When is the most common time to stop breastfeeding?

Understanding the Timing of Weaning from Breastfeeding
The decision of when to stop breastfeeding is deeply personal and varies significantly among mothers and their children. While there are general guidelines and recommendations, the ultimate choice often hinges on individual circumstances, preferences, and the unique dynamics of the mother-child relationship.
General Recommendations and Guidelines
Health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF advocate for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life. This means that infants should receive only breast milk, with no other foods or liquids introduced during this period. Following this initial phase, the introduction of complementary foods is encouraged, while breastfeeding can continue alongside these new foods.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) notes that anthropological data suggests the natural age of self-weaning—when a child decides to stop breastfeeding on their own—typically falls between 2.5 to 7 years old. This indicates that while many mothers may choose to wean their children earlier, extended breastfeeding is not uncommon and can be beneficial for both mother and child.
Common Weaning Ages
Most mothers begin to consider weaning between 9 to 12 months. At this stage, many children may start to show a preference for solid foods and may naturally reduce their breastfeeding frequency. However, some mothers report that their children may reject breastfeeding altogether much earlier, while others find their toddlers still eager to nurse well into their second or third year.
Factors Influencing the Decision to Wean
Several factors can influence when a mother decides to stop breastfeeding. These include:
– Child’s Readiness: Signs that a child is ready to wean can include a decreased interest in breastfeeding or a preference for solid foods.
– Mother’s Comfort and Health: If breastfeeding becomes stressful, painful, or impacts a mother’s mental health, it may be time to consider weaning.
– Lifestyle Changes: Returning to work or changes in family dynamics can also prompt mothers to stop breastfeeding earlier than they might have planned.
Cultural and Personal Considerations
Cultural norms and personal beliefs play a significant role in breastfeeding duration. In some cultures, extended breastfeeding is the norm, while in others, there may be pressure to wean earlier. Ultimately, the decision should align with what feels right for both the mother and the child.
In conclusion, while there are recommended guidelines regarding breastfeeding duration, the most common time to stop varies widely. It is a decision shaped by personal circumstances, child development, and cultural influences, making it essential for mothers to choose a path that best suits their family’s needs.

At what age do the benefits of breastfeeding stop?

The World Health Organization agrees that breastfeeding should continue “up to two years of age or beyond“. 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.

When is the healthiest time 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

When do most moms quit 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?

When is the hardest time breastfeeding?

Many mothers find the first two to three weeks of breastfeeding to be the most challenging. This is when mothers may be tempted to stop due to ongoing challenges. Most mothers who persist find that the rewards are gratifying and long-term, for both themselves and their babies.

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.