Baby Feeding Nursing - Pros and Cons of Long-term Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is still popular. More than 90 percent of all infants are breastfed by their mothers. But babies being fed on breast milk harvesting after the first year of life often looks strange. Long-term breastfeeding is a taboo topic in our society.

Nursing mothers

Long-term breastfeeding - what does that mean? There is no agreed definition for it. But it is widely believed that one speaks of long-term breastfeeding when there are more than twelve months of breastfeeding. A mother provides extra nutrition with breast milk even if next generation foods have already been introduced.

Opinions on this topic vary widely. While some believe it is unnatural to keep supplying their child with breast milk past the first months of life and after using a baby bouncer, others see it as the most natural thing in the world. Last but not least, the child often decides on when they want to be weaned. Some children refuse the breast after a few months, while others cannot get enough of it. 

Long-term benefits of breastfeeding



Mothers regard long-term breastfeeding as not only the healthy and natural way of feeding their offspring, but also appreciate it for the closeness that appears with it. Breastfeeding is more than just food. It soothes, comforts, relaxes the child and parent alike. Children often fall asleep easier due to breastfeeding. In the end, where can they sleep better than at Mama's warm, soft breast? 

In addition to this, children receive the important elements they need from breast milk: high-quality protein, as well as several vitamins and trace elements that influence the development of the baby positively. Also, antibodies and immune cells are passed on through breastfeeding and even the weak immune system is strengthened. According to the results of several studies, breastfed children are less likely to suffer from obesity or allergies in the long term and even the risk of subsequent bowel disease is expected to be lower. 

Breast milk is healthy and pleasant for the baby, so this is not a problem. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of long-term breastfeeding? 

Disadvantages of long-term breastfeeding - rumors or truth



There is a persistent rumor that breast milk may contain harmful substances, which are passed on from generation to generation through long-term breastfeeding. This theory is infirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO): There is as yet no scientific evidence that human milk has components which cause adverse effects in children. 

However, there are somewhat contradictory statements on the dental health. Some dental specialists and pediatricians warn that prolonged breastfeeding-especially at bedtime - could lead to tooth decay. An adequate dental hygiene is crucial for healthy teeth and breastfeeding should not be used as a dummy. In fact, lactose actually affects the dental health in this case. 

Mothers provide limited service


There have been no medical objections to long-term breastfeeding so far. Mothers can keep their babies quiet for a long time even after their babies use a Fisher Price rocker, but their independence is more limited than that of their non-nursing colleagues. A mom is less easily replaceable and not only when going out with friends in the evening, but also when they want to get employed after giving birth to a child. While the legislature recognizes breastfeeding breaks at work, few mothers use them in the current labor market for fear of losing their job. There are also prejudices and discussions related to longer breastfeeding mothers having to struggle again and again. 


Breastfeeding should be carried on with as long as both the parent and child want it to continue. Children may ask their mothers to stop the breastfeeding at some point. The rule of thumb says that the breastfeeding should be interrupted when the parent and child ask for it, even if the family and friends may disagree.