Why do they recommend breastfeeding for 2 years?

The Case for Breastfeeding Up to Two Years
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as a fundamental aspect of infant nutrition and maternal health. Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend that mothers breastfeed their children for at least two years. This recommendation is rooted in a wealth of research highlighting the numerous benefits for both infants and mothers.
Nutritional Benefits for Infants
Breast milk is uniquely tailored to meet the nutritional needs of infants. It provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that are crucial for healthy growth and development. According to health experts, breastfeeding is the most effective way to ensure that infants receive the nutrients they need during their early months and beyond. As infants grow, their nutritional requirements evolve, and while complementary foods are introduced after six months, continued breastfeeding helps to meet these needs effectively.
Health Advantages for Mothers
The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond the child. Mothers who breastfeed for extended periods experience a reduced risk of several health issues, including breast and ovarian cancers, postpartum depression, and chronic conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. This dual benefit underscores the importance of breastfeeding not just as a child-rearing practice but as a significant contributor to maternal health.
Emotional and Psychological Connection
Breastfeeding also fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child. The act of breastfeeding provides comfort and security to infants, which can be particularly beneficial in stressful situations. For many mothers, this connection is invaluable, offering a sense of closeness and nurturing that can enhance the overall parenting experience.
Cultural and Societal Support
The recommendation to breastfeed for two years is also supported by cultural practices and societal norms in many parts of the world. In various cultures, extended breastfeeding is common and is seen as a natural part of child-rearing. This cultural acceptance can play a significant role in encouraging mothers to continue breastfeeding beyond the first year.
Conclusion
In summary, the recommendation to breastfeed for at least two years is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional, health, and emotional benefits for both mothers and infants. As healthcare systems and societies continue to support breastfeeding, the hope is that more families will embrace this practice, leading to healthier outcomes for future generations.

Why does my 2 year old still want to breastfeed?

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.

Why is it recommended to breastfeed for 2 years?

Breastfeeding into toddlerhood has been linked to protection from various infections and illnesses, supplemental nutrition and cognitive development. There are many benefits for moms as well, including lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of developing certain cancers or postpartum depression.

What percentage of moms breastfeed for 2 years?

While 71% of women continue to breastfeed their infant for at least one year, by two years of age, breastfeeding rates decline to 45%.

What is the average age to stop breastfeeding?

As the AAFP notes, according to anthropological data, the natural age of self-weaning (meaning weaning determined strictly by the child) is about 2.5–7 years old. Obviously, not everyone wants to nurse that long, but it’s nice to know it’s an option that’s normal and actually pretty common all over the world.

Why not to breastfeed after 2 years?

Most experts agree that breastfeeding through the first year of life is most beneficial to your baby. After that, babies often lose interest in breastfeeding because they are becoming more mobile. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for the first 2 years of life.

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.

What is the best age to stop breastfeeding?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.

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 AAP recommend breastfeeding for 2 years?

There are continued benefits from breastfeeding beyond 1 year, and up to 2 years especially for the breastfeeding parent’s health. This includes protection against diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancers of the breast and ovaries.

What is the healthiest age to stop breastfeeding?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.