When I had my son (2001), La Leche League had the talking point that breast feeding was recommended by the American Pediatric society (or whatever the correct name is), for at least one year. The World Health Organization recommended at least two full years.
The nerve cells need a lining of fat which continues to develop up to age five, I was told. This comes from the breast milk. If you are not breastfeeding up to that age (and who is?), you provide dairy fat from cow’s milk, and do not serve the baby non-fat.
Breastfed babies average 8 IQ points higher than formula-fed.
Our two kids are smart cookies, but the one who was still getting some feedings up to age 2 1/2 is not only very smart, but is also the most emotionally balanced and well-rounded person in our household. I think it is in part because his needs were fully met, early on.
It’s puzzling to me why men seem to get so upset about breastfeeding. It’s how babies eat.
These very same can men pass wind, scratch themselves and burp in public and think it’s okay. But a baby eating with none of the breast even showing they find gross. Strange.
My son is now 50 yrs. old. Back when he was born, bottle
feeding was about all that was considered. I tried
breastfeeding; but was still a teenager myself and it
HURT, so I didn’t last long. - If I had it to do over, I
would have done a lot of things different, like toughing
out the initial pain.