Beauty and health of teeth 

Benefits of breastfeeding after one year. Long-term breastfeeding - yes or no? Infection protection

A small selection on the topic
prolonged breastfeeding,
and the benefits of breastfeeding after 1.5–2 years.
this information helped me in due time. maybe it will be useful for someone
This post is for those who share the idea of ​​long-term breastfeeding, or want to learn about it. If you want to argue on this topic, do it elsewhere!

The minimum natural age for weaning a child from the breast is 2.5 years, the maximum is 7 years. (I can still imagine feeding up to 4 years, but 7 ... but that's how it was in the article.)

In terms of the benefits of long-term breastfeeding, there are many studies comparing breastfed babies and formula-fed babies in terms of incidence of various diseases and IQ levels. In all cases, bottle-fed babies have a higher risk of disease and a lower IQ than breast-fed babies. Studies that categorized "babies" by duration of breastfeeding found that the less a baby was breastfed, the worse they performed, both in terms of higher disease susceptibility and IQ. In other words, if the categories were 0-6 months breastfeeding, 6-12 months, 12-18 months and 18-24+ months, then the 18-24+ group was the best, followed by the 12-18 months breastfeeding group. third place - group 6-12, and finally, the results of the group 0-6 months were the worst among breastfed children, but still significantly better than those of the artificial feeding group. Rates of gastrointestinal disease, upper respiratory disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, heart disease, and so on and so forth were taken into account. Similarly, the babies who fed the longest had the highest IQ.

One important note - none of these studies looked at children fed for more than two years. All children fed for 18-24 months or longer were grouped into one large category. Perhaps the benefits continue to multiply, as our body doesn't "know" when a baby's birthday is, and doesn't suddenly start producing milk that has no nutritional and immunological value.

Breastfeeding is necessary for a child for a period determined by nature itself. After 2.5 years, the child goes through the process of natural extinction of the sucking reflex. Gradually, he nullifies all feedings, simply ceasing to need the sucking process as such.
For the same period of feeding (2.5-4 years), the mother's breast is also designed. After one and a half years of feeding, the breast gradually enters the stage of involution of lactation. It is characterized by the fact that the breast does not overflow, milk is no longer produced constantly, but is produced in response to the sucking of the baby. This is how both mother and child approach the end of lactation. First, daytime feedings completely disappear, then evening feedings, and the last to leave in the morning sucking. Gradually, the child begins to sleep soundly at night, without requiring titi..
How can breastfeeding interfere with anything if it is the only way to fully feed children? Children CORRECTLY breastfed are much more developed not only in the physical, but also in the intellectual and personal aspect.

Prolonged breastfeeding is caused by biological factors. Among them is the extinction of the sucking reflex of the child, which occurs due to the development of the nervous system and social adaptation, as well as the involution of the mammary gland, which usually occurs no earlier than after 2.5 years of feeding. In addition, feeding is necessary for the development of the brain and immune system of the child, as evidenced by the composition of milk changing after 2-3 years of feeding (in favor of immunoglobulins). And finally, milk helps with the development of the digestive system. For example, as you know, the assimilation of fiber occurs only by the age of three, and milk, which supplies the necessary enzymes, contributes to the successful development of this process.

In breast milk there are factors of growth and development of the brain (for 3 years - 95% of the volume of an adult), immunoglobulins, which are still contained in the blood of a child for several years after weaning; bifidobacteria growth factors. At this time, there is an active growth of the jaw - the formation of the correct bite and the absence of speech therapy problems depend. Milk contains hormones necessary for the formation of the endocrine system.

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Benefits of long-term breastfeeding
nutritional value

Scientific studies prove that in the second year of life (and even after two or more years) milk remains a valuable source of proteins, fats, enzymes that break down proteins and fats in the intestines; hormones, vitamins and trace elements that are quickly and easily absorbed.

The content of vitamins and microelements in women's milk may vary depending on the mother's diet, but with a balanced diet, it always meets the needs of the child. For example, when breastfeeding in the second year of life, the baby is protected from vitamin A deficiency, which is necessary for the normal formation and functioning of the eyes, skin, hair, as well as vitamin K, which prevents bleeding. In addition, women's milk contains the optimal amount of iron, which is very well absorbed in the intestines of the child and prevents the development of iron deficiency anemia.

Scientists have calculated that if a one-year-old child receives 500 ml of breast milk per day, then his daily energy needs are met by a third, by 40% in proteins, and almost completely in vitamin C.
Disease protection

It is interesting to note that each pathogen that infects the mother stimulates the production of immunoglobulins present in the milk and received by the child. The concentration of these substances in milk increases with the age of the crumbs and with a reduction in the number of feedings, which allows older children to receive strong immune support. Immunoglobulins coat the intestinal mucosa like "white paint", making it inaccessible to pathogens and provide unique protection against infections and allergies. In addition, human milk proteins stimulate the development of the child's own immune system. Also, women's milk contains substances that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria (bifidus and lactobacilli) in the intestines, which counteract the colonization of its pathogenic bacteria.

Other milk proteins are also important. For example, the iron-binding protein lactoferrin is able to prevent the growth of a number of bacteria that absorb iron.
Reducing the risk of allergic diseases

WHO studies have shown that long-term natural feeding (over 6-12 months) in combination with hypoallergenic nutrition of a nursing mother significantly reduces the incidence of food allergies in children.

The formation of bite, the structure of the face, the development of speech in children is also determined by the duration of breastfeeding. This is due to the active participation of the muscles of the soft palate in the process of obtaining milk from the breast. Children who are breastfed for a long time, reproduce the tonalities and frequencies of sounds better. Speech disorders in them are less common and, basically, these are physiological replacements of the sounds "w", "g", "l" with more "simple" sounds, which can be easily corrected.
The Benefits of Children's Physical Development

Breastfeeding ensures the optimal ratio of adipose and muscle tissue in the child's body and the optimal ratio of length and body weight. The physical development of the child corresponds to his biological age, does not lead him and does not lag behind. This was determined by the timing of the formation of various bones of the skeleton.

