Benefits of Breastfeeding past 1 Year

juin 13, 2025 Petrina O'Halloran

I never thought I would get past breastfeeding 1 year with my second daughter as I hadn't with my first. It was always my breastfeeding goal but after getting mastitis in my first week, I decided to take it one week at a time.

Whilst breastfeeding a toddler has changed so much since she was a baby, it still carries so many benefits for her.

How I did it

My little girl started childcare at 12 months old, and I went back to full time working in my business. I knew I didn’t want to pump so had been wondering if I could stay feeding her even whilst she was in childcare. So, I decided to start combi feeding. She got goat’s milk or cow’s milk during the day if she wanted it and I continued to breastfeed in the mornings, evenings and during the night.

The biggest thing I noticed about her breastfeeding habits is that the minute she got back from childcare she asks for booby. Yep, she can ask, and that is one massive thing I wasn’t aware would happen. Once she had those 5 minutes with me, she is a completely different child, much happier, relaxed and content. It is like her little connection with mum after childcare and a way for us to just reconnect again after a busy day. To be fair I enjoy it too. It’s like a little de-brief and gets me off work-mode and back into mum-mode for the evening.

Breastfeeding a toddler can help regulate their emotions

The other big difference I had noticed with breastfeeding at this age is the assistance with emotional regulation. Any time Aisling might be over-tired, frustrated or just not happy and crying uncontrollably. I cuddled her up and ask her does she want boobie. 99% of the time she says yes. Afterwards I ask is she feeling ok now, and she always looks back up at me and smiles and says yes, as if it’s her little thank you, for helping her with managing her feelings!

The terrible twos are hard enough, but I just felt I had this tool in my back pocket that can help manage that transition and help her manage her emotions. She knows to ask for me if she needs me. She knows I will be there to help her though it, and I think that is a very powerful thing we can teach our kids. They can reach out and ask for help and we can assist!

Why it's easier with a toddler

Breastfeeding at the toddler age is easier than it was when they were babies. Yes we still had sleepless nights, but I think that’s more to do with her than breastfeeding. She even has those when I am not there. The biggest thing I had to manage was her gymnurstics while I feed, especially at home. She likes to try climb the couch, climb onto my back, and sit in a squat position whilst we feed. She will then give a big giggle as she knows she is being comical!

For anyone thinking about breastfeeding past 1 year, I’d say just go for it. Feed the way that works for you and your family. I continued to feed Aisling until she was nearly 2 and a half years old. My milk suddenly stopped, we tried a few times and Aisling looked up at me and said, mama all the milk is gone. She looked a little sad, we cuddled and talked about what she liked about breastfeeding. She told me it tasted like honey and it was yummy and feels good.

I was a little upset when it did naturally end, as she is my last baby too. She dealt with the transition really well, we did lots of cuddles and hugs in replacement. She is almost 4 now and still talks about breastfeeding, how much she liked it and she is trying to understand why the milk went away. She still reminds me it was yummy and she really liked it.

When to Stop

Breastfeeding benefits don't change as baby gets older, breastfeeding past 1 year has a range of benefits for mum and baby that most people don't know about. The best time to stop is when it feels right for you and your baby. Mums should not be pressurised to stop due to societal expectations or pressure from external family. Unfortunately we have a small population of breastfeeding mums, so therefore our education around breastfeeding isn't as good as it should be.

Benefits for Baby (Source HSE):

Children breastfed for longer have lower risks of chest, ear and tummy infections. This benefits children in childcare and can stop them getting ill as often. It also protects against them being overweight.

Research shows that breast milk contains more antibodies when your child is a toddler. This can help to protect them as they become more mobile.

For example, in your child's second year (12 to 23 months), 448ml or 15oz of breast milk provides: