How long does the AAFP say you should breastfeed?

AAFP’s Recommendations on Breastfeeding Duration
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) emphasizes the critical role of breastfeeding in infant nutrition and health. According to their guidelines, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life. This means that during this period, infants should receive only breast milk, with no other foods or liquids introduced .
After the initial six months, the AAFP advises that complementary foods can be introduced, but breastfeeding should continue alongside these new foods. The organization recommends that breastfeeding persist for at least one year. This extended duration not only supports the nutritional needs of the growing child but also provides ongoing health benefits for both the infant and the mother.
The AAFP’s position is in line with other major health organizations, which collectively advocate for breastfeeding as the optimal source of nutrition for infants. The benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented, including enhanced immunity and reduced risks of infections.
In summary, the AAFP strongly supports breastfeeding for at least six months exclusively, followed by continued breastfeeding for at least one year, integrating complementary foods as the child develops. This approach is designed to maximize health outcomes for both mothers and their infants.

How long does the CDC recommend breastfeeding?

How long should infants be breastfed? Exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months is recommended. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends continued breastfeeding while introducing appropriate complementary foods until children are 12 months or older.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

When do most moms stop breastfeeding?

But although 96% of children are breastfed soon after birth, only 15% of mums are still breastfeeding exclusively 5 months later. So, what’s preventing some parents from continuing to breastfeed, and how can they persist with longer-term breastfeeding, if that’s their wish?

Why did the AAP change breastfeeding guidelines?

Explaining the change in a news release, AAP pointed to the benefits of long-term breastfeeding to mother and child: “Preliminary data reveal that human milk in the second year of life continues to be a significant source of macronutrients and immunologic factors for growing toddlers.” Studies and meta-analyses also …

What percentage of moms breastfeed for 2 years?

While 71% of women continue to breastfeed their infant for at least one year, by two years of age, breastfeeding rates decline to 45%.

What is the recommended length of time to breastfeed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years of age or longer.

How long does the AAP recommend breastfeeding?

For the best health outcomes, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 2 years and beyond as mutually desired.

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.

Why does who recommend 2 years of breastfeeding?

Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.

What is the AAP policy for breastfeeding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond.