When is an ok time to stop breastfeeding?

Understanding When to Stop Breastfeeding
Deciding when to stop breastfeeding is a deeply personal choice that varies for each mother and child. While there are general guidelines and recommendations, the timing often hinges on individual circumstances, health considerations, and emotional readiness.
Recommendations from Health Organizations
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. After this period, breastfeeding can continue alongside the introduction of appropriate solid foods, ideally for up to two years or beyond. This recommendation underscores the importance of breastfeeding not just for nutrition but also for the emotional bond it fosters between mother and child.
Personal Factors Influencing the Decision
The decision to wean can be influenced by several factors:
1. Child’s Readiness: Many children naturally begin to wean themselves between the ages of nine months and two years. Signs of readiness may include a decreased interest in breastfeeding or a preference for solid foods.
2. Mother’s Well-being: If breastfeeding becomes a source of stress, anxiety, or physical discomfort, it may be time to consider stopping. Conditions such as mastitis or postpartum depression can make the experience challenging, and prioritizing the mother’s mental and physical health is crucial.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Changes in a mother’s work schedule, health, or family dynamics can also prompt the decision to stop breastfeeding. For some, returning to work may necessitate a shift in feeding practices.
Expert Opinions on Timing
Experts emphasize that there is no universally “right” age to stop breastfeeding. The decision is often complex and should be made based on what feels best for both the mother and the child. Some mothers may choose to continue breastfeeding well into toddlerhood, while others may find that a shorter duration suits their family better.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the timing of when to stop breastfeeding is a personal journey. It is essential for mothers to listen to their bodies and their babies, considering both emotional and physical health. Whether the decision comes at six months, one year, or beyond, what matters most is that it aligns with the needs and well-being of both mother and child.

What is the best 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.

Do you gain weight when you stop 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.

What is the cut-off time for breastfeeding?

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.

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.”

How do I know when it’s time to stop breastfeeding?

“You should slowly stop breastfeeding if you’re no longer enjoying it. Breastfeeding should be mutually desired by the mom and baby,” says McCracken. “There are instances where the mother needs to stop breastfeeding for her health concerns or if prescribed high-risk medications aren’t compatible with breastfeeding.

What is the hardest age to wean a child?

Facts to Consider: After 12 months of age, nursing interactions tend to become more important to your child. After 18 months, for some children, weaning becomes harder with each passing month. Caution: Do not start weaning if your family is under stress (such as moving).

At what age is it unhealthy to breastfeed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years or longer.

When does the average person 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.

What happens to a woman’s body when they stop breastfeeding?

Some might experience headaches or migraines, while others feel exhausted or even dizzy immediately after weaning. Another common post-weaning issue? Acne. Big hormone changes can really throw your body for a loop.

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.