In fact, there is little breastfeeding support for U.S. moms after they leave the hospital, unless they seek it out. Even then, lactation consultants are expensive and not typically covered by insurance. Furthermore, in America, maternity leave is notoriously shorter than most other developed countries in the world. And as board certified lactation consultant Laura Marie Gruber told USA Today, “Moms go back to work six to 12 weeks out of the hospital. Those are two critical times. At six weeks, moms establish their supply.”
On the other side of the equation, since so many mothers stop at or before the six-month mark, those who don’t are often criticized or judged by society. While research shows that children who breastfeed past two have fewer illnesses, extended breastfeeding is often stigmatized or considered “weird.”
But Joan Meek, MD, who is the AAP’s breastfeeding chair, says that despite the belief that extended nursers are overindulged or reliant on their parents, “Studies actually show that breast-feeding in general is associated with greater independence and psychological adjustment in children,” according to TODAY.
How long to breastfeed is a matter of personal preference. Only mother and child can determine how long to continue, but whatever you choose, try not to let others sway you from what feels right for your unique breastfeeding experience.
