Parents frequently ask me if there are any benefits to breastfeeding beyond 6 months. All of the major health societies recommend exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months of your baby’s life. The guidelines continue on to state that you should keep breastfeeding while adding in complimentary foods for the next 6 months and beyond. If you are reading this article, likely you know the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby.
But, do you know that the longer you breastfeed, the better your health benefits are as well? Mothers who breastfeed experience less postpartum complications initially. Beyond that, they experience less likelihood of certain kinds of cancers and metabolic illnesses.
In this article, we will focus on the benefits of breastfeeding beyond 6 months for both babies and mothers. Not only are their health benefits of breastfeeding, but there are social and emotional benefits of breastfeeding beyond 6 months as well.
Benefits of breastfeeding after the age of 6 months.
Once your baby turns 6 months old, breast milk does not magically become less nutritious. In addition, babies also continue to experience immune benefits from milk at this age. Their cognition and emotional development also benefit from breast milk feedings. Additionally, mothers benefit from the health effects of extended breastfeeding.
Immune Benefits
First of all, breast milk continues to supply your baby with not only necessary nutrients, but immune system support as well. Beyond 6 months, babies are often exposed to more germs as they are moving about and putting things in their mouth more readily. When mothers nurse their babies at the breast, there is a feedback loop that tells the mother’s body what antibodies to make against the germs that are present in the baby’s saliva. This is one of the main reasons that breastfeeding babies experience fewer ear infections, diarrhea illnesses and pneumonia early in life.
Nutrition
Breast milk is the best nutrition for infants. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antibodies for a baby’s health and development. It contains high levels of vitamin A for vision and immune function, vitamin E for cell protection, and vitamin C for a strong immune system. Breast milk also has important minerals like calcium for bone development and zinc for immune system and growth support.
In addition, breast milk supports healthy weight gain in babies and adjusts its composition to meet their nutritional needs as they grow. It contains carbohydrates for energy, fats for brain development, proteins for muscle growth, and various vitamins for overall health.
Cognitive Development in Older Babies
Not only does breast milk support immune and nutrition function, but it also supports ongoing brain development in babies. Breast milk provides essential fatty acids that are required for cognition and brain growth. Several observational studies have noted that extended breastfeeding leads to higher IQ scores and verbal reasoning in children. Some studies have even shown that babies who breastfeed for longer duration have stronger connections in the language center of their brain.
Additionally, breastfeeding supports healthy brain development by requiring frequent and close interaction between a mother and her baby. This strong emotional and social bond improves a baby’s cognitive development. It also sets a child up to continue these nurturing behaviors with their own children some day. This contributes to healthier families and societies.
Decreased Risk of Cancers for Mothers
In addition to the many benefits for babies, extended breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancers for mothers. Breastfeeding causes ovulation to cease for a certain period of time which reduces the odds that the ovaries will grow cancerous cells. Often, mothers who exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months won’t experience ovulation or the return of her menstrual period.
Moreover, breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer. This is due to the fact that breastfeeding mothers shed breast cells more frequently. This frequent shedding rids the body of cells that may contain DNA damage. Abnormal cells with DNA damage are more likely to transform into cancerous cells.
Importantly, research supports these benefits. For example, a cohort study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that breastfeeding for a duration of 13 to 24 months was associated with a 32% lower risk of ovarian cancer compared to breastfeeding for less than 7 months. In addition, another study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported that women who breastfed for a total of 18 months or more had a 34% lower risk of ovarian cancer.
Source of Comfort
Extended breastfeeding can feel challenging at times, but nothing comforts an overly stimulated and raging toddler faster than offering to nurse them. In my own experience as a breastfeeding mother, I choose extended breastfeeding for this reason. Nothing ended my toddler’s meltdowns faster than offering a nursing session.
Introducing solids to breastfeeding babies
4-6 month old babies have additional nutritional requirements that can be supplied by complimentary foods.
Before introducing solid foods to your baby, it is important to ensure that they are developmentally ready for this milestone. There are a number of signs that indicate readiness, which include:
- Baby is 6 months old
- Infant can sit unsupported or minimally supported
- Little one has good neck control
- Loss of “tongue extrusion” reflex (push food out with tongue)
A baby’s iron stores start to decline between 4-6 months old. This is one of the main reasons why introducing iron rich foods should be the first step in starting complimentary foods for babies. Shredded/ground/pureed meat, pureed green vegetables and iron-fortified baby cereals are all great first foods for babies.
Tips for starting table foods
Once your baby reaches 6 months old, it is time to introduce solid foods while you continue to breastfeed (or give formula). Introducing solids to breastfeeding babies may seem stressful, but really it doesn’t need to be. There is no exact right way to accomplish this milestone. In my pediatric practice, I give parents several pointers to keep in mind.
- Begin with Iron-Packed Foods: Initiate your baby’s food journey with iron-rich options as discussed above.
- Prioritize Healthy Fats: Fat is important in your baby’s diet. Good sources include whole milk yogurt, cheese, and avocado.
- Introduce Allergenic Foods Early: Be proactive about preventing food allergies by introducing these foods early. Start with the foods that cause the most allergies: fish, eggs and peanut protein.
- Watch Out for Choking Hazards: Be cautious of foods that can pose a choking risk, such as whole grapes, whole hot dogs, nuts, and popcorn. Cut up grapes and hot dogs. Wait on nuts and popcorn until later in childhood.
- Hold Off on Honey: Refrain from giving honey to babies under the age of 12 months to avoid the risk of infantile botulism.
- Prepare for Poop Changes: Anticipate alterations in your baby’s bowel movements. Be prepared for variations like more pungent odor, green poop, and occasional constipation as they adapt to solid foods.
- Baby-Led Weaning vs. Purees: Relax and don’t stress about the choice between baby-led weaning and purees. There’s no conclusive evidence proving one method to be superior over the other.
- Teeth Not Required: Contrary to popular belief, babies don’t need teeth to begin their solid food journey. Focus on texture and age-appropriate options for a seamless transition.
At first, breast milk is more important than food and gradually that balance shifts as your baby reaches 9 months and older. The ultimate goal is that your baby receives the majority of their calories from solid foods at 12 months and beyond.
Breast Milk Supply
Expect changes in your milk supply as your baby starts eating complementary foods. At first, you won’t notice much difference as your baby still needs 24-30 ounces of breast milk per 24 hours through 6 months of life. Gradually, as they eat more food, their need for breast milk decreases. As this happens, your milk supply should also decrease.
How Can 127 Pediatrics Help You?
At 127 Pediatrics, we offer concierge level pediatric and breastfeeding care. If you are near Colleyville, Texas and would like to know more about our in person services, fill out a contact form on our website for a free meet and greet. If you are not close to our practice, but would like breastfeeding support, we offer an array of services. From free resources like this blog or our YouTube channel all the way up to paid resources such as our online breastfeeding overview course. We would be honored to be part of your breastfeeding journey.
© 127 Pediatrics, January 2024
Please note that this article is purely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
Dr. Andrea Wadley owns and operates 127 Pediatrics, a pediatric and lactation practice in Colleyville, TX. She specializes in pediatrics, breastfeeding medicine and offers house calls only. Additionally, Dr. Wadley is the owner of the 127 Pediatrics Online Breastfeeding Medicine and Education Center. We have many free resources for breastfeeding mothers. Subscribe to our YouTube channel or download a free breastfeeding checklist.
