General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: What do you think of the cover of next issue of Time? **Image may offend** [View all]laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child
Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother
There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer. (AAP 2005)
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that breastfeeding continue throughout the first year of life and that As recommended by the WHO, breastfeeding should ideally continue beyond infancy, but this is not the cultural norm in the United States and requires ongoing support and encouragement. It has been estimated that a natural weaning age for humans is between two and seven years. Family physicians should be knowledgeable regarding the ongoing benefits to the child of extended breastfeeding, including continued immune protection, better social adjustment, and having a sustainable food source in times of emergency. The longer women breastfeed, the greater the decrease in their risk of breast cancer. They also note that If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned. (AAFP 2008)
I suppose the AAFP is laughable as well.