Breastfeeding for Two Full Years
Breastfeeding

God (may He be blessed and exalted) says, “Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing [period].” (Sura al Baqarah, ayat 233).
This holy ayat confirms that the period of complete breastfeeding is two years, so what have scientists found around this period?
Scientists have found that the complete food necessary for a baby is in his mother’s milk and that this nourishment will not be complete unless the mother breastfeeds her baby for two full years! All doctors confirm that the mother’s milk is completely free of bacteria and it is preferable for the baby over any artificial baby milk. Doctors have observed that children who take artificial milk in feeding bottles are often subjected to various infections even if the bottle is sterile!
It was shown in a modern medical conference that the ideal period of breastfeeding is two years because during this period the child is in urgent need for antibodies to develop his immune system and these antibodies aren’t present except in mother’s milk.
Thus, scientists have discovered that breast milk contains antibacterial immune substances. The Koran told us about the suitable period for developing the child’s immune system and that these antibodies could not be found except in mother’s milk, as God (be He exalted) says, “Mothers may breastfeed their children for two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing [period].” (Sura al Baqarah, ayat 233). The words “two whole years” confirm the importance of completing the two years as is attested by scientists nowadays.