When you see an image of a mother breastfeeding her toddler, what does it make you feel? In this podcast we are discussing the realities of extended ( or more accurately 'Natural Term' ) breastfeeding in the western world.

Given UNICEF's statistics that 77-91% of women in countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Rwanda and Malawi are breastfeeding over 20 months, you could be forgiven for thinking that we didn't have a job to do to encourage mums to take up breastfeeding. But it seems that countries with higher incomes and education such as our own ( Ireland ) - where only 13% of mothers continue breastfeeding to 6 months and beyond - have a crisis on their hands.

Maria O'Sullivan is just one of a growing population of mums who have taken breastfeeding through to its natural term; allowing their children to wean when they are ready and therefore giving their babies a wealth of emotional and nutritional advantages, as well as incurring many health benefits themselves such as lower risks of breast cancer.

According to the WHO, even a modest increase in breastfeeding could prevent up to 10% of deaths in children under 5, given this statistic, it seems imperative that we band together to try to improve not only education but more importantly support for breastfeeding mums across the globe.  Tune in to hear Marias story; as a single mum who has practiced extended breastfeeding with all three of her kids and gone on to train as a lactation consultant, providing valuable help to countless mums over the years she is uniquely placed to discuss this challenging topic.

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