According to this article I read, the natural age of weaning is to be between two-and-a-half and seven years.
Yeap! You read that right!
Between two-and-a-half and seven years!
My record as of today, is 17 months and 3 weeks+.
Read the excerpts below which I took from the same article:
Anthropologists estimate the natural age of weaning to be between two-and-a-half and seven years, based on developmental factors and with comparisons with other mammals. According to the World Health Organisation, the worldwide average for weaning is four-and-a-half years.
Many mums are told their milk doesn't have any goodness once their baby is older. In reality, it's not possible for the nutrients in breastmilk to "switch off" once infants reach a certain age.
Breastfeeding a toddler can provide 31% of his daily energy needs, 38% of protein, 45% of vitamin A and 95% of vitamin C. Breastmilk is packed with unique antibodies for immune system development and there are many studies showing toddlers who are breastfed get sick far less often.
Many people feel that breastfeeding past a certain age will make kids overly dependent or clingy, but research has shown the opposite to be true. Children who form a secure attachment with their mother become more independent and can more easily form attachments with others.
Breastfeeding a toddler can make it easier for mums too. With a quick feed you can soothe a sore knee or a tantrum, or get a child off to sleep! Plus you'll reduce your risk of anaemia, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, breast and ovarian cancers.
It can sometimes be hard to imagine how you can breastfeed away from home with a toddler. But in reality it can be easier than feeding a small baby. Toddlers can go a lot longer between feeds. Even if you are out for a few hours you may not need to feed and, if you do, it can be very quick.
I just love the part "Breastfeeding a toddler can provide 31% of his daily energy needs, 38% of protein, 45% of vitamin A and 95% of vitamin C." That just makes me feel awfully good! Of course, I don't have a clue how much percentage is the nutrients in my breastmilk before I came across this article but it feels good knowing I'm still giving Ben all these wonderful and awesome goodies through my breastmilk!
And I definitely agree with "Breastmilk is packed with unique antibodies for immune system development and there are many studies showing toddlers who are breastfed get sick far less often." cos I can see how rare Ben gets sick (touch wood!) and even when he did fall sick, he recovers so quickly and there are times we didn't even notice what's wrong until he's almost on the way to recover fully.... this is generally because he is active all the time and doesn't show much signs of being sick at all.
I thank God for the ability to still produce breastmilk for Ben and that we are all healthy and happy!
Ben, mummy promise you,
I will breastfeed as long as you still wants it!
Oh, btw if you are free (if not, please spare a couple of minutes),
do read up on this really truly inspiring article on the power of breastmilk!
Happy weekend to all of you!
