World Breastfeeding Week 2022: Celeb Moms Who Are Normalising Extended Breastfeeding; Know The Benefits

Celeb Moms Who Are Normalising Extended Breastfeeding

1. Ashley Graham

Ashley Graham is a superhero mum, American model, and television presenter. She recently uploaded a photo of herself tandem feeding her twins, Malachi and Roman.

2. Lara Datta

As a mom to 3-year-old Saira, the former Miss Universe supports breastfeeding and has encouraged young mothers to do so. She believes that breastfeeding has helped tone up her body following pregnancy.

3. Sonali Bendre

"While baby books usually prescribe a regimented chart to wean babies off breast milk, that approach didn't work for me. Every child is different for everything new moms learn, and sometimes you need to try different things."

4. Mayim Bialik

The actress and author have two boys. She nursed her younger son, Fred, for four years and three months. She said, "I loved nursing Fred." He loved and needed it. Bialik was also honest about nursing challenges, saying it "was never easy, and I dealt with thrush numerous times."

5. Nikki Reed

A girl was born to the actress and her husband, Ian Somerhalder, in 2017. She wrote in her breastfeeding post when her baby was 20 months old, "I have no idea how long we'll be on this journey together." But, she added, "I follow her lead, and she tells me exactly what she needs."

6. Selma Blair

At 40, the actress gave birth to a son and was photographed nursing him at 2. Blair also advocated public breastfeeding and noted, "I don't care who I offend - my baby wants to eat. So be it if I can't get a cover over me quick enough."

7. Miranda Kerr

For a year and a half, Miranda Kerr breastfed her son Flynn. She says nursing is "the most natural thing in the world," and she loves bonding time with her babies.

8. Alyssa Milano

It hasn't been hard for Alyssa Milano to talk about her breastfeeding journey because she's always been supportive of mothers. When her daughter was 16 months old, she was still breastfeeding her and said it was "one of the greatest joys" of her life.

What Are The Benefits Of Extended Breastfeeding?

In India, 44 per cent of children are exclusively breastfed. However, according to numerous reports, India is not a 'breastfeeding nation.' Between unsupportive health workers and an unethical baby food industry, new mothers are discouraged from breastfeeding [2][3].

Any legal statute does not govern breastfeeding in India. Social acceptance and prevalence vary from region to region. In rural India, this practice is completely acceptable. Despite its popularity among lower socioeconomic groups, breastfeeding in public is not a norm in higher socioeconomic groups.

In spite of the fact that some may raise an eyebrow if they witness you breastfeeding your toddler, there is a significant amount of official support available for extended breastfeeding (defined as breastfeeding a child after age one.

According to the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), breastfeeding can be beneficial for mom and child for as long as they wish. Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that babies are breastfed for two years or more, provided that all of their nutritional requirements are met [4][5].

Benefits of extended breastfeeding:

1. Good source of nutrition

Extended nursing can give a toddler, especially a picky one, a nutritional boost. According to experts, breast milk changes in composition to meet the nutritional requirements of toddlers. Therefore, it is possible to compensate for any deficiencies your child's pickiness creates even if he eats like a little bird through nursing [6].

2. Prevents infections and illnesses

Your toddler's immune system will be enhanced by your milk so that they will be less likely to suffer from colds, ear infections, allergies, and other common diseases. Nursing will also provide comfort to your child if they become ill. For example, when they have an upset stomach, breast milk may be the only thing they can keep down [7].

3. Enhances brain development

Some studies have found that the longer and more frequently a toddler breastfeeds, the smarter he or she is likely to be due to the omega-3 fatty acids found in breast milk [8].

4. Quiet self-time

There's a lot to learn about the world when you're a toddler: exploring, building new skills, and discovering stuff. But, sometimes, they need a break. Moms can certainly relate to the need to have a respite during a hectic day when breastfeeding a toddler. A pacifier or a blanky can also calm an upset toddler or make a boo-boo feel better, just as a pacifier or a blanky would.

5. Future health benefits for the baby

Breastfed babies and toddlers enjoy several health benefits as they grow up, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Additionally, they are less likely to be overweight or obese and to develop type-2 diabetes [9].

6. Health benefits for mothers

Breastfeeding a toddler has benefits for you as well. For example, it has been shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer (such as breast and ovarian cancer) as well as help you maintain a healthy weight, as breastfeeding toddlers burn a significant amount of energy (and calories) [10].

On A Final Note…

There have been several criticisms regarding extended breastfeeding, with some experts suggesting that it can adversely affect a child's emotional growth and development and make them more needy and clingy. However, there is absolutely no proof to support these claims.

Extended breastfeeding was taboo for many years, but there seem to be some shifts now. Several celebrities, including Mayim Bialik, Salma Hayek, Alanis Morissette, and Alyssa Milano, have shared their experiences breastfeeding to 12 months and beyond to normalise the practice.

Remember, nursing long-term is a decision you should feel empowered to make on your terms and in whatever way makes sense for you and your child.