Why does AAP recommend breastfeeding for 2 years?

The AAP’s Recommendation for Extended Breastfeeding
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has made a significant recommendation regarding breastfeeding, advocating that mothers continue to breastfeed for at least two years or longer, as mutually desired by both mother and child. This guidance reflects a growing body of research that underscores the numerous health benefits associated with extended breastfeeding.
Health Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its role in promoting optimal health outcomes for infants. The AAP emphasizes that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is crucial, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods. This approach not only supports the nutritional needs of infants but also enhances their immune systems. Studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of various diseases, including respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, and even chronic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
Moreover, the protective effects of breastfeeding extend beyond infancy. The AAP’s guidelines highlight that breastfeeding for two years or more can contribute to better health outcomes for both mothers and children. For mothers, extended breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Psychological and Emotional Aspects
Beyond the physical health benefits, breastfeeding fosters a unique bond between mother and child. The act of breastfeeding promotes emotional closeness and security, which are vital for the child’s psychological development. The AAP recognizes that this emotional connection can have lasting effects on a child’s social and emotional well-being.
Addressing Barriers to Breastfeeding
While the AAP’s recommendations are clear, they also acknowledge the challenges many parents face in adhering to these guidelines. Structural barriers, such as lack of support in the workplace, insufficient maternity leave, and societal stigma, can hinder a mother’s ability to breastfeed for the recommended duration. The AAP calls for increased support systems to help parents overcome these obstacles, ensuring that they have the resources and encouragement needed to continue breastfeeding.
Conclusion
The AAP’s recommendation for breastfeeding for two years or more is grounded in extensive research highlighting the health, emotional, and developmental benefits for both mothers and children. As society continues to evolve, it is crucial to address the barriers that prevent parents from following these guidelines, ensuring that every family has the opportunity to reap the rewards of extended breastfeeding.

Why does who recommend 2 years of breastfeeding?

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.

How long should you breastfeed according to AAP?

For the best health outcomes, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 2 years and beyond as mutually desired.

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.

Is breastfeeding a 2 year old beneficial?

Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.” Just as babies do, toddlers receive health benefits from breast milk: it continues to provide immunities and vitamins and can help protect your toddler from illness and allergies.

How long does the AAP recommend breastfeeding?

For the best health outcomes, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 2 years and beyond as mutually desired.

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.

Why did AAP change breastfeeding?

The reason for this change, according to the AAP, is because of the evidence of continued benefits to breastfeeding past 12 months, especially for breastfeeding parents. For example, breastfeeding for a longer duration lowers the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.

Why is it important to breastfeed for 2 years?

Breastfeeding beyond one year is not only great for your baby, but also significantly impacts the health of the mother. Her risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes is significantly reduced after 1 year or more of lactating.

Why does the AAP recommend breast feeding for at least the first 12 months of life?

Mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed their children for at least 1 year. The longer an infant is breastfed, the greater the protection from certain illnesses and long-term diseases. The longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the benefits to her health as well.

When to stop breastfeeding AAP?

For the best health outcomes, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 2 years and beyond as mutually desired.