How long does the CDC recommend breastfeeding?

CDC Recommendations on Breastfeeding Duration
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides clear guidelines regarding breastfeeding, emphasizing its importance for both infants and mothers. According to the CDC, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of an infant’s life. This means that infants should receive only breast milk, with no other foods or liquids, including water, during this period.
After the initial six months, the CDC advises that breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of solid foods. This practice should ideally continue for at least one year, or longer if both the mother and child wish to continue. The gradual introduction of solid foods should not replace breastfeeding but rather complement it, ensuring that the infant receives a balanced diet while still benefiting from the nutritional advantages of breast milk.
Health Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is associated with numerous health benefits. For infants, it can significantly reduce the risk of various health conditions, including infections, obesity, and chronic diseases later in life. For mothers, breastfeeding can help lower the risk of certain cancers and promote faster recovery post-delivery.
The CDC’s recommendations align with those of other health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which also advocate for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for at least one year.
In summary, the CDC strongly supports breastfeeding as a vital practice for infant health, recommending exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding for at least one year while introducing solid foods. This approach not only fosters optimal growth and development for infants but also contributes to the well-being of mothers.

How long do doctors recommend breastfeeding?

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.

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.

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.

Is it OK to breastfeed for 5 years?

AAP supports continued breastfeeding until two years or beyond, as mutually desired by mother and child. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, and then continuing to breastfeed for “up to 2 years and beyond.”

What is the suggested age to stop breastfeeding?

It also continues to provide the balance of nutrients your baby needs. The World Health Organization recommends that all babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of their life, and from 6 months babies should start eating solid foods as well as being breastfed for up to 2 years or longer.

Does the CDC recommend breastfeeding until 2?

How long should a mother breastfeed? 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 old or older.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

There are many professional associations that recommend breastfeeding beyond 1 year, but to date there is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful in any way. There is currently no known age when breastmilk is considered to be nutritionally insignificant for a child.

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.

Why is breastfeeding recommended for 2 years?

Breastfeeding into toddlerhood has been linked to protection from various infections and illnesses, supplemental nutrition and cognitive development. There are many benefits for moms as well, including lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of developing certain cancers or postpartum depression.

WHO recommends breastfeeding for 2 years?

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.