Extended breastfeeding

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In Western countries extended breastfeeding usually means breastfeeding after the age of 12 to 24 months, depending on the culture.

Breast milk is known to contain lactoferrin, which protects the infant from infection caused by a wide range of pathogens. The amount of lactoferrin in breast milk increases significantly during the months of 12 through 24 and remains elevated for as long as the infant continues to nurse. Research shows breastfed toddlers aged over 12 months have fewer and lower mortality rates. La Leche League writes that extended nursing provides comfort, security, and a way to calm down for the toddler, while the mother enjoys a feeling of closeness with her child.^[1]

In most Western countries, extended breastfeeding is not a cultural norm and a person may face judgement with some critics saying that extended nursing is harmful. However, the American Academy of Family Physicians states there is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful to the parent or child. The Academy of American Pediatrics makes a similar claim saying they find "no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer."