Parents often worry that their child will become clingy and dependent if they are nursed for an extended period of time. Providing your little one with this loving and secure base actually helps him to become independent. The health benefits of breastfeeding do extend throughout the entire time you nurse. A longer duration of breastfeeding has been found to be directly associated with not only fewer infant illnesses, but subsequently, fewer toddler illnesses. The effects of breast-feeding on toddler health.
Mothers also benefit from extended nursing.
You continue to benefit from the hormones of breastfeeding. As mothers of nursing toddlers know, this can be very important to your mental health and well-being. You also benefit from the intimacy that nursing provides. Taking time out of a busy day to cuddle is as important to moms as it is to their babies. Extended nursing may delay the return of fertility by continuing to suppress ovulation in some women.