When to stop breastfeeding World Health Organization?

Understanding When to Stop Breastfeeding According to the WHO
Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of infant nutrition and maternal health, and the World Health Organization (WHO) provides clear guidelines on how long mothers should continue this practice. The WHO emphasizes that exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life. This means that infants should receive only breast milk, with no additional foods or liquids, to ensure they receive optimal nutrition during this critical period of growth and development.
Transitioning Beyond Six Months
After the initial six months, the WHO advises that breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of appropriate complementary foods. This gradual transition is crucial as it helps infants adapt to new tastes and textures while still benefiting from the nutritional advantages of breast milk. The WHO recommends that breastfeeding should continue for up to two years or beyond, depending on the needs and preferences of both the mother and the child.
Factors Influencing the Decision to Wean
The decision to stop breastfeeding is highly personal and can be influenced by various factors, including the mother’s health, lifestyle, and the child’s readiness. Some mothers may choose to wean earlier due to work commitments or personal circumstances, while others may continue breastfeeding well into toddlerhood. The WHO supports the idea that breastfeeding can be beneficial for as long as both mother and child desire it, highlighting the importance of maternal comfort and the child’s emotional needs.
Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding
Research indicates that extended breastfeeding can provide numerous benefits. Children who are breastfed for longer periods tend to have lower rates of infections, chronic diseases, and even higher IQ scores. Additionally, breastfeeding fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child, which can contribute positively to the child’s overall development.
Conclusion
In summary, the WHO’s guidelines suggest that mothers should exclusively breastfeed for the first six months and continue breastfeeding for up to two years or longer, as mutually desired. The decision to stop breastfeeding should be made based on individual circumstances, with consideration for both the mother’s and child’s needs. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the child receives the best possible nutrition and emotional support during their formative years.

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.

What is the legal age to stop breastfeeding?

Your body, your child — your choice. While there’s no one right decision here, however long you breastfeed is beneficial to both you and your baby. There’s no age limit on these benefits and no harm in breastfeeding for 1 year or even longer.

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.

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.”

When should I stop breastfeeding according to WHO?

Infants should be breastfed on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night. No bottles, teats or pacifiers should be used. From the age of 6 months, children should begin eating safe and adequate complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years of age or beyond.

WHO recommends breastfeeding until age 2?

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.

Is it healthy to breastfeed a 5 year old?

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.”

How long should you breastfeed in the World Health Organization?

WHO recommends mothers worldwide to exclusively breastfeed infants for the child’s first six months to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, they should be given nutritious complementary foods and continue breastfeeding up to the age of two years or beyond.

What is the global age to stop breastfeeding?

Most children in traditional societies are completely weaned between two and four years of age (5).