breast feeding?

Question

what is the best amount of time to breast feed for i no it depends but i was thinking 2-3 months then on to bottle to make it easier and my partner can then help?

Answer 1

At least six months but preferably a year, or long if you want.

Answer 2

At least six months if you can manage it.

Either you can express your milk for your partner to feed sometimes (you can freeze it, you don't have to express right then), or he can give a bottle of formula occasionally.

Personally I found expressing to be almost impossible. There's a lot of scaremongering about giving your baby any formula at all, presumably, because it's seen as the start of the slippery slope to giving up breastfeeding. It really doesn't have to be. If breastfeeding is working for you, it's MUCH easier than messing about with bottles, and missing one feed once your milk supply is established simply isn't going to be an issue. Best just to breastfeed for at least the first few weeks, though.

Answer 3

That's completely up to you. I breastfed my daughter for 3 months and I'd really wished I'd done it for longer than that. I'm going to try to breastfeed my next baby for about 6 months (or longer if I choose).

You could also pump a little so your baby gets used to drinking from a bottle. Some breastfed babies have a hard time with that transition. Or if you don't have a pump, give him/her a little formula in a bottle here and there. That way, your partner gets to help out, too.

Answer 4

The longer you nurse, the more benefits you and baby will receive. The AAP actually recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 mos, then adding solid foods and continuing to breastfeed for AT LEAST the first 12 months.

AAP breastfeeding policy -
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496
"Pediatricians and parents should be aware that exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and provides continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory tract infection. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child."

If you introduced bottles of pumped milk, your partner could help and your baby would still be getting the best nutrition possible. Just wait 4-6 weeks before you introduce the bottles to avoid nipple confusion. (If breastfeeding is off to a smooth start with a good latch, 4 weeks if probably OK.....if latching is difficult then wait until closer to 6 weeks.)

This is a great link that talks about the benefits of breastfeeding based on how long you nurse -
http://www.parentingweb.com/lounge/dw_wean.htm

Info on introducing a bottle to a BF baby -
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bottle-feeding.html
and
http://www.mother-2-mother.com/bottles.htm

Answer 5

It's best to breastfeed for at least a year, with breastmilk being the baby's only food for the first six months. The ideal time is 2 years and beyond.

If it's very important to you for your partner to help, then you could express your milk & bottle it, but this is probably more trouble than it's worth. Your partner would be better off making sure that you're well nourished and cared for - he could cook for you, help with the housework & bring you whatever you need while you're feeding the baby.

I really cannot overstate just how important breastfeeding is to both you and your baby. It provides your child with antibodies, helps protect them against allergies, illnesses & even things like cancer. It increases IQ in 90% of children. It helps you to bond with your baby. It decreases your chances of suffering from postnatal depression & also certain cancers.

Also, I beg to differ that bottle feeding is easier than breastfeeding - you have to boil water, sterilise equipment, measure formula. With breastfeeding - it's ready to go whenever the baby is hungry. Formula is a fantasic backup for mothers who unfortunately can't feed their children, or children who are medically unable to feed. Otherwise, breast is undeniably best - and this is the case for as long as they continue to feed.

Answer 6

I know it's tough but I recommend a year. If you need a break or your partner wants to help...try a breast pump. The only reason I say to hold out that long is the antibodies that your child gets from breast milk is very important to their immune system. And they can't get it from formula or anything else. After all that's why it's there. I know that it gets a little difficult, but for your child's benefit I would try to hold out as long as you can. Hope this helps!

Answer 7

It all depends on you! I breastfed my first for 9 months and my 2nd for 18 months. If you want your partner to get involved with the feedings, I would pump a few feedings and let your partner bottle feed.

Also, check out this site: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/bflength.html

Good Luck!

Answer 8

you either did not attend a nursing class, or perhaps you did not pay attention when you did. if you have not been to one, you should find one to attend. it is a great bonding experience for parents. my youngest breast fed. during my class experience, it was presented that a child could breast feed as late as 5 years. my child did not. when he got his 1st taste of real food, he weaned himself. breast feeding is far healthier than anything else you could do. the only way this is not true is if you are not living and eating healthy as the breast milk producer. in addition, you can pump, save, freeze, and bottle breast milk for future use. essentially, it would be best to let the child's behavior and needs, as much as possible, dictate when you stop breast feeding.

hope all is well and works out for you...

Answer 9

The best amount of time for the baby is one year but 2-3 months is better then nothing.

Answer 10

It's all up to you and the baby. Make your decision with your baby's best interests in mind and then you won't regret whatever you decide.
Remember this; parenting a child is not all about feeding. Your partner can help in many other ways too (bathing, rocking, reading, singing, changing diapers, etc).

Answer 11

As long as you have the milk.

Age does not matter, go with the nature. In some culture the child stays on the breast feeding for years. When milk is gone then stop.