An important role is played by the emotional aspect of long-term breastfeeding. The special bond, the psychological attachment that is established between mother and child during breastfeeding, lasts a lifetime. The neuropsychic development of such children can be advanced, they adapt better in adulthood.

It is the process of breastfeeding that helps in the formation of the soul and personality inherent only to a person, self-awareness and knowledge of the world around.

Mothers who breastfeed for a long time show more concern for their children, treat them more positively, maintain a sense of love, which is especially important during critical age periods of children after a year. No matter how stressed the mother is when she sits down to feed her baby, by the end of the feeding, both relax, and both of them noticeably improve their mood. In addition, breastfeeding women are much less likely to develop malignant neoplasms of the mammary glands and ovarian cancer.

The protective role of breastfeeding in relation to the incidence of diabetes mellitus and obesity in children and adults has been established. At the same time, the reduction in the risk of diabetes depends on the duration of breastfeeding. The direct mechanism of this effect is associated with the fact that the energy substances of female breast milk, especially proteins and carbohydrates, are optimal in structure for the child, are easily absorbed by him, without requiring an increase in the level of substances (including insulin) that break down milk elements into constituent parts. . Therefore, the regulation of the centers of hunger and satiety in the brain does not change. And failures of such regulation lead to metabolic disorders and the development of endocrine diseases, such as diabetes and obesity.

Attention: during the entire period of breastfeeding, the psychological support of loved ones (husband, parents) is important for a woman in an effort to breastfeed as long as possible. After all, often mothers stop feeding the child only because of a misunderstanding of others.

When a woman becomes a mother, the question "should I breastfeed my baby?" practically does not appear in front of her. Almost every young mother (we will not take into account the exceptions) is going to do this. She doesn't have a choice either. A newborn baby does not perceive other food than mother's milk.
But another question - "how long to feed?" - probably every woman asked herself. And they solved this problem in different ways.

If the woman is healthy, she has enough milk, the child is actively sucking and gaining weight, then his mother is free to choose how long the baby will enjoy her favorite treat.

Mother's milk is indispensable, unique and ideal for the baby who is intended by nature itself. Yes, the food industry does not stand still, and modern milk sweeps are nutritious, do not cause allergies, contain the main vitamins and minerals required by the baby. But the average, ordinary baby, without taking into account his personal physiological characteristics! But breast milk in terms of hormonal composition is suitable for a particular child. It is intended specifically for him, and there are still much more nutrients in it than in a man-made mixture. Plus, it just tastes better!
Children who were breastfed grow much faster than "artificial ones", get sick less, develop faster. The first reason for this is just the perfect match between mother's milk and the needs of the child. But there is a second, emotional one. When a baby sucks on a sweet mother's breast, he experiences joy and peace, a sense of security, unity with the closest person at that time. That is why the answer to the question "how much to feed?" does not cause doubts among mothers who love and wish good for their children. Certainly, as long as possible! It is good for children both physically and emotionally. This stimulates the development of the baby. Finally, with the right approach to business, it is very pleasant - not only for the child, but also for his mother.
What do doctors think about prolonged breastfeeding? Long gone are the days when the pediatrician advised to breastfeed the baby up to six months, up to a maximum of a year, and from two to three months he recommended actively feeding with juices and cereals. Now, most pediatricians claim that feeding up to a year is hardly the minimum necessary for babies, and up to six months any additional products are unnecessary. Mother's milk contains everything that babies need.
What about other doctors? Mammologists believe that prolonged breastfeeding is beneficial for women, as it reduces the risk of getting mastopathy or even breast cancer in the future. But gynecologists are in doubt: the hormonal background of the body of a nursing mother is somewhat different from the normal one, therefore these doctors cannot unambiguously advise feeding the child for a long time. But they don't mind too much either.

It is often believed that breastfeeding for more than a year is harmful, develops pathological reflexes in the child and "does not bring anything good to the mother." In response to this opinion, we refer to the following sources:

Quote: “It is preferable to continue breastfeeding beyond the first year of life, and in populations with a high prevalence of infections, the child may benefit from continued breastfeeding through the second year of life and beyond.” recommendations for the WHO European Region with a special focus on the republics of the former Soviet Union, World Health Organization, 2001 (WHO Regional Publications, European Series, No. 87), p. 16)

Quote: “The formation of the maxillofacial skeleton in children of all age groups, and therefore adults, is largely determined by the duration of breastfeeding. According to R. Veshai (1968), who examined 1200 Bantu children in Africa, where breastfeeding is practiced up to 3-4 years, the normal formation of the dentoalveolar system occurred in 99.6% of children and only 0.3% had a prognathic bite. In European children, underdevelopment of the lower jaw occurs in 27%, and prognathic bite - in 3% of all examined ”(Vorontsov I.M., Fateeva E.M. Natural feeding of children. Its meaning and support: Textbook - St. Petersburg: ICF "Foliant", 1998.-S. 41.)

Information confirming the positive impact of prolonged breastfeeding on the body and psyche of both the child and the mother can be found in other sources, including the new (February 2005) recommendations of the American Association of Pediatrics. LB duration statement: “Breastfeeding should be for at least the first year of life and beyond. The duration of breastfeeding is dictated by the mutual desire of mother and child. Extended breastfeeding has significant health and developmental benefits for both baby and mother, especially by delaying recovery reproductive function (and, as a result, promoting optimal spacing between births). There is no upper limit on the duration of breastfeeding. There is no evidence of harm to overall development or psychological harm from feeding during the third year of life and beyond. The same opinion was voiced by the international expert of the World Health Organization, obstetrician-gynecologist T. Ya. Dinekina at a seminar for obstetrician-gynecologists in Irkutsk in October 2005.

