Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) Practice

Breastfeeding for an extended period is particularly beneficial because it helps establish a close bond between mother and infant. This bonding experience is crucial for emotional and psychological development for both the mother and the child. The intimate act of breastfeeding encourages skin-to-skin contact, nurtures feelings of security for the infant, and enhances maternal feelings of attachment and care. The hormonal responses involved in breastfeeding, such as the release of oxytocin, further strengthen this emotional connection, promoting a secure attachment that is fundamental for the child’s overall development.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the benefits of extended breastfeeding. Dependency does not foster independence in healthy development; rather, it emphasizes the importance of developing a secure attachment. Returning to work earlier is not a benefit associated with prolonged breastfeeding; mothers often require suitable maternity policies that support their ability to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. Lastly, the idea that extended breastfeeding minimizes a mother’s need for nutritional intake is misleading; while breastfeeding does provide significant nutritional benefits to the infant, it does not reduce the need for mothers themselves to maintain a healthy diet to support their own health and breastfeeding needs.