According to breastfeeding guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), "the World Health Organization and many other experts encourage women to breastfeed for as long as possible, one year or even longer, because human milk provides the best nutrition and protection against infections." Since the AAP officially endorsed breastfeeding babies for at least one year in 1997, the practice seems to have gained momentum. It's not unusual now to see women nursing infants over decaf Frappuccinos at Starbucks.

But how common is it to spot a toddler at his mother's breast? Not very, says the AAP. The organization has reported that only 21.6 percent of mothers breastfeed past 6 months.

How Social Values Influence Extended Nursing
If extended nursing beyond a year is so good for Baby, why aren't more mothers doing it? The AAP speculates that cultural and social factors account in part for nursing's relative unpopularity in this country. Adrienne Wilde, a La Leche League leader in Hollywood, Calif., has heard women's stories of being scolded and even accused of molestation for publicly breastfeeding toddlers.

Despite the AAP's stamp of approval on breastfeeding, Wilde feels that extended nursing carries shock value. "Society views women's breasts as objects for men's pleasure when their real function is to feed babies," says Wilde.

But the unspoken cut-off date for nursing isn't just about the appropriate use of breasts. "There's a real push to raise an independent child," says Wilde, referring to the way Americans prize this trait. Indeed, we admire many of our cultural icons – John Wayne, the Lone Ranger, Clint Eastwood, the astronaut Sally Ride – not for their relationship skills, but for their ability to blaze their own trail. Perhaps we fear parenting methods that foster interdependence, such as extended breastfeeding, will turn a nation of "winners" into wimps?

Wilde, who is also a postpartum doula and still nurses her 3 1/2-year-old son, believes that individuation happens naturally and shouldn't be forced. "A one-year-old is very young [to be independent],” she says. “A child will be dependent on something – a caregiver, a bottle or a pacifier. It's positive if it's dependence on the mother."

Of course, not every modern mother has the same high regard for extended nursing. Allison Kozicharow, a mother of two teenage girls in Maryland, views with some cynicism what she calls "the whole breastfeeding-till-your-child-goes-to-college-movement."

"Aging hippies having babies late in life started this disaster," Kozicharow says. "And after these women finally gave up nursing they thought they were so special that they created the New Age goddess/moon cults." Kozicharow tempers her colorful opinion by admitting, "Of course I never breastfed or was even awake during my kids' births, so I am not mainstream here."

The Benefits of Extended Nursing
Since the body naturally produces milk that is age-appropriate for the child, extended nursing provides the same health benefits as it does to a younger infant. The "benefits to the child are also emotional,” says Los Angeles lactation educator Fran Jaffe. “A toddler finds comfort in his mom's familiar lap."

Wilde has most appreciated the intimacy her 3 1/2-year breastfeeding practice has fostered among herself, her son and her husband, Bradley, whom she describes as being extremely supportive. "The choice to breastfeed has been very connected to our parenting," says Wilde.

And contrary to the popular belief that nursing can create a wedge between parents, Wilde instead feels that the experience can create opportunities for a father to have time with the child. Explaining that breastfeeding isn't the only way to nurture, Wilde states that fathers can soothe a child who's ill or upset. As for her son, Wilde believes extended nursing has helped him develop into a trusting, secure little boy.

Read part two of this article for more information on the challenges of nursing a toddler, deciding when to wean and handling criticism.