All the time a woman produces milk is divided into three important phases: the colostrum, mature lactation and the so-called involution (gradual extinction) of lactation. Normally, the last period begins in the interval from 1 year 8 months to three and a half years. The milk that is produced at this stage is very similar in composition to colostrum: it contains a lot of leukocytes, immunoglobulins, which are still of great benefit to the growing body of the baby. A child who has been fed with involutive milk for at least a month is protected from infectious and colds for at least six months.

Long-term breastfeeding is extremely beneficial for children with neurological manifestations, because during suckling, the blood supply to the brain improves. Babies born by caesarean section or stimulated labor need a smooth, gentle adjustment to the world around them and separation from their mother's body. All this is the best way to ensure breastfeeding. Therefore, many mothers around the world intend to feed their baby with their own milk until the baby refuses to breastfeed. This usually happens between two and a half and three and a half years.

Irina Vshivkova, perinatal psychologist and family psychotherapist:

Mom's love is not only breasts, but breasts are, first of all, LOVE

Breastfeeding is a multifactorial process that consists of nutrition, physical and emotional contact, verbal and non-verbal communication. Which of these components is more important, it is impossible to say unequivocally. However, if the process of feeding for the mother and child becomes exhausting and painful (both sleep poorly, headaches, irritability, unwillingness to continue feeding) appear, then all positive effects are nullified. It is worth recalling the words of the psychologist Winnicott: “Feeding without love is destructive.”

I am convinced that breastfeeding cannot hinder the development of a child in any way, since this is a natural process and nature itself has laid down the forms and terms of its regulation. Only a certain attitude of the mother to the child can slow down the development of the child. If the mother perceives the child in the same way at six months, and at one year, and at three, then he will begin to lag behind in development, regardless of whether breastfeeding is maintained or not. With each month of life, the mother must give the baby more and more freedom, opportunities for self-determination and choice, and help him gain confidence and socialization skills. With this attitude, the mother does not bind the child to herself by feeding, but simply provides natural nourishment (both emotional and hormonal). The child himself has the right to choose how long he needs to “feed” in this way.

During the period of involution of the mammary gland, the composition of breast milk changes significantly - it is extremely saturated with biologically active substances: immunoglobulins, antibodies, hormones, neurotransmitters and neurostimulators. In terms of immune properties, milk at the stage of completion of lactation is comparable to colostrum, and this has a deep biological meaning. A weaned baby is deprived of the immune support of the mother, so he must have a margin of resistance to infections that will help him survive. And indeed, babies weaned at the stage of involution of the mammary gland, that is, at 2-3 years old, do not get sick for six months after the completion of breastfeeding. If breastfeeding is not stopped in time, the child may become seriously ill within a month.

If you decide on a long one, it is important to take into account and think over a lot. What does an experienced consultant advise?

The modern breastfeeding woman faces a lot of misinformation about breastfeeding, negative social pressures, and a host of other factors that undermine her decision and desire to breastfeed.

And if the mother still, in spite of everything, continues to feed the child with her milk even after a year, she has to listen to all kinds of “horror stories” about the dangers of breastfeeding “big” children.

This negative attitude is a direct legacy of the 20th century. A hundred years ago, no one was surprised that children receive mother's milk up to 2-3 years. Our great-grandmothers remember that the process of lactation is the best contraceptive (the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for the production of milk, suppresses ovulation). But since the 30-40s of the twentieth century, when the ideal of a woman was not a devoted wife and mother, but a shock worker of the labor front, there were less and less opportunities to feed a baby for a long time.

In the middle of the last century, maternity leave was 1 month. The consequence of the lack of breastfeeding was the deterioration of the health of the younger generation. Health, not only physical, but also psychological: children who did not know their mother's breasts are more prone to depression, behavioral problems in adolescence and difficulties in establishing family life.

That is why the World Health Organization began to pay close attention to breastfeeding. Numerous studies have been carried out on the composition of human milk, materials have been collected on the impact of breastfeeding on the development of a child, manuals for health workers and brochures for mothers have been written.

Together with UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), the “10 Steps for Successful Breastfeeding” were developed and launched, the initiative was born to create favorable conditions for the establishment of the lactation process in maternity hospitals (“Baby-Friendly Hospital”).

Many false theories about breastfeeding have been refuted, the minimum duration of the breastfeeding period in a baby's life has been named: 2 years ... Separately, we note the presence of strong evidence of the benefits of prolonged breastfeeding for mother and baby and the lack of scientific evidence about the dangers of prolonged breastfeeding.

If some experts claim that it is harmful, ask for links to scientific studies. And be sure: no one will give them to you. Medically confirmed data on the negative effects of breastfeeding after a year does not exist!

Breastfeeding after a year

The words that after a year there is nothing useful in women's milk is a myth. Research results suggest just the opposite. The fat content of breast milk after a year of feeding increases by 2-3 times.

The amount of antibodies with the growth of the child is constantly increasing, as is the content of immunoglobulin A.

The level of substances responsible for the maturation of the gastrointestinal tract of the crumbs increases. In the second year of life, 448 ml of breast milk provides energy requirements by 29%, protein by 43%, calcium by 36%, and vitamin A requirements by 75%. Needs for folate (folic acid derivatives) are met by 76%, vitamin B12 by 94%, and vitamin C by 60%.

Other evidence suggests the impact of prolonged breastfeeding on IQ, with the biggest gains being in the children who were breastfed the longest.

