How long should i exclusively breastfeed my baby

Breastfeeding is a parenting factor which has been associated with child emotional development - in particular the attachment between children and their mothers. Breastfeeding eases both of you through the tears, tantrums and tumbles that come with early childhood.

It helps ensure that any illnesses are milder and easier to deal with. It's an all-purpose mothering tool you won't want to be without! Don't worry that your child will breastfeed forever. All children stop on their own, no matter what you do, and there are more breastfeeding youngsters around than you might guess.

And whenever weaning takes place, remember that it is a big step for both of you. Breastfeeding: an Introduction provides a basic outline of the key aspects of breastfeeding. How long should I breastfeed my baby?

However, breastfeeding after six months has numerous benefits for you both. And how long should you continue? The answers may surprise you, as the additional health and developmental benefits of breastfeeding — which solid foods and other milks cannot offer — are often overlooked. The World Health Organization WHO recommends breastfeeding for two years and beyond — and this applies to families around the world, not just in developing countries.

Evidence unequivocally demonstrates that breastfeeding is uniquely beneficial during that crucial 1,day window. In fact, the opposite is true — your baby will only get a tiny proportion of his calories and nutrients from food when he first starts solids. When exclusively breastfeeding, a baby typically consumes to ml At nine to 12 months old, he could still take around ml Whilst the message to promote exclusive breastfeeding for six months is well known, there is not much information on the role of breastfeeding and human milk beyond six months, once complementary foods have been introduced to an infant's diet.

This is despite organisations such as the WHO recommending the provision of human milk beyond six months. Continuing to breastfeed after six months has been shown to lower the chances of some childhood and adult illnesses and, if your baby does get ill, helps him recover more quickly.

There are also benefits for your baby in terms of sight 11 , dental problems, 12 and obesity. Nothing soothes an upset infant or toddler like a nursing session with mum. As your baby grows, a feed helps with everything from teething and vaccinations to the inevitable knocks and scrapes or viruses that occur along the way. For many mums, breastfeeding can feel like a miracle worker. The act of being close to your baby, instantly responding to his needs and engaging in lots of eye contact also sends signals between you.

The longer you breastfeed, the stronger the positive outcome is likely to be. Did you know that breast milk is actually alive? Studies show a consistent three-point IQ advantage for children who were breastfed over those who were never breastfed. Breastfeeding beyond six months has even been linked to fewer behavioural problems in school-age children 23 and improved mental health in children and adolescents.

The health claims on the packaging may look impressive, but there is no better milk for your baby than your own. Breastfeeding: What are the barriers? Why women struggle to achieve their goals external icon. J Womens Health Larchmt. Top of Page. To receive email updates about this topic, enter your email address. Email Address. What's this? Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity.

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