And another word:

 

When we speak of breastfeeding a child over a year old, we frequently say extended breastfeeding. I'm wondering whether this is the best choice of word. My dictionary defines to extend as to 'stretch to fullest length' and extended as 'drawn out in length of time.' Doesn't this suggest something beyond the normal range? Since normal weaning occurs somewhere between 2.5 and 7, extended breastfeeding would be nursing past age 7.

 

The word I tend to prefer is sustained. Among the definitions of sustain are (1) to give support, (2) to keep up or prolong, (3) to give sustenance or nourish. While I do not like the phrase prolonged breastfeeding unless we are speaking of a child over 7, I do like the other definitions and the association of sustain with nourishment. So, how about 'sustained breastfeeding' for nursing a child over a year?

 

These comments apply in the US; I'm not sure about the rest of the world.

 

Alice Roddy

"Breastfeeding is the biological norm for infants, providing a support system that provides food, connection, and protection from illness to the nursing baby."

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