A relationship was found between the duration of breastfeeding and successful social adaptation at the age of 6-8 years, when the baby goes to school. Babies older than a year are less likely to suffer from allergic diseases. Their immunity is more stable, and in case of illness, the recovery period is shorter than that of their peers who do not receive mother's milk.

The last change in the composition of milk takes place, its task is to prepare the breast for the termination of feeding (protect against infections, restore the pre-pregnancy form) and prepare the functional systems of the child's body (endocrine, immune, nervous, and others) for parting with mother's milk.

The involution of lactation can occur at the age of the baby from 1.5 to 2.5 years.

What does breastfeeding look like after a year?

People who never breastfeed a child or who did not breastfeed for a short time, usually with the words "breastfeeding" represent it this way: the mother looks at the clock and understands that "it's time." He takes the baby in his arms, settles in a secluded place and gives the breast. Then the mother takes the breasts and goes to express the rest of the milk.

In their imagination, a baby the size of a newborn appears, and not a 2-3-year-old runner who can speak and eat adult food on his own! And the process of feeding itself is presented only as an initiative of the mother in relation to the child (the time has come - they offered the breast).

In reality, the opposite is true. The initiative, as a rule, belongs to the baby. The demand of the child is the basic principle of breastfeeding. The needs that a baby satisfies when suckling at the breast are incredibly diverse!

Breast milk is not only a means to satisfy the feeling of hunger. The composition of milk includes substances that help to ripen all functional systems of the body (for example, substances for the development of the nervous system and brain), anti-stress and analgesic hormones, antibodies that protect against disease, substances that have a morph-like structure and help the baby fall asleep, unique polyunsaturated fatty acids regulating the processes of excitation and inhibition in the central nervous system. And many other irreplaceable elements.

Mom's milk is a miracle of nature, designed to meet all the needs of the growing body. That is why it is so important to give a breast to a request for sucking, and not to “deceive” him with a dummy, as if there is some abstract “sucking reflex” that has no specific application to a specific object intended by nature for sucking, and which can be satisfied by sucking anything …

That is why it is important not to tear the child from the breast before he releases it himself. The exception is when sucking causes nipple pain. This is the first sign of improper attachment of the baby to the breast.

In this case, it is necessary to remove it from the mouth and offer it again, trying to ensure that the areola capture radius is at least 2-3 cm from the base of the nipple.

So, it is important to feed the baby with your milk for as long as it will be necessary for him: a year, two, three ...

Breastfeeding on demand

The baby expresses the request to attach to the chest, depending on age, in different ways.

Newborn turns his head and opens his mouth in search of a nipple. May express desire through restlessness and whimpering or crying. An older child gives already defined signals that are understandable to the mother.

Children after a year need to be taught a "code" word (for example, "yum-yum", "eat"), which the baby will pronounce if he needs mother's milk.

The feeding regimen is primarily associated with the rhythms of sleep in a child. The longest and most complete feedings are when falling asleep and during sleep. Newborns sleep almost around the clock - which means that they will suckle the breast almost constantly.

At 6-9 months the child has 2-3 well-defined daytime sleep. This means that we suckle the breast much less often! After a year, children switch to a one-time daytime sleep. If the mother is nearby, the baby goes to bed with the breast. If mom is not at home, the baby falls asleep perfectly with another person he knows well.

The reasons for breastfeeding, described in paragraphs 4 and 5 (see table), are easily regulated by the mother herself: there are no reasons for discomfort - there is no request for sucking from the baby.

In a child older than one year are saved, as a rule, 8-12 daily attachments to the breast. Awake, the baby sucks for a short time: exactly as much as is needed to overcome the difficulties that have arisen. It could be a few seconds or a few minutes. May show a desire to “wash down” adult food.

The night sucking regimen remains unchanged until the very moment of weaning. Children are especially willing to suck in the morning: it is during this period that the peak of prolactin production takes place. In order for a mother to have a good rest at night, it is important to learn from the very beginning safe positions for lying down feeding - ones that allow her to sleep peacefully while the baby suckles.

The toddler, who is at the stage of weaning, reduced the number of attachments to 1-3 per day. He already knows how to fall asleep without a breast. His main food is the same as mom and dad. To overcome various stresses, the nervous and hormonal systems of the child no longer need the sedative composition of mother's milk.

The brain reaches 80% of the volume of the brain of an adult. The fundamental stage in the formation of the maxillofacial apparatus (occlusion, articulation, diction, external prettiness) has been completed. The gastrointestinal tract can fully function and develop further without the help of breast milk.

Crawled out - thanks to breast sucking quite imperceptibly and painlessly - all milk teeth. The kid speaks about himself in the first person (the appearance of the pronoun “I” in speech), which marks the end of the stage of psychological separation from the mother and the emergence of a new self-consciousness.

Usually, all of the above occurs after the child is 2 years old.

How to respond to "horror stories"?

Very calm. Take a short pause for any critical remark addressed to you about breastfeeding, collect your thoughts and try to respond as kindly as possible with a phrase prepared in advance.

Soothing words for those around you will sound like: “Thank you very much for your concern. I will definitely think about what you said…” Or you can refer to the doctor’s recommendation: “In our situation, the doctor said that this is the only way out…”

At the time of the dispute, most likely, it will not be possible to calmly present the scientific argument about the benefits of breastfeeding after a year. Therefore, it is better to engage in "educational program" of those around you before emotional discussions of your child's behavior arise.

You can generally not succumb to provocations and not enter into discussions, ignoring questions that are unpleasant for you. If you have a good sense of humor, use it to neutralize judgmental remarks: “Oh! I dream of feeding the baby until the very army! I have such beautiful breasts, how can he refuse it? And it happens that it’s better for a nursing mother not to advertise at all that the child continues to receive her milk - many women come to just such a decision.

