how long should i breastfeed?

Question

first time mom i have heard it hurts really bad! how long should i breastfeed?

Answer 1

I breast fed for 6 months. It's not horribly painful but yes it can be annoying....but hey thats motherhood!

My son used to bite my nipples and the centre of it used to be cracked, it would heal soon with a lil polysporin though. I breast fed up till 6 months and it gets very uncomfy and does hurt a lil when milk builds up and you don't get to pump out that milk, it feels like hard rocks....milk actually starts to spray out on it's own if you don't relieve it. These are the joys of mother hood lol. Anyway as soon as you stop breast feeding or pumping milk from you breasts your milk ducts begin to calm down so your not producing massive amounts of milk. I actually have a story about this concerning myself and my son although I'd rather not share it on here you can definitely message me if u like. I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Answer 2

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you nurse for *at least* the first 12 months.

Breastfeeding SHOULD NOT HURT. If it truely hurts, you are doing something wrong and you need to get help. Call a Lactation Consultant or a La Leche League Leader.

Some DISCOMFORT is normal early on, but true pain is NOT normal. Think of it this way.....the first time you shovel the snow from your driveway in the winter or the first day you start a new exercise routine, your body may be tired and sore afterwards. This is because you are training your body to do something new. Breastfeeding is kind of the same way. You are teaching your body a new job. As your body learns it's new role, there may be a little tenderness/soreness, but it should NOT be true pain. The discomfort will go away as you get things figured out and your body learns it's new job.

True pain is probably a sign that you aren't latching baby on properly. Call the LC or the LLL Leader and have her evaluate your baby's latch. Also, use some Lansinoh on your nipples. You don't have to clean it off to nurse. It will help you to avoid getting dry, cracked nipples.

Answer 3

Up to you. It's your choice. From experience as a mum & ex childcare worker a child will happily not breastfeed when they go to childcare & or start formal schooling. In most cases it is best to breastfeed for as long as possible. What suits all parties lifestyle & budgets. If you train your baby to dink milk from a breast to cup / bottle as per age & developmental health care appropriate recommendations you'll both known when to quit. Believe me by 2 years old baby be so active boobs be the last thing on their minds. They want to be just like mummy, daddy or other big kids. Unfortunately regression might occur if baby gets a younger sibling later & might want your boobs too. You can tell them nicely that there's only enough for baby - you're a big baba now I'm proud of you for being able to drink from a bottle/ modified toddler cup (long story). With support from child health care nurse, family & friend, don't worry you'll both be ok. Cheers. 99

Answer 4

The American Academy of Pediatrics says exclusively breast milk for 6 months while continuing to breastfeed until at least one year. You should breastfeed as long as it is comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your child. If your baby has a proper latch, there should be only minimal discomfort the first few weeks and then it should be completely pain free thereafter. Good luck and good for you for considering breastfeeding!

Answer 5

Breastfeeding should not "hurt really bad". There is an adjustment period and can be uncomfortable due to engorgement but actual breastfeeding should not hurt unless the baby is latched on wrong.

Anyway, breastfeed for as long as you and baby are comfortable or up to a year.

Answer 6

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least one year. The World Health Organization recommends two years. I am breastfeeding a nine month old, so I know it's painful and you think you can't do it, but the painful part should be over soon, and you'll be giving your baby the best gift you could ever give.

Each time you feed, you should let the baby nurse as long as they will stay latched on, and you should let them nurse as often as they need - every two hours at the very least.

You can do it!! If I can, anyone can. :)

Answer 7

I have had three girls i didn't breast feed my two oldest girls but with my last girl i really wanted to try to breast feed so here I'm breastfeeding she is coming up 5months and i love it. Yeah it did hurt for the first week but after putting on nipple cream daily it when away. Its a good way to bond with your baby you will love it. My aim is to breastfeed my girl until she is 1 that is recommend by doctors and nurses. But do what is best for you.

Answer 8

I know I'll probably get a ton of thumbs down for being a guy, but anyways... the baby will pull off when he/she is done. Unless you're talking about how long before weening, then it's recommended at least 1 year to achieve maximum benefits. If there is pain, the pain will go away when you and baby get more comfortable w/eachother. To avoid pain at the offset, you can get a nipple shield and Lansinoh nipple cream. Speaking to a lactation consultant (singular) will help. If you speak to several (as my wife and I did), really confused matters because they weren't all on the same page. (In general, new parents can expect to get a lot of advise from a lot of people who all contradict eachother).

My wife and I just went through it. She's still breastfeeding our son, who is now 4 months old and weighs as much as a 10-month-old (22.5 lbs).

Answer 9

As long as you want to, assuming it agrees with the baby! If the baby likes it seems as tho its' agreeing with him/her, then go for it. I am one that believes that a mother's breast milk is tons better than any baby food. No doctor can give you proof to the contrary. I, for one, believe the longer the better. But sometimes teething can sorta hurt you, that's when you might want to to stop.
Try to find a group where you can meet other new moms and go to the meetings. You'll make new friends & it does wonders on what you learn!

Answer 10

the first 1-2 days will feel wierd and may hurt a little but after that is no big deal. Try to breast feed as as long as you can. if it does nto work out, at least you tried. I olny did 2 months for bith my kids