How long is a mom supposed to breastfeed?

Minnie - posted on 09/28/2010

This is La Leche League's Philosophy:

"•For the healthy, full-term baby, breast milk is the only food necessary until the baby shows signs of needing solids, about the middle of the first year after birth."

and

"Ideally the breastfeeding relationship will continue until the baby outgrows the need."

These two ideas reflect on current research- the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and then breastfeeding with complementary foods for up to two years and beyond.

Donna - posted on 09/28/2010

when ever you feel the time is right

Cathi - posted on 11/29/2008

Any Medical peson will tell you to breast feed for the first three monthes atleast. But I agree with Victoria Rauchie, "Breastfeed as long as it works for you and your baby...."

Amanda - posted on 11/28/2008

My plan was always to nurse for at least a year, since it's not recommended to give your babies cows milk till they are a year old, it makes sense to me to plan on breastfeeding for a year, and avoid using formula, but with both of my daughters once I got to a year I couldn't imagine stopping..It is amazing time and don't be afraid to keep nursing as long as you and your baby/toddler still enjoy it. It is so good for you and your baby, why quit early?

Patti - posted on 11/28/2008

The american Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you breastfeed exclusively( no formula, solids or cereals) for 6 months and after that up to at least one year. Beyond that they say to continue as long as it is mutually satisfying for BOTH mom and baby. Enjoy:)

Rita - posted on 11/27/2008

I think you should breastfeed as you long as you can. They recommend that you do it exclusively for 1 year, and beyond. I'm planning on at least 18 months - we'll see how it goes.

Ronda - posted on 11/27/2008

thanks, ladies--i appreciate all of the info. you have given. happy thanksgiving!!

Ditas Irene - posted on 11/26/2008

They're right. Two years is the recommended, although i have friends who breastfed their kids a LOT longer. I breastfed my twins for a year, then stopped. I regretted it, because as soon as i did, they started getting colds, diarrhea...it's true what they say that breastmilk helps keep your kids healthier. I pray you'll be able to keep it up for as long as you like!

Kristina - posted on 11/26/2008

Well, unfortunately it is up to the mother. I mean, I say unfortunately because so many women stop before they should.



Babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of their life, after six months solids can be introduced but should not replace breastmilk. A typical amount of solids is a couple oz a day if that. gradually they will choose to eat more foods but should be allowed to nurse on demand for the first year. Soem motehrs choose to wean, others choose to let the baby decide when they are ready.



here are soem important links:



http://www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/...



this is an incredible site that i recommend bookmarking as it has all th eanswers to all the questions you can possibly think of



http://www.kellymom.com/



and here is a link to the laleche league site..i also recomend finding your local laleche meetings and attending even as you are pregnant, you will find a great deal of support with those women.



http://www.llli.org/nb.html



I hope that helps!! Congrats on the pregnancy and if I think of anything else, I will be linking you up again!!



http://www.llli.org/nb.html

Danielle - posted on 11/26/2008

i am going strong at 7 mos and plan to for a year.. the choice is truely yours, when ever you are ready to stop or when every your baby is ready to stop. Its truely the best part of being a new mom, I fell in love with it the minute i first nursed and im not sure i will be able to stop so easily at a year. The golden rule is 6 months anyways.. :)

Ronda - posted on 11/26/2008

REALLY?? i had no idea the recomm. was 2 yrs! thanks!

Victoria - posted on 11/26/2008

Breastfeed as long as it works for you and your baby. I think current recommendation is 2 years but for many people that is not practical. Any amount of breastfeeding you can do it great!