Psychologists say...

Breastfeeding a baby after a year has an important educational moment. The close emotional connection that occurs during breastfeeding has a positive effect on establishing a trusting relationship with the mother. Therefore, children grow up sensitive, attentive and obedient, and what could be more relevant for raising a mobile and inquisitive runner!

A deep attachment to the mother helps the baby to master exactly her view of life, which will play a positive role in the transitional age.

Social adaptation is much more productive than "non-infant" children. The baby, who has not lost contact with his mother ahead of time, is more open to this world, acts more confidently in it, feeling a strong rear behind him. It is very convenient to travel with such a child: milk is always with you, which means that food and drink are always at the disposal of the child.

There is no need to create special conditions for falling asleep - just attach the crumbs to the chest. At night, the baby sleeps in the same place as the mother, allowing you to save on buying a separate baby bed.

If you are planning to have another child, then by feeding the older one for a long time, you get a chance to insure against jealousy problems between children. After all, the more fully you satisfied the basic needs for love and care for an older child, the less reason he has to be offended by you in the future.

What gives long breastfeeding to a young mother?

Several types of breastfeeding

  • Sucking at the breast on falling asleep. Especially long in the first six months after childbirth. Milk contains elements that help the child fall asleep and develop a healthy attitude towards sleep. These are the most nutritious feedings, since hindmilk, which is more fatty and high-calorie, begins to enter the baby's body 10-20 minutes after the start of sucking, and when falling asleep, the baby releases the breast after an average of 30-40 minutes.
  • Night applications. Necessary for the mother to produce enough milk. Full stimulation of the hormone prolactin to produce the volume of milk needed by the child includes at least 2-3 nightly sucks.
  • Applications upon awakening. After sleep, the baby, as it were, is “born” into this world again. The unique composition of breast milk also helps to safely cross the border between sleep and wakefulness.
  • Breast sucking to eliminate discomfort (pain, fear, disease, unusual taste of "adult" food, fear of the dark, postpartum stress, stress associated with various life situations, etc.).
  • Breast sucking to make up for the lack of bodily-emotional contact with the mother (mother rarely picks up, is away from home for a long time, devotes little time to communicating with the baby).

Pediatricians, WHO experts and breastfeeding consultants recommend breastfeeding until two or three years of age, provided that lactation continues and both mother and baby feel comfortable. Such nutrition performs useful functions, provides vitamins and elements necessary for the full growth and development of the child. Let's take a closer look at whether breast milk is useful after a year. We will learn how to organize breastfeeding a child older than a year.

The composition and properties of breast milk after a year of feeding

After a year, more immunoglobulins appear in the composition of milk, which are aimed at strengthening immunity and protecting the child from various diseases. It has been proven that infants aged 1.5-2.5 years get sick less often than babies who do not receive breast milk. In addition, such children recover faster and tolerate illnesses more easily.

Breast milk is a valuable source of protein and fat, vitamins and minerals. After a year, the child receives up to 500 ml of breast milk per day. This volume covers the following needs of the child after a year:

Breastfeeding is especially important for children with or prone to allergic reactions. Such nutrition alleviates the allergic condition and forms a protective film in the intestines that does not allow allergens into the blood. In addition, prolonged feeding promotes proper bite formation and reduces pain during teething. Thus, we see that the benefits of breast milk after a year remain as invaluable as for children in the first 6-12 months.

The benefits of breastfeeding after a year for a child

  • Supports and enhances immunity, reliably protects against viruses. Infants catch colds less often, tolerate diseases more easily and recover quickly;
  • Improves digestion, improves the absorption and digestion of complementary foods, prevents intestinal colic and indigestion;
  • It has a positive effect on the development of mental abilities. Babies develop faster and adapt more easily in society;
  • Ensures the health of the baby's oral cavity, prevents the formation of malocclusion and reduces the risk of developing caries, relieves pain during teething;
  • Develops the speech apparatus. Infants who receive milk for a long time begin to speak faster and earlier;
  • Creates a comfortable psychological environment. The child grows more calm, psychologically stable and confident. He is not naughty and less prone to stress;
  • Relieves allergic conditions and protects against allergic reactions;

The benefits of breastfeeding after a year for mom

  • Restores the reproductive system after childbirth;
  • Replenishes and accumulates vitamins and useful elements that were lost during pregnancy and childbirth;
  • Reduces weight, since milk production burns a large number of calories;
  • Effective prevention of osteoporosis. It has been proven that the risk of this disease in old age is reduced by 20% with each fed child;
  • Reduces the risk of cancer by 55%, including breast and ovarian cancer;
  • Restores the shape of the breast and prevents sagging. For more information on how to restore breast shape to a nursing mother, read the article “How to restore breasts after feeding”;
  • Provides a close bond between baby and mother.

Disadvantages of breastfeeding after a year

  • Emotional and physical fatigue, moral exhaustion;
  • Lack of time for sleep and rest;
  • It is important to constantly monitor nutrition and adhere to the diet while breastfeeding, give up your favorite foods;
  • The inability to leave the child without a mother for a few days;
  • A woman cannot devote more time to herself and other family members;
  • A nursing mother cannot fully go to work and be away from the baby for a long time;
  • Pain in the mammary glands, the risk of lactostasis and mastitis. It is important to properly care for the breasts and nipples with GV;
  • Painful sensations, cracks and abrasions on the nipples, including if the child bites on the chest.

Myths about long feeding

Many are convinced that after a year, breast milk loses its value and fat content, becomes like water, does not have a beneficial effect, or even harms the baby. However, it is not. The composition of breast milk is constantly changing and adjusts to the age of the crumbs and the requirements of the body in a certain period. And the fat content of breast milk after a year of breastfeeding, on the contrary, increases two to three times. At the same time, it is easily digestible.

