Perhaps there is no more controversial and saturated with myths and stereotypes in the care of a child than breastfeeding. Particularly controversial and sometimes even conflicts, the question of its duration, namely, relevance after a year and even two. This phenomenon is gaining momentum in recent years, when young mothers have unrestricted access to information and have the opportunity to seek the help and support of specially trained counselors. But it seems that the opponents of prolonged feeding are no less than supporters, although their arguments are mostly unsubstantiated and shrouded in numerous myths.
There is no single and objective point of view on this issue, but in this article we will tell about the main advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding up to 3 years, which basically consist of misconceptions. However, they should be taken into account in order to form their opinion and build an optimal line of conduct.
Breastfeeding up to 3 years
- at the end of the first year of the child's life, milk becomes "useless", which means that the process of feeding loses its necessity and becomes "pampering." However, the usefulness of breast milk after 12 months of feeding has not been studied sufficiently, therefore no doctor can convincingly confirm or disprove this opinion;
- prolonged breastfeeding negatively affects the bite - is also not proven. Moreover, the pacifier-dummy, which so often becomes a necessity for a baby who was early weaned, affects the bite significantly more;
- the child will lag behind in mental and mental development - a common misconception, obviously related to the fact that breastfeeding is a prerogative of an exclusively infant age, so all babies who eat breasts "have not gone far" from this condition;
- the child will develop an incorrect sexual orientation - especially for boys. This theory of pseudo-psychologists who make blasphemous conclusions, hiding behind the stereotyped phrase "all problems from childhood," does not stand up to any criticism;
- The child thus learns to manipulate his mother and becomes uncontrollable. The nature and behavioral habits of a child are more dependent on education, and breastfeeding is just one form of emotional intimacy. Fear of "too much" to bring your child closer to you, perhaps, has its roots from Soviet reality, when the mothers did not have the opportunity to stay in the decree for a long time and there was a need to enter the service as soon as possible. The era has sunk into oblivion, and the stereotypes of the upbringing of children are still alive;
- "Exhaustion" of the mother's body is perhaps the only reason given for prolonged breastfeeding. Milk production does require considerable effort and stress of all resources, therefore, with insufficient nutrition, general health and even appearance may suffer - lack of vitamins will negatively affect the condition of the skin, hair , etc..
Pros of breastfeeding up to 3 years
- breast milk contains many useful substances, as well as immunoglobulins of the mother's body, which positively affects the health of children. This is especially important for children with congenital diseases and a tendency to allergic reactions;
- satisfaction of the sucking reflex, which is active in children about 4 years. Thus, it is possible to exclude sucking of fingers, pacifiers and other inappropriate "substitutes";
- prolonged breastfeeding contributes to strengthening bonding - the emotional connection between mother and child and a kind of manifestation of love;
- convenience - after a year milk no longer has its own nutritional value, in the sense that it no longer replaces the child's intake of food, however, this is a great way to "drink" the main food. In addition, the breast is a universal "soothing" remedy - the baby at the chest easily stops crying, and also falls asleep;
- prolonged breastfeeding is a good prevention of "female" diseases, in particular - breast cancer.