Yes, you can give breast milk to your 7-year-old, and it is considered a normal and healthy practice.
Understanding Extended Breastfeeding
Extended breastfeeding, which includes nursing children beyond infancy, is not uncommon in various cultures worldwide. While societal norms in some regions may view it differently, it's essential to consider the health and developmental aspects based on available information.
Is it Normal?
- Yes. According to the provided reference, "nursing a 6-7+year-old is a perfectly normal and natural and healthy thing to be doing for the child."
- This perspective suggests that breastfeeding isn't limited to infancy and can continue as long as it benefits both mother and child.
Addressing Concerns
Some common concerns regarding breastfeeding older children include:
- Nutritional Value: Breast milk continues to provide nutritional benefits beyond infancy. While a 7-year-old's primary nutrition will come from solid foods, breast milk offers immune-boosting properties and other nutrients.
- Emotional Harm: The provided reference also addresses the fear of emotional harm as "baseless", indicating that there is no evidence to support that nursing older children leads to emotional issues.
- Societal Norms: It's crucial to understand that cultural and social norms about breastfeeding vary, and what may be considered unusual in one place may be widely accepted elsewhere.
Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding
While each family's journey with breastfeeding is unique, here's a brief list of possible benefits, based on general understanding of nursing:
- Immune Support: Breastmilk continues to provide antibodies which can be beneficial, even in older children.
- Comfort and Security: Nursing can provide a source of comfort and security for the child, especially during stressful or transitional times.
- Bonding: Breastfeeding promotes a unique bond between mother and child.
| Aspect | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Nutritional | While not the primary source, breast milk provides supplemental nutrition and immune factors. |
| Emotional | Extended breastfeeding can be emotionally beneficial and is considered normal. |
| Social | Societal views may vary, but it is not inherently harmful. |
| Health | Nursing a 6-7+ year old is a healthy thing to do. |
| Individual | The benefits of extended breastfeeding are unique to the specific dynamic between mother and child. |
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding a 7-year-old is considered normal, natural, and healthy, according to the information available. The key is to approach breastfeeding with awareness of both the child’s and mother's needs and to remain informed and confident.
