How long a mother breastfeed is an entirely personal choice. Despite this, there are a number of different recommendations regarding what your baby should be fed and when. When making breastfeeding-related decisions, it is important to consider not just the health of bub, but the mental and physical health of mum as well.
Not long enough?
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding, that is, no other fluids or solids, for the first six months of a baby’s life. According to the experts at House Call Doctor, breastfeeding should then ideally be combined with solid foods for the next two years.
Even if you aren’t able to breastfeed for the long term, there are several important benefits associated with even just a few days of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding for less than a week will give your baby the antibodies and food their body expects, kicking off their immune and digestive systems.
Breastfeeding for a few weeks eases babies through the most critical part of infancy, according to the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA). The ABA recommends breastfeeding for at least one month.
Breastfeeding for up to six months can help protect against infections and some childhood cancers and reduce your own risk of breast cancer.
Too long?
In cultures where there is no pressure for a child to wean off breast milk, a child will wean naturally between two and seven years of age.
According to a study by the University of Western Sydney’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, Australia as a society is critical of breastfeeding beyond even a year. It is important for mothers who are comfortable breastfeeding for an extended period to remember it is a child-driven practice, and all children will wean eventually.
Whether you breastfeed for a few days or a few years, it is a choice exclusive to you and your family.