Extended Breastfeeding

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How many hear breastfeed beyond the age of one? I used to think it was gross to nurse beyond the age of one and then I had children and began to research. I have researched breastfeeding extensively and it is clear that nursing beyond the age of one has overwhelming benefits without any negative effects. Did you know that your breastmilk actually has MORE immunilogical factors in it during the second year of your child's life? I did not want to deny that illness protection from my son. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, children weaned before age 2 are at increased risk for illness: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/policy/policies/b/breastfeedingpositionpaper.html At one point in time, women were incorrectly advised that breastmilk was not satisfactory and thuse began a downward spiral of social conditioning. Even though it is clear that humans were meant to breastfeed for years, social pressures make us feel like we should stop breastfeeding in very early infancy. Because of this so many babies are missing out on an enormous benefit to their health (and the mothers are too). Here is a great article on the natural age of weaning written by Katherine Dettwyler, PhD: http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html Researchers have found that if women in developed countries breastfed their children for just six months longer than they do now, 25,000 breast cancers world wide could be prevented each year. That is HUGE! If women breastfed a year longer or more the difference would be astronomical! Another great site for inormaiotn about extended nursing is kellymom. She has sources sited for tons of evidence based information: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html If you are, have, or will in the future breastfeed beyond the age of one, I'd love to hear from you. I'd love to hear any information you have on the topic or anything you'd like to share. Thanks!