How long should a woman breastfeed her child?
This is a question that can generate some fairly heated discussion. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be fed only breastmilk (no water, formula, other liquids or solids) for about the first six months of life. Women should continue to breastfeed their babies for the next six months while they introduce solid foods. By the age of one year, the main source of your baby’s nutrition has shifted away from your breastmilk to the solid foods he is eating.
Breastfeeding will continue to convey its many benefits to a baby who nurses beyond the age of one year, but not to the extent it did previously when it was the only source of nutrition. There is no recommendation for when women should stop breastfeeding. Most moms start weaning by stopping the midday feeding, then the morning feeding. Giving up the before bed experience usually is the last to go because of all the snuggly, emotional bonds associated with it.
AAP, La Leche League, and others suggest that breastfeeding continue as long as mom and baby wish. Nevertheless, I personally am not convinced of the benefits of breastfeeding for a four year old who can feed and dress himself and may be attending pre-K. What do you think?
Tags: Baby, breasfeeding, breastmilk, infants, nursing, weaning
August 9th, 2008 at 8:58 am
This is a great article! My wife was only able to breastfeed one first son and only for two months….for our second child she did not lactate enough and my wife boy was angry when he would feed as he always stayed hungry! Well that only lasted for 3 days…..lol Thank god for Formula!
August 6th, 2009 at 9:13 am
The important long term benefits of breast feeding include reduced risk of asthma, allergies, obesity, and some forms of childhood cancer. The more that scientists continue to learn, the better breast milk looks. In addition to making your baby healthier, breast feeding may also make him smarter. Many studies have proved that breast fed babies tend to be more smarter than babies who were fed with formula or other methods
August 6th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Thanks for your input. I wouldn’t say that studies have proven it yet, but breastfeeding may enhance brain development. Some studies suggest that children who are breastfed may score higher on tests of cognitive ability than children who are fed formula.
November 16th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
virtually i suggested that a baby feeding should last for about 9/13month.course i did feed my baby for almost 14month