How long are you supposed to be breastfed?

The Recommended Duration of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey for mothers and their infants, and the duration of this practice can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. However, health organizations provide guidelines that can help parents navigate this important aspect of infant care.
Initial Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) both advocate for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life. This means that infants should receive only breast milk during this period, without any supplemental foods or liquids, unless medically indicated. This recommendation is grounded in the understanding that breast milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that are crucial for a baby’s development and immune system.
Transitioning to Solid Foods
After the initial six months, the AAP suggests that breastfeeding should continue while introducing solid foods into the baby’s diet. This combination of breast milk and solids is recommended until the child reaches one year of age. The WHO extends this recommendation, suggesting that breastfeeding can continue for up to two years or beyond, as long as it is mutually desired by both mother and child.
Individual Factors Influencing Duration
While these guidelines provide a framework, the actual duration of breastfeeding can be influenced by various factors. Many mothers find that their babies may naturally wean themselves between nine to twelve months, as they become more interested in solid foods and other forms of nutrition. Additionally, personal circumstances, such as a mother’s health, work commitments, and the baby’s feeding preferences, can all play a role in determining how long breastfeeding continues.
The Emotional and Physical Connection
Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition; it also fosters a unique emotional bond between mother and child. Experts emphasize that the breastfeeding relationship ideally continues until the baby outgrows the need for it. This can vary widely among families, with some mothers choosing to breastfeed for several years, while others may stop earlier due to personal choice or circumstances.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision on how long to breastfeed is a complex and personal one. While health organizations provide guidelines, the best approach is one that considers the needs and preferences of both the mother and the child. As long as breastfeeding remains a positive experience for both parties, it can continue for as long as it feels right.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

What is the ideal length of time to breastfeed?

Experts recommend that babies be breastfed exclusively (without formula, water, juice, non–breast milk, or food) for the first 6 months. Then, they recommend continuing to breastfeed for 2 years (and beyond) if it works for you and your baby. Any length of time your baby can be breastfed is beneficial.

Will I lose weight after I stop breastfeeding?

It’s normal to store extra fat during pregnancy to be used up while breastfeeding. Mothers vary in when they lose this extra weight. For some it is in the early weeks, some later and for others it’s not until after they have stopped breastfeeding.

Will I gain weight after stopping breastfeeding?

Thanks to biological and behavioral changes, it’s totally normal to gain weight when you stop breastfeeding. “It’s really common that women will stop breastfeeding and their weight goes up,” G. Thomas Ruiz, M.D., an ob/gyn at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, tells SELF.

How long does the average woman breastfeed?

Among those who breastfed, average duration was 6.9 months; when stratified by race, breastfeeding duration was longest among White mothers at 7.3 months, followed by mothers of other races at 6.3 months, while Black mothers had shortest average duration, with 5.1 months.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

The third crisis occurs after three months, at this stage the baby has much greater suction strength and will take faster feedings as he is able to empty the breasts with greater speed, that is to say, take more in less time, this period coincides with the development of their hearing and vision, that makes everything …

How long are humans supposed to breastfeed?

In the US, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and to continue for at least 12 months5. But in other countries, the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to the age of 2 or beyond6.

What is the average age to stop breastfeeding?

As the AAFP notes, according to anthropological data, the natural age of self-weaning (meaning weaning determined strictly by the child) is about 2.5–7 years old. Obviously, not everyone wants to nurse that long, but it’s nice to know it’s an option that’s normal and actually pretty common all over the world.

Are breastfed babies more attached to mom?

Breastfeeding and mother–infant attachment
Moreover, in a prospective longitudinal study of 675 mother–infant dyads, increased duration of breastfeeding was associated with maternal sensitive responsiveness, increased attachment security, and decreased attachment disorganization when infants were 14 months of age [71].

Is it OK to just breastfeed for 3 months?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.