How long to exclusively breastfeed baby

Whatever you end up doing is OK. When it comes to breastfeeding, there isn't a right or wrong amount of time. So, go ahead and do what's best for you and your child. Try not to worry too much and don't feel guilty if someone says you didn't breastfeed long enough or you breastfed too long.

Have confidence in your choice and the knowledge that you breastfed just the right length of time for you, your child, and your unique situation. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Starting Solid Foods. American Academy of Pediatrics.

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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. February Eidelman, A. Section on Breastfeeding. Pediatrics , 3 , ee Lawrence, Ruth A. Elsevier Health Sciences. Riordan, J. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Fourth Edition. Letting them feed when they need to will ensure they're content and getting the milk they need, when they need it, and will also stimulate your milk supply. Responsive feeding is also to do with your needs. You may want to offer a breastfeed if your breasts are uncomfortably full, or if you need to fit in a feed around other commitments, or if you just want to sit down and enjoy spending some time with your baby.

Yes, you can. Make sure you get a skin-to-skin cuddle with your baby as soon as you're able to. A midwife may help you have a skin-to-skin cuddle while you're still in theatre, or in the recovery room. If you keep your baby close to you and maintain lots of skin-to-skin contact, you'll be able to put them to the breast often and this will stimulate your milk supply. After a caesarean, you might find the "rugby hold" where the baby's body is around to the side of your body, supported by your arm on the same side is preferable to having them lie against your stomach.

Ask a midwife about pain relief so you can feed your baby more comfortably. Very occasionally, there are sound medical reasons for not breastfeeding. For example, if you have HIV or, in rare cases, you're taking a medicine that could harm your baby, such as drugs for treating cancer. If you're not sure whether you should breastfeed your baby, speak to a midwife or health visitor for information and support.

Twins, triplets and other multiples can be breastfed. In fact, because multiple babies are more likely to be born prematurely and have a low birthweight, breast milk is especially important for them. When you start breastfeeding, you may find it easier to feed each of your babies separately.

When you feel more confident, you can feed them at the same time. This may take a few weeks. It can be really helpful to talk to other mothers who have breastfed twins, either at an antenatal group or at a twins group in your area. Triplets can be breastfed, either 2 together and then 1 after, or all 3 rotated at each feed.

Read more about feeding twins or more. The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends breastfeeding for a year, or for as long as mother and baby desire, because it helps ensure normal nutrition and health for your baby. Your baby is probably well established on family foods, too. He has had time to form a solid bond with you — a healthy starting point for his growing independence.

He is now old enough that you and he can work together on the weaning process, at a pace that he can handle. In cultures where there is no pressure to wean, children tend to breastfeed for at least 2 years. It makes sense to build our children's bones from the milk that was designed for them. Your milk provides nutrients, anti-infective factors and other protective substances as long as your child continues breastfeeding.

Mothers who breastfeed long- term have a still lower risk of developing breast cancer. 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!