Breastfeeding:Duration

How long should I breastfeed my baby so he/she receives the best benefits?

A number of organizations have tried to determine how long babies should be breastfed. These organizations include the World Health Organization, the La Leche League and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Some say six months is enough, others say you can stop after one year. Some even say you can continue nursing toddlers. But the truth is, there is no magic number. Every baby is different and each mother must decide for herself and her baby how long to continue breastfeeding.

When to start?
If at all possible, begin breastfeeding your baby within an hour after delivery. The first milk you produce is called colostrum, which is packed with nutrients and disease-fighting substances that will help nourish and protect your baby against infections as he or she grows up.

When to stop?
If you can, set a goal to exclusively nurse your baby for at least six months, and anticipate the obstacles you will face. For example, if you are planning on going back to work after a month or two, decide how you will continue breastfeeding. You may choose to extend your maternity leave, leave work periodically to nurse during the day, work part-time or at home or pump and store milk while you are at work. Modern mechanical breast pumps (which can be rented or borrowed from your local La Leche League or other sources) make it possible for most women to mix mothering, work and daycare.

When to start solids?
Sometime during the middle of your baby`s first year, begin introducing solid foods, but continue breastfeeding for as long as you and your baby enjoy it. When you decide it`s time to wean your baby, you can begin giving your baby breast milk or formula in a bottle or a cup. Most experts recommend that weaning begin gradually, taking place over several weeks or even months. Many mothers and children find the bedtime feeding is the last to be discontinued.



Comments: Breastfeeding - Duration

Comments 1 to 4 of about 4.


msmeli81 - 75 days ago.
my sis breastfed her boy until he was 3 yrs old lol!! and he's a big boy!! lol! im trying to breastfeed my lil right now.hes 22 days old and im having such a hard time, but im planning to breast feed him until hes about 1 yrs old..thats my goal but we'll see...lol!

mommy-at-home - 135 days ago.
Milerka - my advice is to keep nursing him right now because it sounds like you are not really sure about weaning. Once he starts daycare I would just send a sippy cup with him to daycare and nurse him at home as usual.

Milerka - 135 days ago.
my son is 16 months old and im still breastfeeding him. When i try and stop he gets upset, and starts to tug at my shirt. In the end he ends up winning. Part of me wants to stop b/c he's starting daycare for the very 1st time(hopefully in a month!) and i dont want to continue nursing him. The other part of me doesnt. I love the time we spend; even if its for 3 mins. I like how he looks into my eyes and tries to pick 'em out..*sigh* i dont know what to do. Advice anyone?

P-Parent - 306 days ago.
Don't give up hope - my daughter is now just over a month, and around the 10 days - 15 days I swear it felt like she was eating every hour...I was so upset and tired and frustrated - I thought for sure my milk was not enough for her. But I kept going with it and it was just part of her scheduling...now she is hungry about every 3 1/2 to 4 hours and she's gained over 2lbs in the first month of life...don't give up...give it another few days or a week and see how baby does.

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