Scotland has the lowest rate in the UK of initial breastfeeding but they’re trying to get mothers to change. Heather Welford, breastfeeding counsellor and tutor for the National Childbirth Trust:

It is unusual in this society to breastfeed to five, and highly unusual to breastfeed to nine. But the children breastfed until they are five seem loved, well-cared for and unharmed. There’s no research I am aware of that shows extended breastfeeding is harmful.

When mothers ask, we tell them the World Health Organisation says there are health benefits to breastfeeding alongside other foods for at least two years. We don’t have a recommended breastfeeding time as there is no documented case for an upper limit.

Breastmilk is always a nutritious drink so it can form part of a healthy diet.

Care for a glass of breastmilk? ;)

The Herald, June 26, 2006