I have been watching the discussion about long-term breastfeeding (running the marathon) vs. shorter-term breastfeeding (one mile at a time).  I understand here in America, one of our main goals is to convince mothers to start breastfeeding at all.  Some women need to be encouraged try breastfeeding for one day—as we hope we can extend this to one week, one month, six months, or beyond (the mile-by-mile approach).

However, I think if we were getting the message out there that long-term breastfeeding was a desired and achievable goal, not only would many women breastfeed longer, but more woman would see breastfeeding as natural and socially acceptable and more would try it, even short-term.

One of the most controversial issues in our society today is marriage between gay couples.  Why is it that there are many shows on television that show gay men and women, but few or no shows that show breastfeeding?  Sure it may be discussed (most often in sitcoms), but rarely shown.  We would be shocked to see an older infant or even more so, a toddler, breastfeeding.  Society seems to think if a mother breastfeeds, it should be done only in the privacy of one’s own home.  It is today’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.  Sugarman & Kendall-Tackett (1995) say most doctors do not encourage long-term breastfeeding because they may not be aware it even exists.  In the United States, weaning often occurs in the first 2-4 months.  Most mothers who breastfeed past infancy feel this is not accepted by mainstream society and hide it, often even from their health-care providers (Buckley, 2001).

In our country, we are not as concerned about the medical necessity of extended breastfeeding.  That is to say, very infrequently when a baby is weaned from the breast does he go on to develop severe diarrhea from contaminated water and die (or other similar sequella that may happen in third-world countries).  Does this mean there is no reason for long-term breastfeeding in our society?  Of course not.  Dr Goldfarb (1995) says infants need nutrition, warmth, love, environmental stimulation, and rest to survive and grow.  What other one act can provide all these factors for a baby at once?

What are some of the reasons mothers give for extended breastfeeding?  Buckley includes several comments from mothers who have breastfed their children for more than 12 months.  One mother discussed how her 2-year-old will just lie with her, enjoying being held while he nurses.  She talks about how both of them enjoy just being able to spend time together.  Another mom agrees saying that her 2-year-old is very active and nursing can help calm him down when he is having a tantrum.  She calls her milk “joy juice,” saying it has a magical effect on his mood.  Yet another mother points out how breastfeeding is part of a nutritious diet.  She says she feels breastfeeding is a more nutritious snack than a cookie.  (Buckley, 2001).

Promoting the closeness that develops with long-term breastfeeding could help it become more socially acceptable.  Breastfeeding a baby allows the mother to take a much-needed break from her busy life.  It allows her to spend a few precious moments with her baby, for both of them to relax, regroup, and enjoy spending time together.  How is this less important at two years of age than two months of age?  We need to get the message out that long-term breastfeeding is not an abnormality; it is a desired goal.  While individual counseling may help increase initiation of breastfeeding, group sessions often can increase duration (de Oliveira, Camacho, & Tedstone, 2001).  Let us encourage successful and proud long-term breastfeeders to join groups to show new moms how rewarding breastfeeding can be.  Let us encourage the media to show breastfeeding as a natural, desirable part of life.  Let us help our mothers know that we do appreciate their commitment to breastfeed for six weeks 
or six months, but also let them know they should feel comfortable breastfeeding for much longer if they desire.

Returning to the marathon vs. one mile at a time debate—I think if we watched a marathon every day, we would be more inclined to at least try on a pair of running shoes than if we just saw a couple of people running around the block once a week.

I appreciate being allowed to be part of this listserv.
Shannoah May, UND Nursing Student

Buckley, K. M.  (2001).  Long-term breastfeeding:  nourishment or nurturance?  Journal of Human Lactation, 17(4), 304-312.

de Oliveira, M. I. C., Camacho, L. A. B., & Tedstone, A. E.  (2001).  Extending breastfeeding duration through primary care: a systematic review of prenatal and postnatal interventions.  Journal of Human Lactation, 17(4), 326-343.

Goldfarb, J.  (1995, December).  Extended breastfeeding in the United States.  Clinical Pediatrics, 648-649.

Sugarman, M., & Kendall-Tackett, K. A.  (1995, December).  Weaning ages in a sample of 
American women who practice extended breastfeeding.  Clinical Pediatrics, 642-647.

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