Breastfeed is a natural method to feed your baby after giving birth. Your baby receives a great amount of nourishment from breast milk, which also helps to prevent any kind of sickness. Breast milk differs from formula in that it adapts to your child’s growing nutritional needs. It is easily digested and provides all the vitamins and minerals your baby needs. So if you want to find out how long should you breastfeed, this write-up will assist you along with the importance of it.
How long should you breastfeed?
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years of age or beyond.
A) Newborns (0-1 month):
So, how long should you breastfeed newborns? In the first few days after birth, newborns should be breastfed as often as they want, which is typically 8-12 times per day. As the stomach size of a newborn baby is very small, you need to feed them frequently. Breast milk provides perfect nutrition and contains antibodies to help boost their immune system. Mothers should allow their newborn to breastfeed on demand to help establish a good milk supply during this time.
B) 1-3 months:
Babies 1-3 months old still have small stomachs and breastfeed frequently, around 8-12 times in 24 hours. At this age, babies are establishing breastfeeding patterns and mothers should continue feeding on demand. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended as breast milk fulfills all nutritional needs. Most infants will feed for 10-40 minutes per session at this age.
C) 4-6 months:
Around 4-6 months, breastfed babies will start to develop more of a routine and may begin feeding every 3-4 hours. Breast milk should still make up the full nutrition at this age. Feeding sessions may shorten to 5-30 minutes as babies get more efficient at nursing. At 6 months, mothers can begin introducing some solid foods if desired, but breast milk should remain the main source of nutrition.
D) 6-12 months:
From 6-12 months, breast milk continues to be an important part of a baby’s diet as new foods are introduced. The frequency of breastfeeding may decrease to 5-8 times per day but many babies will still feed 1-2 times overnight. At this age, feeding sessions are often shorter in length. Babies greater than 6 months also need a variety of nutrient-rich solid foods besides breast milk.
E) 12+ months:
If you are wondering how long should you breastfeed after 12 months, the answer is 2-4 times a day. As long as mother and baby wish to continue, the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding along with solid foods up to 2 years or beyond. Breast milk adapts as a toddler grows, providing fat, proteins and antibodies. Many mothers choose to continue breastfeeding until the baby self-weans, often between 2-4 years old.
Importance of Breastfeeding
Now that you know how long should you breastfeed, let’s find out the importance of it.
1. Nutrition
Breast milk contains the perfect balance of nutrients, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals needed for a baby’s growth and development in the first year of life. The composition even changes as the baby ages to adapt to their nutritional needs. Formula cannot replicate the nutritional complexity of breast milk.
2. Immunity
Breast milk passes antibodies from the mother to the baby, boosting the baby’s developing immune system. Breastfed babies have stronger immune systems and less risk of ear infections, respiratory illness, diarrhea, allergies and other diseases. Breastfeeding can even help reduce risks for chronic conditions later in life.
3. Bonding
The act of breastfeeding promotes bonding, security and comfort between mother and child. Physical contact helps newborns feel safe and loved. This also releases oxytocin in the mother’s body to promote nurturing feelings.
4. Convenience
Breast milk is always ready at the right temperature and easy to digest. There are no bottles to wash or formula to purchase, measure and mix. This makes breastfeeding an easy and convenient way to feed a baby, day or night.
5. Maternal health
Breastfeeding helps contract the uterus after birth and return it to its normal size more quickly. Exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of the mother’s fertility cycle, which helps with child spacing. Long-term, mothers who breastfeed have lower risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Conclusion
This shall clear your doubts on how long should you breastfeed. You can feed your infant your own breast milk without requiring them to latch onto your breast by using a breast pump machine to pump, or express, your milk. If you face any trouble breastfeeding, consult with your doctor immediately to prevent any danger in future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my baby is getting enough breastmilk?
A: Look for adequate wet diapers (6-8/day) and weight gain. Listen for swallowing during feeds.
Q: What if breastfeeding is painful?
A: You need to ensure proper latch and positioning. You can use warm compresses and massage before feeding.
Q: How can I increase my milk supply?
A: The best solution is to nurse frequently. You can also use breast compression during nursing.
Q: Can I breastfeed if I’m sick?
A: Yes, in most cases as discomfort medicines are usually compatible with breastfeeding.
Q: How do I store breastmilk?
A: Fresh milk can be stored at room temperature for 4 hours. In the refrigerator it is good for up to 4 days. Frozen breastmilk stays usable for 6-12 months in a deep freezer.
Q: What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding?
A: Avoid fish high in mercury. Limit caffeine to 2-3 cups per day. Decrease strong spices if the baby seems sensitive. Most foods you eat will not upset the baby, so no need to restrict diet.
Q: When should I wean my baby?
A: Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for 6 months, with continued breastfeeding plus solids up to 1 year or longer. Begin weaning when mutually desired by mother and child.
