And who gets to decide that (mom, dad, or both of you)?
Would you ever compromise on the amount of time you nurse, or is it something you feel strongly about?
2006-12-04 18:50:01 · 12 answers · asked by MountainChick 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
The AAP recommends "exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months and support for breastfeeding for the first year and beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and child". The WHO recommends breastfeeding for at least two years (6 months exclusively). Check out http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html#reasons for information on reasons to delay solids, that site also has great information on lots of breastfeeding topics. I am exclusively breastfeeding my child for at least 6 months and I don't plan on weaning until 18 months or more.
The nursing relationship between mom and baby is very special, and I personally feel that the decision should be up to mom and baby to decide when to wean. Nurse for as long as you feel comfortable. I think that my husband has every right to tell me how he feels about it, but the decision is not ultimately his because it is my body and not his. I do feel strongly about doing what's best for my child, but I may consider weaning earlier if it were putting a real strain on my relationship with my husband (I don't see that being a problem though--he is very supportive).
You should so what feels right for you! It's your body, your baby, and your choice!
2006-12-04 19:22:59 · answer #1 · answered by Becca 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The child should get to decide! The WHO (World Health organization) says AT LEAST 2 years. Even the more conservative AAP says at least one year. Solids can be added after 6 months, but are really just for experimenting until after age 1.
The only reason I would ever compromise the amount of time i nurse is if i had to undergo chemotherapy or another drastic, life saving medical procedure that could harm my baby.
Babies need full-fat milk until they are 2 for optimum brain development. Ideally and most biologically appropriate would be human milk. Human infants do not magically become calves at 12 months, so they really don't need non-species appropriate cow milk.
2006-12-04 19:05:22 · answer #2 · answered by Terrible Threes 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It varies.
Usually it's a Doctor or friend that encourages/discourages things.
I would not listen to people on here too much,.. they do things like give rice to two MONTH olds. Just imagain the Baby is a Bird,.. Rice is bad it expands, starves, and can soak in nutrients at times... so baby just gets a painful dump and weaker centers to their bones.
You should nurse (in one sitting) until they are satsified or act up (babies can act up while nurseing).
As for age,.. you can Nurse until Five (a healthy woman is capable of that),.. some people start a one month or two month or.. something under 6. The longer the better though,.. Two Years + seems to have the best results.
2006-12-04 19:02:06 · answer #3 · answered by sailortinkitty 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
what do you mean?
for example: when should you wean your child? I'd recommend solely nursing for at least 4 months. Or until they start showing an interest in food and the pediatrician ok's solids. Then still continue to nurse mixed with solid feedings until a year. Then tapering off.
Or do you mean how long to feed the child when he/she is nursing? I feed my baby for long as she wants to whenever she wants to. She's not a fatty, but at 4 months she's 14 pounds.
I feel that mom should be a strong voice in the deciding factor, but ultimately, this child is the product of two people, and they should both have a say in it.
2006-12-04 18:57:52 · answer #4 · answered by manywarhoops 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For the baby to get the most from the breastmilk, baby should breastfeed for the first 6 weeks. After that its all choice. I chose to breastfeed for the first year. My husband was ok with my choice, but it was not his decision to make. I would never compromise what I thought was best for my child.
2006-12-04 18:55:00 · answer #5 · answered by Velken 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as you and your child can and want to im glad that you decided to breastfeed your child most women dont and i think that is fine but you and your husband, boyfriend or what ever need to decide what is going to be the best and easiest for the 3 of you to do. most men dont really care either way but some men really want to be a part of the childs care and so they want to help with the feedings, which of course you can always pump your breast milk so that he can help that way but the decision is totally up to you guys and dont let society tell you that formula is better or is just as good cuz it never will be, mothers milk is always the best! good luck!
2006-12-04 19:33:18 · answer #6 · answered by sandra 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I don't have babies.
A mother should suppose to nurse her baby for about 1&1/2 year. She should have to decide this.
I will never compramise on amount of time to nurse my baby.
2006-12-04 18:54:38 · answer #7 · answered by Tannu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is recommended for at least the first 6 months...more if possible. I did it for 10 months, would have continued longer but i had to go back to school and my baby had started biting my nipples!! That definately suggests its time to move on to bottles.
2006-12-04 19:02:55 · answer #8 · answered by Riderya 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As long as you want, though it gets a bit awkward when they get to nursery school. I'd say it's the mother's decision, and the child's I suppose as they are likely to just stop on their own when they don't need it anymore.
2006-12-04 18:53:17 · answer #9 · answered by gerrifriend 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the first 6 wks is good just to get the immunities up. but really i feel you should do it as long as you can stand to, it really makes for a smarter, healthier baby.
2006-12-04 18:58:55 · answer #10 · answered by prettylittlepowderkeg 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