How long does the CDC recommend to breastfeed?

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 about the first six months of an infant’s life. This means that during this period, infants should receive only breast milk, with no other foods or liquids, including water.
Continued Breastfeeding with Complementary Foods
After the initial six months, the CDC, along with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, suggests that breastfeeding should continue while introducing appropriate complementary foods. This practice is recommended until children reach 12 months of age or older. The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond just nutrition; it also supports the infant’s immune system and promotes bonding between mother and child.
Long-Term Benefits of Breastfeeding
Moreover, the CDC and other health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, advocate for continued breastfeeding for up to two years or longer. This extended duration is beneficial as it provides ongoing nutritional support and health benefits, even as children begin to consume a wider variety of foods.
Conclusion
In summary, the CDC recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for at least the first year, and ideally up to two years or beyond. This approach not only nourishes infants but also contributes significantly to their overall health and development.

What are the CDC guidelines for 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.

At what age is it unhealthy to breastfeed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers feed their babies only breast milk for six months and continue breastfeeding for at least one year. After that, it really depends on how long the mother and child want to continue.

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.

Can you breastfeed for 18 years?

The CDC notes that the World Health Organization (WHO) echoes these recommendations, suggesting introducing complementary foods at 6 months and breastfeeding for up to 2 years or longer. There is no expected age to stop breastfeeding, and it varies from person to person.

When can I stop pumping and just breastfeed?

Even with solid food introduction, the AAP recommends that babies receive breast milk for their first 12 months and beyond if a parent chooses. As such, parents who are considering decreasing pumping or weaning from the pump usually do so at about six months, when their baby has started to eat solids.

How long do most people breastfeed?

No two breastfeeding journeys are the same and lots of parents continue to breastfeed for two years or longer. Mothers may stop breastfeeding before this for multiple reasons. This could be due to medical reasons, a difficult or painful latch, insufficient breast milk supply or simply personal choice.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

But Dr Max Davie, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, says there is limited evidence of additional nutritional benefit beyond the age of two. “By the age of two, a child should get all the nutrients required through their diet so there is no additional benefit to breastfeeding over this age.”

What is the recommended age to stop 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.

Can you breastfeed at 15?

There are no physiological reasons an adolescent mother cannot breastfeed; in fact, in terms of physical ability, it can actually be easier for them than for more mature mothers. But, as Feldman-Winter explains, being physically capable of breastfeeding is not the same thing as feeling capable.

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.