Does prolonged breast feeding affect speech?

A common question that I always get asked is, “Does prolonged breastfeeding affect speech and language skills?”

I need to start by stating that prolonged breastfeeding refers to 24 months and above.

Prolonged breastfeeding and sucking over the age of 24 months can begin to distort positioning of oral motor structures and overall placement for speech sounds. Prolonged breastfeeding, finger sucking, and use of pacifiers and bottles can affect speech and language.

The open mouth and overall placement of articulators (teeth, mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw) can affect sound production and their overall pronunciation.

With that being said, there are key benefits to breastfeeding in general such as coordinating breathing and swallowing. The American Academy of Pediatrics state that prolonged breastfeeding has benefits for the mom and baby as well.

Some of the health benefits for the child, include:

• Nutrition

• Bonding

• Reducing risk for health issues (lymphoma, leukemia, and type 1/type 2 diabetes.
  

The benefits for the mother include decreasing chance of developing maternal diseases and protection against them.

Some of the diseases consist of:

• Breast cancer

• Ovarian cancer

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Obesity

• Heart attacks

Sooo, to answer the questions of “Does prolonged breastfeeding affect speech and language development?” Yes, It does affect speech and language. The health and wellness benefits are FABULOUS. Now that you have been given all of the information, be sure to consider what is right for you and your family. If you are having concerns with your child’s speech and language skills, call me to chat! ​