Source. CNN
Prior research shows extended breastfeeding from six months to over a year lowers an infant’s risk of obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal infections and more, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers, diabetes and high blood pressure. A “dose response” is often seen, meaning “the longer, the better” in relation to protecting against infections and asthma, Azad said. The official recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics is to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, then continued with complementary foods such as infant cereals, fruits and vegetables for a year or more. The World Health Organization recommends the same for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding and complementary foods for up to two years of age or longer.