What a feat it is to breastfeed my daughter for two years now! My decision to continue is not solely based on convenience (because trust me, it can get inconvenient for me too as a working mom), but more on the continuous benefits it provides my growing toddler.

I’ve heard one too many times that my breast milk is not as nutritious as it used to be. Is there truth in this? Let me walk you through.

For two years now, my daughter has been on direct latch. To not express breastmilk and store them for later use is a personal choice, and I greatly respect moms who dedicate their time and energy to express, store, label, and thaw their milk for their little ones.

Unexpressed breast milk does not bear a best before date that signals losing its aroma or taste profile, nor does it have an expiry date to indicate it being unsafe for consumption.

Personally, this is the convenience of direct latch. Whether we’re at home or out and about, I’m always relaxed knowing I can satisfy my child’s needs through breastmilk and her stash of solid food. For as long as I’m with her, we can feed anytime, anywhere without thinking about time passing by!

Among the many nutrients that breast milk contains are protein, which protects babies and children from illnesses; white blood cells, which help them fight infections; and antibodies, which helps boost immunity against sickness.

One of the most unforgettable affirmations I got for my extended breastfeeding is from my baby’s pediatrician. She asserted that despite my daughter’s much slower weight gain since she loved being in motion, my daughter is sharp and agile. Her words were, “At least, Hindi siya sakitin.”

Despite all the time and effort it takes to breastfeed my daughter in a day of work and house chores, the feedback gave me the boost I need as a breastfeeding mom. As mentioned, breastfeeding does get exhausting at times, but benefits like this always outweigh the minor inconveniences on my part.

Note that we here at home do our best to supplement breastfeeding with proper sleep, good hygiene, enough going out for sunlight, and variety of solid food for optimum health.

On days my toddler eats less solid food than desired, or she prefers to take her rice or bread at a much later time, breast milk provides the carbohydrates she needs for the time being.

Breastmilk is a superfood that “changes in composition to meet baby’s nutritional needs.” It does not lessen, but rather adjusts, its nutritional value.

What other food does that, right?

Since my toddler has been eating more solid food than consuming breastmilk, I can already leave her with family members much longer on some days. When I get back home, I feel that she latches for comfort instead of just for hunger. I also notice that this is the case when she’s teething and feeling uncomfortable because of heat or new environment.

Among the many benefits of breastmilk aside from continued provision of antibodies and nutrients is the comfort it provides the child.

The decision to continue or wean breastfeeding is entirely up to moms and her support system. Because of the ease of work from home setup and the accessibility of breast pumps and breastmilk storage bags for expressing milk, more moms are into extended breastfeeding to continuously provide their kids the nutrition breastmilk can give.