The modern approach to breastfeeding tells us that children should be weaned by the age of two, and in fact, it is often thought of as odd to nurse after age one. However, some parents are choosing to nurse well past that even to the ages of 4-5. There is evidence that our ancient ancestors, the early homo sapiens, nursed for 3-4 years. While extended breastfeeding may not be necessary in our modern society where nutritious food is relatively easy to acquire, there may be some benefits. Nursing can be soothing for toddlers and can help protect them from illnesses.

Key Takeaways:

• Scientists analyzed calcium isotopes from the teeth of three different early hominids, including early Homo sapiens specimens, to determine how long their owners were breastfed.
• The scientists found that the early Homo sapiens breastfed for as long as three or four years, much longer than the Paranthropus or Australopithecus specimens did.
• The extended breastfeeding of early humans may have helped influence everything from brain development to social structure.

“A study out of the University of Bristol found that our own ancestors actually practiced extended breastfeeding, or the practice of breastfeeding past the age of two, according to Kellymom.”

Read more: https://www.scarymommy.com/humans-have-been-practicing-extended-breastfeeding-for-a-very-long-time/