Which of the following statements is true about breastfeeding duration?

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as providing significant health benefits for both infants and mothers. The recommendation to continue breastfeeding until at least the child is over 1 year old aligns with guidelines from various health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health in New Zealand. These guidelines suggest that exclusive breastfeeding is optimal for the first six months of life, followed by the introduction of complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for at least one year or beyond.

This ongoing breastfeeding not only supports the child's nutritional needs but also enhances immune protection and promotes healthy bonding between mother and child. The continuation of breastfeeding past the first year can also contribute to the child's overall emotional and psychological well-being.

In contrast, suggestions of limiting breastfeeding duration or weaning by a specific age fail to recognize the holistic benefits of extended breastfeeding for both mother and child. This duration allows for ongoing nourishment and the adaptive support a child receives during their early development stages. Therefore, the statement about recommended breastfeeding duration until at least the child is over 1 year old is accurately aligned with established health advice.