When Sitti and her husband Joey Ramirez's first child Issiah Dañelle, aka Lilibubs, voluntarily stopped breastfeeding at 13 months old in December 2019, the singer known for bossa music was taken aback and felt a tinge of sadness.
“Still, I have to admit that I miss her at my breast and wish that we were still nursing," Sitti wrote in her blog that time. "Especially since I still have milk to give.. But what can I do?
"It is what it is. Things don’t always go the way we plan or want them to anyway, and much of life—of motherhood, of parenthood—is a continuous practice of letting go."
Today, Sitti is breastfeeding once again, this time to their second child Osseah Lucille Ramirez, aka Lucybubs, born on September 23, 2021.
The mom of two recently took to Instagram to share her experience so far: "11 months of breastfeeding that will hopefully extend to at least two years."
She added, "Lucille has four teeth now but I am very grateful that she doesn’t grind when she drinks from me. Although she does contort to so many nursing positions. As in hindi siya mapakali na isang pwesto lang so madalas nahahatak talaga ang boobs ko.
"Still, I love this special time we have together that’s uniquely ours ♥ The bond between mother and child strengthened by breastfeeding is so worth the toe-curling pain and sleepless nights experienced especially at the beginning."
She pointed out, "Mad respect for how the human body adapts."
Sitti also noted that her post was "medyo late share pala" for the #breastfeedingmonth held every July.
She explained, "Napa-share ako kasi mga kuha ni Lilibubs itong mga litrato kanina. In fairness talaga sa kanya, magaling mag-picture!"
Benefits of extended breastfeeding
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that mothers all over the world “exclusively breastfeed infants for the child's first six months to achieve optimal growth, development and health."
Dr. Jamie Cumpas, a pediatrician and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), gives three benefits of extended breastfeeding:
Nutrition and health benefits
Dr. Cumpas cites a study by Mandel in 2005, "Human milk expressed by mothers who have been lactating for more than 1 year has significantly increased fat and energy contents, compared with milk expressed by women who have been lactating for shorter periods."
She adds, “Extended breastfeeding has also shown a decreased risk of childhood obesity.”
Intellectual development
Dr. Cumpas says research has shown that the greatest increase in cognitive scores is related to children who breastfed the longest.
“In a study of Mortensen in 2009, a significant positive association between duration of breastfeeding and intelligence was observed in 2 independent samples of young adults, assessed with 2 different intelligence tests."
Beneficial to the mom
Dr. Cumpas points out, “Extended breastfeeding also has health benefits to the mother, such as reduced incidence of breast, uterine and endometrial cancer, reduced risk of osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes.”
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2. Intellectual development
According to Dr. Cumpas, research has shown that the greatest increase in cognitive scores is related to children who breastfed the longest.
“In a study of Mortensen in 2009, a significant positive association between duration of breastfeeding and intelligence was observed in 2 independent samples of young adults, assessed with 2 different intelligence tests,” she expounds.
Venida-Yabot, a mother of four, and currently pregnant, says extended breastfeeding also leads to “calmer, more intelligent babies.”
“We have the ‘terrific’ 2s, 3s, onwards,” she shares. “And this is probably because they are exploring the world, which makes them prone to scraping their knees, getting upset or even being bullied by bigger kids.”
“But instead of crying inconsolably, breastfeeding helps them calm down and get the emotional comfort they need,” Venida-Yabot continues. “Hence, when there is less crying, they have more energy to just be happy and learn about their environment.”
3. Beneficial to the mom
“Extended breastfeeding also has health benefits to the mother, such as reduced incidence of breast, uterine and endometrial cancer, reduced risk of osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Cumpas continues.
Venida-Yabot also cites “convenience” as a benefit. “You need not deal with any bottles, ergo no cleaning and sterilizing, no big diaper bags, no apportioning formula,” she explains.
“Your child can have milk anywhere and anytime. This is especially great for moms and families on the go.”
She also gives more “practical” benefits, like continued savings from vitamins, medicines, trips to the doctor and possible hospitalization fees.
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