How long should i breastfeed?

Question

How long should i breastfeed?

Answer 1

Hopefully to the point where you don't have to introduce formula . . . atleast a year.  The American Academy of Pediatrics says atleast a year.

The World Health Organization says atleast 2 years (as well as many others).

Ideally, a baby would never *have* to consume the milk of another species . . . but thats another topic.

However, this is a very personal decision between you and your baby.  Any amount of breastmilk they recieve is beneficial and the benefits never just stop at any particular age.

Answer 2

For as long or as little as you want..There aren't any rules.Just whatever you are comfortable with and whatever you want.Whatever you decide is more than ok & there isn't anything weird about it(breast or not)..

Answer 3

Its recommended for a year, but some stop when baby starts to get teeth.  

Answer 4

You should breastfeed whenever your baby wakes up, sucks on fists, cries, etc. Your baby may just be wanting to "comfort nurse," if he/she is nursing 24/7 so you may try giving him/her a pacifier. Then nurse every 2 hours at least until they are 2-3 months old. Around 5-6 months when they become more active they will demand to nurse less often so they may go 2.5-3 hours without nursing.

But if you mean long term, then I agree with the other posts. You should breastfeed for at least 1 year. At 1 year they can have whole milk and they will most likely be eating solids.

Why the thumbs down?

Answer 5

Im going to for 6 to 8 months. Thats the plan anyway. Anything past a year is gross though

Answer 6

As long as you can and both you and the baby want to.  

I wanted to breastfeed for at least a year, but I wasn't able to breastfeed any longer then a few months.  

Edit:

I cannot breastfeed because I have to work 50 hours a week an hour away from home, pumping was not able to keep my production up and my milk started drying up.  I tried desperately to continue breastfeeding.  I took every supplement available, did everything you are "supposed" to do to keep your supply up, even pumping or feeding every 2-3 hours 24/7 for weeks, nothing worked.  Believe me, I hate having to give my baby formula, I didn't want to, I didn't even have it in the house, but I don't have a choice at this point.  It's either I give her formula or she would starve.  I'm happy that all you militant breastfeeders out there are able to breastfeed, but some of us want to, and can't.  Keep that in mind before you judge.

Answer 7

It is never "gross" or "nasty" or unnatural to feed your baby with the b*****s that were provided to you for that purpose. You should breastfeed as long as you can. At least one year. What is the point of breastfeeding for a couple of months and then giving formula? It's cheaper, more convenient.. no washing, sterilizing, making bottles, etc. It's always ready anytime anywhere. Never let anyone make you feel ashamed, no matter how long or where you decide to feed your child.

Answer 8

As long as you can. Depending on the pain and your production.

Answer 9

It's best if you don't count.  You'll find that even though breastfeeding is feeding, it's about way more than just food!  It's communication and bonding.  It's like a big, long hug.  You would never count hugs or kisses and then withhold them when you hit a quota, so think of breastfeeding the same way.

I nursed my first and second until the nipple pain that goes along with pregnancy made it too painful to continue.  My second may start again after the new baby gets well established on the breast.  She's been dropping hints anyway.  I plan to let my third (and current nursling) nurse until he's finished.  They know how long they need to nurse, and they'll let us know when it's time to stop.  Besides, nursing toddlers are awesome little people.  

Answer 10

you can breast feed up to he or she is a year old or older if you wanted its all up too.. breast milk is very healthy for your child. but like i said its up to you. you could quit at 6 months and try formula or whatever you decide..

Answer 11

I breastfed all mine til age 12-15 mos..... such a great bonding experience... I recommend all moms to  at least try it..... best thing for  babies!!!

Answer 12

A year is recommended. I say do it as long as it is a good experience for you and the baby. I do think it gets creepy much past 18 months...

Answer 13

As long as you want or can.

But doctors recommend at  least one year will give your baby the full benefits of breast milk