My research, and research by others on non-human primates and non-primate mammals, suggests that nursing large-bodied mammalian offspring for many years, until their first permanent teeth erupt (5.5-6.0 years in humans), is natural for humans in the sense of being what the underlying evolutionary, biological/physiological norm is for us as a species. There is no research to suggest that normal durations of breast-feeding for humans as a species — 2.5 to 7+ years — lead to harmful emotional dependency. There is some evidence that longer-term breast-feeding (along with co-sleeping in childhood) results in children who are more independent and score higher on measures of social competence. I would say that the benefits of long-term breast-feeding — as long as both mother and child want — are enormous. Long-term breast-feeding allows for normal development of the childs brain, facial structure, immune system, and emotional resilience to lifes slings and arrows. As far as I know, there are no costs to the child. If the mother doesnt want to continue breast-feeding, then of course, she shouldnt feel obliged to — regardless of the age of the child. But people should be informed that nursing a 6-7+year-old is a perfectly normal and natural and healthy thing to be doing for the child, and that their fears of emotional harm are baseless.
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 03:36:00 +0000
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