How long should a baby be breastfed?

Answer 1

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants are breastfed exclusively for 6 months, and receive no milk substitutes till 12 months, and that mothers continue to breastfeed after that for as long as they enjoy it.

Answer 2

I personally breastfed all 4 of my kids.
18 months the 1st one 6mths the 2nd( ended up pregnant with the 3rd and had to stop) 13mths the 3rd 12mths the 4th. I started whole milk at 12 months with all of them. never gave juice in a bottle and started the sippy cups at 3mths with a little watered down juice just so they could get used to the cup.


try to fed you baby for as long as you can but if you can even just give your baby your colostrum that is better than nothing.
when it comes time to breaking them from the breast I found weaning didn't work at all I had to go cold turkey or they would try to make up for it at other times. I was done withing weaning within 3 days each time. Good luck

Answer 3

If you mean how long per feeding then the answer would be the baby will let you know but generally 10-15 minutes per breast. If you mean how old should the baby be before you stop, then the answer would be it is completely up to you. I have known people that stopped as soon as teeth started to come through and i have known people that breastfed to one year old and some even beyond. It is all up to you and your baby. Good luck!

Answer 4

It is recommended to breastfeed for a min of 1 year, but 2 is even better. I personally believe in extended breastfeeding. The concept of "weaning" is totally a society created idea. North America is one of the only places that weans their babies. I believe they know when they are finished. The natural age is between 3 and 4. Not to mention how good it is for them, they recieve all the passive immunity from the mother and all that other good stuff. Just do it as long as it is comfortable for you and your baby. There's a great book called "mothering your nursing toddler" I'm sure it's available at the library. God Bless

Answer 5

The World Health Organization recommends nursing for *at least* 2 years, or longer if mother and baby are happy. The longer a mother nurses her child, the lower the child's risks of a large number of health conditions, including cancer (breast cancer for girl babies, Hodgkin's Disease, leukemia, etc.), diabetes, asthma, and allergies. This is *life-long* protection, and all of these can be life-threatening. There are many other major and minor illnesses and conditions that breastfeeding protects against.

In addition, the longer the mother nurses (total of all children put together), the lower her risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis later in life.

Breastfeeding is also good for the family. Breastfeeding is *free*. And doctor's visits and hospitalization for all of the above cost money, too. Breastfeeding brings mother and baby closer, and this teaches baby how to love--including how to love *other* family members.

Breastfeeding is good for the environment. There is no air pollution from a manufacturing plant. No packaging waste. No preparation and serving utensils that will eventually be thrown out. Breastfeeding is "green".

It also saves on tax money. Medical care--even when paid from insurance or family funds--costs the government, too. Disabilities from medical condition often put someone on the Social Security rolls.

Lastly, there is the comfort factor. Human milk contains sleep-inducing and pain-killing compounds. Nursing can cut off a toddler's temper tantrum, "fix" her/him after a fall, and help her/him get off to sleep easily and comfortably.

Answer 6

For as long as you feel comfortable. Some people go on and on about people breastfeeding for a long period, but only do it if it's right for you. Good luck if you decide to breastfeed for a long time!!

Personally I breastfed one baby for about 3 months, due to complications he had to be put on a bottle. My second baby was breast feed for just over 3 months but beacuse he was a big baby he ended up on a bottle, too exahusting for me!!

Answer 7

Most doctors say it is best for a baby to be breastfed up to one year.

Answer 8

as long as you want to. some mothers breastfeed for the firs week, some the first six weeks, some 6 months, some 12 months and some even to two. i stopped breastfeeding my son when he started biting after eating. he was about 13 months. at 12 months a baby can be put on whole milk and that is when it is suggested that you brestfeed to.

Answer 9

Just want to add that, some time after baby turn one, they may be asking for milk in public by pointing to your breasts or something like that. You may want to consider your comfort level on this also.

Oh, I was once told that, breast milk gets sweeter as the child grows. It may be more difficult to wean later on.

My kids were partially weaned after 9 months and completely weaned after 13 and 12 months.

Answer 10

As long as you and your baby want. Do not listen to anyone out there that say no longer than a year. Do what is best for you and your child. It is ok to nurse longer than a year and very beneficial in many ways. Please visit La Leche League before you decide.
Best of luck.