Nursing isn’t just healthy during the here and now. Extended breastfeeding offers both the parent and baby long-term health benefits.
Babies
The American Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP) explains that for children who have a family history of allergies, breastfeeding for at least 4 months can protect them from developing allergies later in life.
Breastfeeding for more than 6 months can protect children from developing leukemia and lymphoma, according to the AAP. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of developing type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Breastfeeding parent
According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), a longer duration of breastfeeding is associated with maternal disease reduction and protection. It reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart attack, says the ABM.
Source: Healthline
Link: https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/extended-breastfeeding#benefits
