By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

BOTH BABY AND MOTHER BENEFIT FROM TWO YEARS OF BREASTFEEDING

Question: My daughter and son-in-law have a baby boy, our first grandchild, who is doing very well. However, the baby is now about seven months old and is continuing to breastfeed. I thought that women should stop breastfeeding when the child was old enough for solid food. My daughter’s talking about breastfeeding for up to two years. Is this really a good idea?

Answer: Since the first week in August is celebrated in more than 100 countries around the globe as World Breastfeeding Week, this is a timely question. In fact, this year’s theme --“Exclusive Breastfeeding: the Gold Standard -- Safe, Sound, Sustainable” -- goes to the heart of your question.

The period of exclusive breastfeeding that’s being referred to in this slogan is, indeed, for six months. During this time the infant should receive only breast milk -- from his or her mother, or a wet nurse, or expressed breast milk. The baby should receive no other foods or drinks unless your doctor indicates otherwise.

So, you are right that at six months a baby is usually ready for some solid food. However, your daughter is correct that breastfeeding should continue beyond this point. According to many experts, it’s a good idea to breastfeed for two years or more, with complementary foods. The child should still not receive any formula -- just breast milk and some solid foods that are appropriate given local culture and custom.

The benefits of continued breastfeeding are supported by a great deal of solid research. For instance, babies breastfed for more than six months are three times less likely to develop childhood leukemia than those who were breastfed for a shorter period of time. Also, a Danish study found that babies who were breastfed for at least nine months had higher IQ test scores in their late teens and twenties.

Other benefits of breastfeeding include a lower incidence of high blood pressure, respiratory infections, ear infections, diarrhea, juvenile diabetes, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract infection, multiple sclerosis, and tooth decay. There is also substantial evidence that the risk of a baby dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is lower among breastfed infants.

And, the benefits are not just for the baby. Women who breastfeed their babies for more than two years have about half the risk of breast cancer compared to women who breastfeed for less than six months. Breastfeeding beyond six months also decreases the risk of osteoporosis for the mother.

Human milk cannot be duplicated. It’s the very best food for infants, and it’s free. For anyone expecting, or the mother of a newborn, I’d encourage you to breastfeed for a minimum of six months, and up to two years whenever possible.

Finally, let me say that as a female physician, I heartily endorse the work of the United Nations and other organizations affiliated with World Breastfeeding Week to promote worldwide educational programs on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. The idea is to encourage citizens of various nations to think of ways to enable more mothers to breastfeed in their respective countries.  

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.