beyond is deeply personal and varies from family to family. Experts generally recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding for at least two years. However, many parents find that their breastfeeding journey continues well past this point, often based on the comfort and preferences of both the mother and child.
While some may view extended breastfeeding with skepticism or discomfort, it is essential to recognize that each family’s situation is unique. The emotional bond fostered through breastfeeding can be significant, and for many, it remains a cherished aspect of parenting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breastfeeding until the age of five is not only normal in certain contexts but can also be beneficial for both mother and child. As societal norms evolve and more parents share their experiences, the conversation around extended breastfeeding continues to grow, reflecting a broader understanding of child development and maternal health. Ultimately, the choice to breastfeed for an extended period should be respected as a personal decision, grounded in the needs and values of each family.

Is it normal to still breastfeed a 5 year old?

Yes, breastfeeding a child past 5 is acceptable. Most will naturally wean before this point, but there is nothing wrong with continuing as long as the child and mother want to.

Can you still have breast milk after 5 years?

It usually takes several weeks for your breasts to completely stop producing milk after you stop breastfeeding. Some women continue to produce milk up to 2 years after they have stopped breastfeeding. Contact your GP if you’ve stopped breastfeeding and: you’re still producing a lot of milk.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

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.

How long does the average woman breastfeed?

Among those who breastfed, average duration was 6.9 months; when stratified by race, breastfeeding duration was longest among White mothers at 7.3 months, followed by mothers of other races at 6.3 months, while Black mothers had shortest average duration, with 5.1 months.

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.

Is 10 too old to breastfeed?

The Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, with complementary foods introduced around six months. AAP supports continued breastfeeding until two years or beyond, as mutually desired by mother and child.

What is the oldest a child has been breastfed?

A British mother has revealed how she will miss breastfeeding her daughter after the youngster finally weaned – at age 9. Sharon Spink, a mom of four, insisted that feeding daughter Charlotte until earlier this year was completely normal and has cemented a lifelong bond between them.

Can I breastfeed my baby for 5 years?

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.

Why am I still lactating after 6 years?

This is called idiopathic galactorrhea. It may mean that your breast tissue is particularly sensitive to the milk-producing hormone prolactin in your blood. If you have increased sensitivity to prolactin, even normal prolactin levels can lead to galactorrhea.