Often women with lactation experience severe hair loss, deterioration of teeth and skin. However, such problems are not associated with breastfeeding, but with the restructuring of the body and the restoration of hormonal levels after childbirth. As practice shows, over time, even with prolonged feeding, the health and appearance of a woman are restored and even improved. And what to do if your hair falls out during breastfeeding, read.

Another myth is that long-feeding babies become moody and become strongly attached to their mother. But this is not so either. Breastfeeding establishes a close and trusting bond between mother and baby, the child grows up confident and calm. On the contrary, if a woman does not breastfeed and pay due attention to the baby, the child will grow up nervous and restless, deprived of affection and care, which negatively affects mental and emotional development.

Rules for breastfeeding after a year

  • After a year, the number of feedings is three to four times during the day and once or twice at night;
  • At two or three years, feeding is continued one or two times at night and during the day;
  • The main feedings take place “near sleep”, i.e. before the baby falls asleep and immediately after waking up;
  • Breastfeeding for a child after a year becomes auxiliary, and the main thing is complementary foods and getting adult food;
  • Introduce new foods into complementary foods, cook your favorite dishes for the baby more often;
  • Gradually reduce the duration of applications;
  • Replace unnecessary daily attachments with games and exciting activities, walks, exercises and massages. The child's regimen after a year should become more diverse;
  • First, remove unnecessary and unnecessary breastfeeding during the day. Then remove daytime feedings "near sleep";
  • Lastly, feeds are removed at night, before a night's sleep and upon awakening. As a rule, weaning from night feedings is the most difficult.

When is the best time to stop breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding should be fully present in every child's life until at least six months of age. After six months, the first complementary foods are introduced, so the number and duration of applications are gradually reduced. Some pediatricians are inclined to believe that feeding should be completed after a year. But, as we have already found out, breast milk is very useful for children aged 1-3 years. Therefore, if lactation is still ongoing, and feeding does not cause discomfort to the mother, breastfeeding can be continued for up to three years.

It is undesirable to stop breastfeeding during teething and epidemics of infectious diseases or when the child is ill, because breast milk strengthens the immune system and helps to recover faster. Don't stop breastfeeding when your baby is under stress. This can be observed upon admission to a nursery, prolonged separation from the mother, when moving.

Weaning will only exacerbate stress and worsen the psychological state of the child. It is not recommended to complete feeding in extreme heat, as breast milk satisfies thirst as much as possible and normalizes the water balance in the baby's body.

The magazine "My baby and I" for December published an article about breastfeeding children after one year. The main point is that it is not necessary, harmful, etc. Not that I was imbued and immediately decided wean my 13 month old daughter from the chest. Just thought about this. About statements, unambiguous and not subject to objections. "Feed until involution, which can occur even at 3 years old, otherwise the child will get sick!" " feed after a year harmful, there are many other healthy foods. And mom needs feeding to overcome her complexes! "I wonder if there was any research in this area. I mean, not breastfeeding In general, no one argues that it is useful. I mean feeding after a year. Were large groups of babies suckling their mother and weaned from the breast. Their psychological comfort, independence, ability to make decisions, health, etc. By the way, the doctor in the clinic told me that after a year of breastfeeding children, as a rule, have low hemoglobin.

Answered by Komarovsky E.O.

Most importantly: all the indicators you are interested in, namely "psychological comfort, independence, ability to make decisions, health, etc." cannot be viewed in isolation, only through the prism of the type and duration of feeding. There are a huge number of factors that are no less, and often more significant: lifestyle, hardening, kindergarten attendance, pedagogical activity of relatives, past illnesses, mother's nutrition, timing of introduction and type of complementary foods, and dozens of other parameters. Elementary common sense dictates that any research that unambiguously proves benefit or harm breastfeeding after a year- profanation, because it is almost impossible to take into account all the variety of conditions and influencing factors. At the same time, there are apologists for a long breastfeeding, for which the process feeding a baby as long as possible, i.e. before the very involution you mentioned, it turned into a religion, into a way of life ... When a certain very smart woman can give birth to 6 children and breastfeed all of them for 3 years, seeing this is the meaning of life, then I have no objections. But I am categorically against the fact that the meaning of the existence of a modern woman was reduced solely to breastfeeding. It is even more unacceptable for me when those who do not want or cannot feed for a long time are recorded as stepmothers, threatened with illness, threatened with future troubles, mental retardation and aggressive offspring, etc. I am convinced, and have said it many times, that a woman breastfed for up to a year, fulfills its maternal duty by 100%. To feed or not to feed in the future is a woman's own business, but I am convinced that after a year the type of feeding is no longer a determining factor in physical and mental health. But I am not at all inclined to extremes, at least to say that feed after a year I would not be harmful, to be honest, this never occurred to me. My personal and not small experience does not allow us to conclude that the health of a child older than a year fundamentally depends on the type of feeding. And "psychological comfort, independence, the ability to make decisions" depend not on food, but on the psychological climate in the family, developing games, and the range of communication of the child. I know exactly what a woman has long-term breastfeeding, more often problems arise in the personal sphere, because not everyone is so lucky with their husbands that they (husbands) are ready for years to consider the female breast exclusively as a source of food and sleep together. And about "the doctor at the clinic told me that in children breastfeeding after one year tend to have low hemoglobin" - so I can say the same.

More and more breastfeeding mothers decide to breastfeed their children after a year and almost a kindergarten. And often they hear condemnations and questions addressed to them from acquaintances. Like, after a year it is not useful, the composition of the milk is not the same, it prevents the child from being transferred to the general table, this is pampering, not food.

Involuntarily, women wonder which of these arguments of non-specialists is true and which is not.

