How
Long should you Breastfeed your Baby?
What
are the guidelines for breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding
has various advantages for both newborns and moms, but how long do you have to
breastfeed to reap these benefits? Is there a point at which nursing becomes
dangerous?
The
World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
both recommend that mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first
six months of their lives. For the first half-year of a baby's existence, no additional
food or drink but breast milk is allowed. Breastfeeding should be continued for
at least the first year, with supplementary foods introduced starting at six
months.
Some
ladies may not be able to breastfeed for a year. Continue reading to find out
how breastfeeding for shorter periods of time, or combining breastfeeding with
formula, can still be beneficial to the infant.
What
are some of the advantages of breastfeeding?
Even
if you only breastfeed for a few days, there are various advantages to doing
so. Here are some of the highlights based on your child's age.
First
days
Experts
advise keeping babies close to their mothers and starting breastfeeding as soon
as an hour after birth. Close skin-to-skin contact for the newborn and milk stimulation
for the mother are two of the advantages at this time.
Colostrum
is a thick, yellow material given to the baby at first. The earliest stage of
breast milk, colostrum, includes vital nutrients and antibodies for the infant.
Breast milk fully comes in over the next few days, providing early nutrition
and possibly even helping to protect the infant from infection.
First month
Breast milk is referred to as a baby's first immunisation by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Breast milk contains antibodies that safeguard a kid for at least the first year of his or her life. These antibodies keep you safe from:
· Infectious
diarrhoea
· Infections in the ears
· Infections
in the chest
· Additional
health problems, such as intestinal troubles
Feel-good
hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin are beneficial to mothers. These
hormones may work together to induce sensations of happiness or fulfilment.
Breastfeeding
helps the uterus shrink back to its usual size faster, thus women who
breastfeed may recover from childbirth faster.
3
to 4 months
Breast
milk continues to help the digestive system as newborns approach the third
month of life. It also helps prevent certain newborns from allergies found in
various foods and supplements.
Breastfeeding
can help the mother burn an extra 400 to 500 calories per day, helping her
maintain a healthy postpartum weight.
Breastfeeding
may also benefit the mom's internal health. Nursing has been shown to reduce
the risk of type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease
in some studies. To completely comprehend the connection, more research is
required.
6
months
Even
after the inclusion of table foods, which doctors recommend at 6 months of age,
the benefits of nursing persist. Breast milk can continue to give calories,
protein, vitamin A, iron, and other essential elements. Not only that, but
breast milk protects a baby from disease and illness for as long as they drink
it.
Reaching
this milestone could lower the mom's chance of breast cancer and other
malignancies such as ovarian, endometrial, and uterine cancers. According to a
report released in 2017 by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American
Institute for Cancer Research, a woman's risk of breast cancer can be reduced
by 2% for every five months of nursing.
If
the mother's menstrual cycle has not yet returned and she continues nighttime
feedings, exclusive breastfeeding may give up to 98 per cent effective
contraception in the first six months. Of course, if having another child isn't
in the cards, it's a good idea to utilise a backup strategy, such as condoms.
9
months
Breastfeeding
on demand and providing other foods 3 to 5 times a day are recommended feeding
strategies for babies aged 6 to 12 months. Breast milk should still be given before
meals during this period, with table foods serving as a supplement.
Other
than a probably sustained reduction in the risk of breast cancer, publications
do not mention a continued reduction in the risk of other illnesses in mothers
who breastfeed for more than six months.
1
year
Another
advantage of long-term nursing is financial savings. You'll likely save a lot
of money on formula, which may cost anywhere from just over $800 to upwards of
$3,000 in the first year.
Breastfed
babies may have a better immune system and be less likely to require speech
therapy or orthodontic treatment if they are breastfed for a year. Why? All
that sucking at the breast, according to the hypothesis, aids in the
development of muscles in and around the mouth.
Beyond
a year
Breastfeeding
on demand and providing other foods five times a day are two feeding guidelines
for a year and beyond. If you want to quit giving breast milk or need a breast
milk substitute, you can introduce cow's milk at this time.
Longer
nursing may provide children with an advantage in terms of IQ and social
development, according to some earlier research. A recent study, however,
suggests that the IQ advantages may only be transient.
Exclusive
vs. combination feeding
There
are a variety of reasons why women choose to supplement their feeding with
breast milk bottles or commercial formulas. Breastfeeding does not have to be
an all-or-nothing proposition. Breast milk might be beneficial to your kid even
if you aren't breastfeeding.
Combination
feeding is when you mix certain feeds with breast milk and others with formula.
Combination feeding has a number of advantages, including:
· skin-to-skin
contact with mother for bonding
· the
benefits of sucking at the breast for oral development
· exposure
to antibodies that aid in allergy and disease prevention
· Mom's
health benefits will continue
Combo
feeding is especially beneficial for working women who don't want to pump at
work or are unable to pump for other reasons. Keep in mind that while a baby is
with their mother, they may "reverse the cycle" and feed more
frequently.
Is
there a risk of breastfeeding for a long time?
The
typical age of weaning varies between 2 and 4 years old in different parts of
the world. In certain societies, children are breastfed until they are 6 or 7
years old.
There
are no known dangers associated with breastfeeding beyond the first one or two
years. There is also no compelling data that suggests that a longer feeding
relationship makes weaning more difficult.
Deciding
to wean
Breastfeeding
with complementary foods should be continued until the child's second birthday
or beyond, according to the WHO. According to the American Academy of
Pediatrics, nursing with meals should be continued until the child's first
birthday, or as long as mother and baby agree.
The
following are some signals that your infant is ready to wean:
· being
over the age of one year old
· gaining
more nourishment from solid foods
· drinking
well from a cup
· gradually
reducing unprompted nursing sessions
· refusing
nursing sessions
However,
the decision to wean is a personal one. Don't panic if you're ready to wean
before your child hits these milestones. Whatever method you use to feed your
kid, you're doing a fantastic job.
How
to wean?
Weaning
begins with the introduction of table meals to the baby, so you may already be
on your way. Once meals have been established, the next step in the process is
to actively stop breastfeeding.
Some
tips:
· Instead
of going cold turkey, taper off to assist your supply decrease without causing
engorgement. For example, drop one or two feeds every one or two weeks.
· Begin
by eliminating noon meals. Because of engorgement, the first and last feedings
of the day are often more difficult to cease.
· Vary
your feeding schedule around your regular mealtime hours. Avoid sitting in
familiar nursing positions, for example.
· Use
a cup or a bottle to serve expressed breast milk. Breast milk benefits will
still be provided to your child, albeit from a different source.
· Apply
cold compresses or cabbage leaves to your breasts to relieve soreness.
Breastfeed
your infant if you detect resistance or if he or she expresses a desire to
nurse. You can always try again tomorrow if the process isn't linear. In the
meanwhile, use meals, toys, plush animals, and other things to occupy yourself.
During the adjustment, make sure to give your child plenty of cuddles and
personal contact.
Conclusion
It
is ultimately up to you and your baby to decide how long you will nurse. There
are benefits for both mother and child if you breastfeed for only a few days,
as well as benefits that last for years. Combination feedings or supplementing
breast milk with other food sources, such as formula or solids, can also help
you and your baby.
Trust
yourself and try not to be concerned about what others may think of your own
choices. If you have any problems or need assistance with feeding, go to your
doctor or a lactation professional in your region.