Long-term breastfeeding: nourishment or nurturance?

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Human Nutrition
• Child Development

Background:

• Extended breastfeeding, beyond one year, is common, with mothers citing comfort as a primary benefit.
• Limited data exists on the impact of prolonged breastfeeding on child growth and nutritional status in the U.S.
• Understanding the role of extended breastfeeding is crucial for public health recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of extended breastfeeding on the growth and nutritional status of young children in the United States.
• To analyze breastfeeding patterns and dietary intake in children aged 12 to 43 months.
• To determine the contribution of breast milk to nutrient intake in toddlers.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 38 children aged 12 to 43 months who were breastfed long-term.
• Collection of data on growth measurements, breastfeeding frequency and duration, and dietary intake via diaries and recalls.
• Analysis of weight-for-age, length/height-for-age, and weight-for-length/height Z-scores.
• Assessment of daily breast milk intake required to meet Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs).

Main Results:

• Children exhibited normal growth patterns, with Z-scores within two standard deviations of the median.
• Breastfeeding time and frequency decreased significantly in the 3-year-old age group compared to younger groups.
• An average intake of 100 to 460 mL of breast milk daily was estimated to be necessary to meet RDAs for certain nutrients.

Conclusions:

• Extended breastfeeding in the U.S. is associated with normal growth and development in children.
• Breast milk continues to contribute to nutrient intake for toddlers, particularly for energy and specific micronutrients.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the nutritional contributions of extended breastfeeding.