How long are you supposed to breast feed your baby?

Question

If the baby was born July 26, 2007 then how many months old should they be when you stop breastfeeding them?

Answer 1

It really depends upon the mother-child pair. My two weaned themselves at ages 22 months and 18 months.

Here's a quote from Dr. Antonia C. Novello while she was United States Surgeon General:
"The American Academy of Pediatrics says that babies should be breastfed until age one. It’s the lucky baby, I feel, who continues to nurse until he’s two."

Answer 2

They say that 1 year is ideal for the child, but that weaning from breastfeeding sometime after the 6th month is reasonable, provided you make sure the child is getting the proper nutrition (formula, not cow's milk, rice milk, etc.)

Also, the introduction of solids too early has been linked to digestive and blood sugar imbalances. There is no rush to start solid foods. At 6 months, feeding pureed baby food is more for the physical practice of palpating the food rather than for nutritional benefit.

If you don't want to continue breastfeeding exclusively; you can always supplement a few feedings a day with formula.

Whenever you do decide to wean, try to do so gently and slowly, and not overnight. It's more beneficial for you and your baby.

Answer 3

However long you want to. But, it is recommended to breastfeed for at least a year. Of course, at 6 months you can add solid food and go from there, but breastmilk would be the only milk you give the baby.

Answer 4

there is not any 'meant to'. maximum materials (jointly with the yankee Academy of Pediatrics and the international wellness enterprise) propose a minimum of one 365 days, and encourage 2 years or greater. in case you do breastfeed for no less than a 365 days, there is not any ought to ever supply formulation. formulation is meant rather for breastmilk for infants who can't (for regardless of reason) get breastmilk. After a 365 days, toddler would be weaned to a prevalent foodstuff recurring of basic ingredients and milk in a cup. whilst you're actually unable to breastfeed for an entire 365 days or greater, then you definately breastfeed for as long as you're in a position. 8 month is greater efficient than 6 months. 6 months is greater efficient for 2 months. 2 months is greater efficient than 2 weeks. Even 2 weeks is greater efficient than no longer something in any respect. And once you do sense you are able to decide to wean, it quite is once you gradually shift to formulation. EDIT: to make sparkling, the WHO recommends unique breastfeeding for 6 months, and then breastfeeding could be persisted whilst different ingredients are added.

Answer 5

Not months, years. At LEAST 1-2 years, then for however long both mother and child wish to continue. Toddlers and even older children continue to receive important nutrition and comfort from nursing.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html
http://llli.org/FAQ/bflength.html

Answer 6

Breastfeeding can continue as long as both parties involved wish it. If either mom or baby desire to quit than it is time to quit regardless of age.

Answer 7

The American Association of Pediatrics recommends minimum 1 year. After that, as long as you want.

Answer 8

At least 6 mo., But 1 year is recomended

Answer 9

6 months exclusively then add solids but continue for a year

Answer 10

you can breastfeed as long as its mutually desirable for mother and baby
The APA recommends 12months and the WHO recommends 24months.