Breastfeeding Question......?

Question

I was told that a new born should be breast fed or bottle fed (depending on the baby) every 3 hours for about half an hour. So my other question would be, how old should the baby be when you stop breastfeeding completely?

Answer 1

Children that are breastfed for one year average 5 - 12 IQ points higher in cognitive tests when older, depending upon which study you read. No IQ increase was observed for children breastfed up to 6 months. (see link below).

The average child is breastfed in the U.S. for about 6 months. The average child in the rest of the world is breastfed about 3 years.

All the scientific evidence points towards breastfeeding an infant as long as possible. I have known women who breastfed their children up to 3 years of age and the child did not seem adversly affected, and they minimized the social stigma (in the US) by only doing it at home after about 18 months.

Answer 2

I understand how healthy it is to breastfeed for a year,but have you tried that?I chose to breastfeed my son and it was a good thing b/c he did not tolerate formula.I breastfed him for 6 months and it was a trial.For the first 3 months he ate every 1 and a half hours.He was 4 months old b4 he settled down to 3-4 hour feedings.He couldn't swallow well at 4 months so we had to hold off on baby food and all he had was me.He's perfectly healthy now at 16 years old but I got grey hairs his first 6 months and I was only 23.Breast feeding is a wonderful thing,It's also the hardest job you'll ever have b/c you become a FOOD SOURCE.I don't want to discourage anyone from breastfeeding b/c I never felt closer to anyone as I did in those days to my son,I just want to tell the whole story.I had no idea back then how hard my choice would be to carry out.

Answer 3

Breast milk is processed through the baby's system faster than formula, so you'll probably be nursing about every two hours or so. I'd say around a year to a year and a half old is good to ween the baby off.

Answer 4

If you ask your dr he will probably tell you that there is little to no more nutritional value for a child to bf after 12 months. They can eat real food and drink normal liquids.

That is really a personal decision. I personally quit when my daughter was 10 months old. She drank water and some formula and juice cut with water and ate baby food and table food. I personally feel that the longest a child should be nursed is 12 months. I think that once a child can start undoing your blouse and bra themselves it is time for them to move on to a cup. In my opinion, bottles and pacifiers should be discontinued by 12 months and sippie cups by 18 months. It worked for my daughter.

Answer 5

your baby will let you know when he is hungry. Some people say that you should stop breastfeeding after the baby turns one but you should ignore them and stop when you feel comfortable about it. Alot of women keep going until their baby is two years old. Breastfeeding is more then making sure that your baby is getting nourishment, it creates a special bond between mother and child, so good luck to you and follow your heart and instinct.

Answer 6

Newborns should be fed on demand. Don't look at the clock. As far as how long to breastfeed. You can do it as long as you and your baby are happy with it. My daughter is almost two and still breastfeeding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of one year and as long thereafter as mutually desired by mother and baby.

The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of two years.

Answer 7

I nursed all 4 of mine for at least a year. Then I weaned them to whole cow's milk. I did not need to buy formula. Actually, a newborn needs to nurse longer than that for the first month. I nursed 8 hours a day at first.

Answer 8

6 to 12 months.

Answer 9

I breastfed my son and breastfeed my daughter on demand. It is the best thing for them. My son nursed until he was four. Maybe a little long on some peoples eyes but that is what we did. I would nurse them at least until they are one. I will be weaning my daughter sooner than I did my son. Best of luck to you!

Answer 10

1 to 2 years, but any length of time you are able to helps the baby build up immunities.