08/17/2022
“I didn’t expect to breastfeed a toddler.” Breastfeeding didn’t come easy to me. It was challenging and so painful in the beginning (cue clogged ducts) that I didn’t even know if I’d continue past 6 months. But, we found our groove and it has unexpectedly become a special way to connect with my son and pause from all the busyness.
The World Health Organization, and now the American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated their policy to recommend maintaining breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond.
Not only does breast milk provide essential nutrients and protective effects for a child’s developing immune system, there are also continued benefits from breastfeeding beyond, especially in the mother with respect to protection against breast and ovarian cancer.
This is not meant to shame those who cannot or choose not to breastfeed —it’s showing support to mothers who choose to continue nursing for a longer period of time. I find it interesting and sad that parents are constantly being judged no matter what they choose for their families. So just do what works for you and trust your instincts!
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