How long should you breastfeed your little one? The short answer: Breastfeeding is a personal decision — and how long you breastfeed your baby will be entirely up to you.
When you decided to pursue the challenging but super rewarding journey to breastfeed, you sure knew that any amount of breastmilk you give your child will benefit them. So whether you breastfeed for just the first few weeks after welcoming your newborn or nurse them all the way to when they are preschoolers, that choice is for you to make.
What about expert recommendations?
The World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend that children be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. Mamas can continue to breastfeed along with safe and adequate complementary foods for up to 2 years and beyond.
These recommendations from the experts are due to the many benefits of breastfeeding to both mama and baby. It still is the best source of nutrition for babies. Breast milk protects them against short- and long-term illnesses and lowers their risk of asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes, ear and gastrointestinal infections, severe lower respiratory diseases, and sudden infant death syndrome.
Breastfeeding has also been proven to be beneficial for mamas. Those who nurse their babies have a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
So what makes mamas stop breastfeeding?
While breastfeeding is a natural process, it doesn’t come easy for many mamas. Some would have tried their best to nurse longer, but have to make the difficult decision to end their breastfeeding journey.
This could be because of a number of factors, including lactation and latching issues as well as concerns about infant nutrition and weight. Some mamas also need to take certain medications during this time. Some more unfortunate reasons include lack of support from the family and workplace. For mamas who need to return to the office after their maternity leave, breastfeeding proves to be a challenge.
What happens when you continue breastfeeding beyond the recommendation of the experts?
Some mamas still breastfeed their babies beyond 1 year. For others, they continue to nurse even after their child turns 2 years old. This is called extended breastfeeding.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “There are continued benefits from breastfeeding beyond 1 year, and up to 2 years especially in the mother. Long-term breastfeeding is associated with protections against diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancers of the breast and ovaries.”
Breast milk is so magical, it changes to meet your baby’s needs — when they are sick or when they grow. Its benefits are numerous and so the longer you nurse your baby, the greater the immunity you are giving your child.
So is there a right age to stop breastfeeding? There is none, mama. You and your child can continue to reap the benefits of breastfeeding for as long as you want to. Remember: Your child, your rules. Go for whatever works for you.
