An observational study suggests breastfeeding to 12 months may protect against infectious illnesses, particularly gastrointestinal and respiratory infections (Fisk et al., 2011).
Limited evidence suggests breastfeeding continues to provide immune factors during the first and second years (Goldman, Goldblum, & Garza, 1983 Goldman, Garza, Nichols, & Goldblum, 1982).
Breastfeeding longer, in addition to a wide range of other determinants, may have a protective effect against overweight and obesity in childhood (Arenz, Rückerl, Koletzko, & von Kries, 2004 Scott, Ng, & Cobiac, 2012 von Kries et al., 1999). Breastfeeding beyond six months has been associated with a number of positive infant and maternal health outcomes.
