Can Comfort Breastfeeding Be Bad for Toddlers?

Moms who breastfeed their children past age one often keep it a secret from anyone outside the family because the practice is perceived as unusual or even taboo. However, the objections to late breastfeeding may have more to do with cultural attitudes than scientific fact.

Stigma

Mothers who breastfeed in public often face hostility or criticism from disapproving strangers, especially when the child is older than the age of one. Many moms even ask their toddler to use a special word such as "num nums" so other people don't realize he's asking to nurse. The stigma against nursing toddlers usually takes two forms. Some people see it as potentially harmful to the child's development and independence while others see it as somehow indecent.

Objections

In an article on the ABC News website, moms who continued to nurse their toddlers or preschoolers argued that the biological purpose of breasts is for nursing children, and there is nothing indecent about that. According to ABC, moms around the world nurse for four years on average, so American mothers who stop nursing at age one or earlier are the exception rather than the rule. Toddlers usually get most of their nutrition from solid food or bottled milk, so they often nurse more for emotional comfort than nutrition.

Comfort Nursing

Child psychologist Will Braun, in an interview with ABC News, expressed concern that breastfeeding toddlers for emotional comfort could delay their ability to develop independence and emotional self-sufficiency. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that toddlers need to be comforted several times every day and that there is little difference between comforting a toddler with breast milk and comforting her with a pacifier or a security blanket. The AAP advises mothers to breastfeed for a long as they like or until their child is ready to stop, whichever comes first.

Weaning

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that there is no scientific evidence that late breastfeeding can delay a child's emotional development. However, one reason to consider weaning your child earlier is that children tend to resist weaning more the older they are. Many children decide to wean themselves as they get used to solid food, but some do not. A toddler or preschooler can feel rejected by your attempts to wean her and may put up a determined fight against it.