The most beautiful and healthy moment for a new mum who can breastfeed. She will have fewer problems with postpartum depression and she will be able to bond with her child. Breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients that your child needs to develop healthily.

Infants

Some research shows the longer you're breastfeeding, the lower your child will have the risk of having allergies. But it must be yet confirmed before we can shout it out. But still...good to know, right?

No big news here! If you are breastfeeding, your infant will tend to have fewer health problems and better communication skills than children who aren't breastfed.

But it helps protect your child from being overweight later in life. You already know it! Obesity can put you at risk for many cancers. Especially pancreas and kidney cancers. It strengthens your baby's immune system. Your child has lower risks of infections, respiratory, and digestive system problems.

But, of course, mothers get some benefits as well.

Mothers

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.

Australian research found that more ovulations will occur, the greater the risk of cell mutation you can have, and increases the risk of having the disease. It helps prevent ovarian cancer because it can delay ovulation. And that extended breastfeeding significantly reduces the chances.

It also can lower your breast cancer risk.

The hormonal changes during lactation delay menstrual periods and reduces a woman's exposure to hormones such as oestrogen, which can trigger breast cancer cell growth. While breastfeeding, you shed some breast tissues and can help remove the cells with some DNA damages and helping to stop developing breast cancer.

But how long should you breastfeed?

Weaning

Is what we call it when you're stop breastfeeding.

After the first 6 months, it only gives half of your child's nutritional needs. They will be able to digest solid food. Babies show they need less of breastmilk, as they start to look around their siblings before they want to copy them.

Over 2 years old, reducing breastfeeding will increase the desire for independence of the child, and the turn for the fathers, to be sensitive to their role. Feel like they can more contribute to the child's needs and bond their way. And for mums, to be no longer stressed and feeling tired...It's also about the hormonal and biochemical changes you are going through!

You can start when your baby seems less interested in it. You can wean to a cup or to a bottle. So then, you can start to cut out another breastfeed.

Sometimes, weaning must happen earlier. You must go back to work, and you can't combine breastfeeding and other commitments. But, don't forget, your employer has to offer you a private space for nursing if you still want to breastfeed. It's the law!

Don't feel like you're doing something wrong...

Take your time to wean your baby!