To be honest, we, pediatricians, are more worried that this breastfeeding should be in principle in babies. At least for a short period of time. The fact is that, along with fans of natural feeding, there are still mothers who do not want to breastfeed, referring to various "reasons".

Yes, they don't want to. And the “reasons” for which this, in their words, is impossible are far-fetched in 95% of cases. Nature has created equal conditions for all women. In most cases, it was not possible to breastfeed, because the mother tried little: she didn’t draw her breast in time, she was too lazy, felt sorry for herself because of cracked nipples or bites of the child.

So the problem of feeding an already large child is secondary. It does not stand as sharply as the reverse, about the lack of breastfeeding.

Today we will understand what are the benefits of breastfeeding after a year, and why this benefit is exaggerated, what are the optimal terms for breastfeeding offered by the World Health Organization.

What is the benefit of prolonged feeding for a child?

Strengthening immunity

The main benefit of breastfeeding after a year is to maintain the immunity of the child. Breast milk is still rich in immunoglobulins, enzymes that help a baby's immune response to infection.

Although it must be said that the main influence on the laying and formation of the child's immunity is exerted by the health of the future mother at the stage of bearing a child and lactation in the first year of life. And in the period after a year, this type of feeding simply helps the baby not get sick so often or carry an infection in a mild form. And not so often the baby is already applied to the breast, as before.

The fact that the child continues to suck at the breast protects him, first of all, from airborne and intestinal infections. This is due to secretory immunoglobulin A, which protects the mucous membranes from the penetration of the pathogen.

Protection of the oral cavity from caries also indirectly results from the complex support of immunity and a properly formed bite due to physiological sucking (no pacifier and nipple can repeat the shape of a female nipple). This moment is relevant if the baby does not use the pacifier and pacifier.

Prevention of orthodontic and speech therapy disorders

It is believed that scientists have proven a direct relationship between long-term breastfeeding, the formation of a correct bite and age-advancing speech development. Although in my pediatric practice I have met exceptions to this rule, and more than once.

Everything is natural, since various reasons can lead to a violation of the process of speech formation and belated formation of speech. These can be physiological reasons - a short frenulum of the tongue interferes, psychological reasons - fear, and as a result, isolation. Hereditary factors also have not been canceled.

Outstanding intellectual ability

On this point, the opinions of scientists differ, since there is no evidence base. But mothers are pleased to realize and believe that their efforts in breastfeeding can also have a positive effect on the intelligence of the child.

I can say for sure that children who are breastfed in the second year of life are much calmer and easier to endure adaptation to new conditions. In this regard, a calm and balanced child may be better at assimilating information, which leads to an increase in IQ.

Close emotional connection with mother important for the child in the second year of life. Breastfeeding, like nothing else, gives the baby a sense of security and warmth. That is why abrupt weaning due to the fact that the mother is tired, when the child is not prepared in any way, is categorically unacceptable.

Prevention of allergic diseases

I would combine in this paragraph two beneficial effects of prolonged breastfeeding, in which a causal relationship can be traced. Breastfeeding ensures the formation of normal intestinal microflora of the child, which in a certain way participates in the immune response and, thereby, protects the baby's body from the effects of various foreign agents, including allergens.

What is the benefit of long breastfeeding for mom?

There are also benefits for the mother.

Rest of the female reproductive system during breastfeeding. While a woman is breastfeeding, hormonal changes take place in her body that suppress ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary for fertilization). Inhibition of ovulation and the absence of menstruation during breastfeeding is called lactational amenorrhea. Thus, nature takes care of preventing the onset of a new pregnancy.

This is the case with most women. But far from everyone. And if someone intends to use long-term feeding as a means of preventing pregnancy, then be prepared for the fact that "the grandmother said in two - whether it will be, or not."

Only with frequent attachment of the baby to the breast every 3 hours, in the presence of night feedings without long breaks (up to 6 hours), with a duration of the feeding period of at least 7 months, breastfeeding can become a means not of protection, but of reducing the likelihood of pregnancy.

Reducing the risk of cancer

It has been proven that full and long-term breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian, uterine, and breast cancer in women.

About calcium, bones and teeth ...

With milk, a large amount of calcium is excreted from the mother's body. It is logical to assume that with prolonged feeding, the mother's body, in particular, the bone and dental systems, suffer from a lack of calcium. Practice shows that during lactation this is exactly what happens.

But, along with this, studies have been published that have shown a rapid restoration of density and even strengthening of bone tissue in women after breastfeeding. During pregnancy and lactation, conditions are created in the woman's body for maximum absorption of incoming calcium from food and drugs. But at the same time, a woman’s diet should be varied and sufficient in calcium content.

It is important that enough time elapses between pregnancies for which the woman's body could recover. Otherwise, a chronic lack of calcium will lead to irreversible consequences.

Breastfeeding and body weight

You probably noticed among your mothers you know that some of them get better while breastfeeding, and some lose weight. What does it depend on? The answer is simple - from the characteristics of the metabolism in the body of a woman.

With proper metabolism, lactation contributes to mom's weight loss. So, as for the production of milk and the process of feeding, the body spends an additional 400-500 calories.

If mom adheres to the rules of a healthy diet, then she does not have any special problems with weight. If the weight of a nursing woman noticeably increases or decreases, then there can be two reasons: either there are metabolic problems, or the problem lies in the quality and quantity of nutrition.

Let me remind you that the consumption of fatty foods (fatty meats, dairy products with a high percentage of fat content) and easily digestible carbohydrates (sweets, muffins) does not affect the fat content and nutritional value of breast milk. But, nevertheless, the inclusion of these products in the diet can significantly affect the figure of a nursing mother in the most undesirable way.

Natural restoration of the shape of the breast

Natural restoration (involution) of the breast is a gradual replacement of the glandular tissue of the mammary gland again with fatty tissue, as it was before feeding. This usually happens about 2 years after birth. The natural completion of lactation before this period allows you to maintain the shape of the female breast.

The arguments of opponents of breastfeeding after a year: what is the truth and fiction?

Milk after a year is no longer healthy?

Sane people understand that healthy breast milk in one day (immediately after 12 months of feeding) cannot suddenly become unhealthy. The composition of milk undergoes some changes as the needs of the child change with his growth. But these are not such cardinal changes from healthy to useless milk, but only natural changes for the needs of an already grown up person.

After a year of lactation, the fat content of milk, its nutritional value increases. In this regard, the argument that there is no need to expect great benefits and value from one or two feedings per day is also wrong.

After a year, the content of immunoglobulins and an enzyme such as lactoferrin increases in breast milk, which gives the child protection against infections and support for his immunity. Lactoferrin is involved in the metabolism of iron in the body, in particular, improves its absorption and absorption.

Breastfeeding interferes with the introduction of complementary foods

I would say this: “It is not breastfeeding that prevents the introduction of complementary foods, but the mother’s unwillingness to realize and accept that breast milk after a year is just an addition to the main food (complementary foods).”

Yes, by the year the child should eat so that it is possible to do without breastfeeding. What used to be complementary foods is now becoming the main food. If the mother learned this and persistently offered complementary foods on time, then there should be no problems with this. But if the first and only reaction of the mother to the slightest whims is to give breasts, in this case, not only the introduction of complementary foods is in question ...

Parents should understand that an unfamiliar product that differs in taste from mother's milk, which may also need to be chewed, may not be accepted by the child immediately. Think of yourself on vacation in a foreign country with an unusual cuisine, when you don’t really like the new food. Yes, and the stomach is not very happy at first ... You have to accustom it gradually.

So the child must be persistently offered new products. Be prepared for the fact that sometimes you will have to offer a new product 10 times before the child tastes it and becomes willing to eat. Of course, he will demand familiar and such beloved milk. Mom will have to make an effort not to go on about and once again not to give breasts instead of complementary foods.

After a year, it is more difficult to wean a child from the breast.

Here everything is individual. There is no definite dependence on age. Each woman has her own characteristics of the body and her practical experience in this matter.

The lactation capacity of the mammary gland of each woman is individual. And each child has his own need for mother's milk. There are cases that by the age of 11-12 months someone left 1-2 breastfeedings and gradually the child himself refused to breastfeed - naturally and naturally.

There are cases when a child needs to be attached to the breast and is having a hard time limiting the number of feedings. If at the same time the mother likes to feed the child, then, of course, it is worth waiting for the completion of feeding. At the same time, gradually reduce the frequency of breastfeeding to 1-2 feedings per day, as you will still have to complete breastfeeding at some point.

No one has the right to demand from the mother after 12 months to complete feeding the baby in a situation where the baby is still breastfeeding 5-6 times a day, and the mother is pouring milk, because lactation is in full swing. This will only lead to problems in the form of lactostasis in the mother and disturbances in behavior, sleep and digestion in the baby.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends to feed children with breast milk and in the second year of life as a supplement to the main meals in the form of complementary foods. And I always tell my parents about this at the pediatric site with the clarification that this is an addition to the main meals, because the situations reach the point of absurdity.

So, in practice I meet cases when a child at the age of 2.5 years simply does not know how to chew, because the mother is breastfeeding and does not insist on other food. Now I mean a specific case. The mother of the child did not notice the cracks in the corners of the child's mouth, the pale color of the baby's skin. The examination revealed that the child had low hemoglobin (anemia). Ulcers in the corners of the mouth (jamming) indicate insufficient intake of vitamins and microelements into the body with food. I had to take treatment. Mom was sincerely surprised: how can a child miss something, because he is breastfed!

Another problem stemming from the unreasonable approach to breastfeeding: by the age of three, the child will go to kindergarten, where he will be offered a common table, and he is not familiar with this food. In addition, he does not know how to eat with a spoon from a plate and drink from a cup on his own.

The result is logical: a child in kindergarten does not eat, is nervous, endlessly sick. Both the child and the parents suffer. But the mother wanted to benefit the child by prolonged feeding.

There is another aspect of the discussion that I would like to raise here. This aspect is more psychological when the child is allowed to tell the nursing mother where and when he will eat. Public feeding is a separate big topic, but if we make a short conclusion, then there should also be limits set by the mother for what is permitted.

Still, it is not in vain that many argue that feeding after a year is pampering. There is not much nutritional value from such feeding, but how many whims, demands, literally forcibly lifting mother's clothes in public places!

This is already a lack of education, no matter how ridiculous it may sound at first sight in relation to an infant. Yes, the correct organization of breastfeeding is also an integral element of education.

Let me remind you of a famous parable. A mother came to the sage with a one-year-old child to ask at what age she should start raising a child. The sage asked, "How old is your child?" “My son is a year old,” the woman replied. “Woman, you are exactly a year late,” said the sage.

Summary: I call for common sense and informed decisions about the duration of breastfeeding.

To feed or not to feed a child after a year, only you in your cell of society should decide. Perhaps you will find your reasons for and against long feeding, based on your experience, health status, the need to go to work, and so on. Remember that these are your children. You are raising them not for anyone, but for yourself, guided by your vision of how to educate and raise your children.

And if you decide to feed your child for a long time, then try to approach this reasonably and correctly. And to such annoying instructions from experienced acquaintances and unfamiliar non-specialists, one can answer: “In our case, we are guided by the recommendation of a doctor.”

A practicing pediatrician and twice mother Elena Borisova-Tsarenok told you about breastfeeding after a year.