You can definitely nurse beyond the one year guideline; in fact, extended breastfeeding has plenty of benefits for brain development, the immune system, and mother-child bonding. But according to breastfeeding statistics compiled by the CDC from across America, only about 15 percent of mothers breastfeed at 18 months. Indeed, many women decide that formula-feeding is easier than pumping throughout the workday. If you want to breastfeed for the recommended time frame, there are steps you can take to make everything go smoothly.
Get educated. Signing up for breastfeeding support groups or reading about nursing can help new moms prepare. Reach out to a lactation consultant for any concerns. Seek an online community. Prioritize breastfeeding. But making time to pump will improve the health of both Mother and Baby. Indeed, the Affordable Care Act part of the Fair Labor Standards Act requires many employers to provide these safe spaces, as well as "reasonable" unpaid pumping breaks. In order to reap the benefits of breastfeeding , experts recommend doing it as long as you can.
However, formula is also a great alternative if you can't breastfeed, or if you simply don't want to. Finally, studies have linked breastfeeding with improved cognitive development that extends into childhood. They often develop motor skills at an earlier age and may be less likely to have emotional and behavioral problems. For moms, the advantages of breastfeeding for six months include a lower risk of type 2 diabetes —even decades later, and this includes moms who experienced gestational diabetes with pregnancy too.
Breastfeeding is also a great way to comfort your baby as they experience growth spurts, teething and the occasional bump or bruise. If you go to work, spending this quality time with your little one when you return home encourages one-on-one bonding. Plus, establishing a routine gives you both to look forward to after a day of separation.
Breastfed babies are also less likely to need orthodontia and speech therapy because the sucking and pausing patterns particular to breastfeeding lead to greater oral development. It also influences the airway and shape of the roof of the mouth. For moms, 12 cumulative months of breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer.
However, the benefits double for moms with a lifetime total of two years breastfeeding. The benefits of breast milk extend beyond the first year. The key is to wean when you and your baby are ready. This timeline is not supposed to serve as a guilt trip or put any extra pressure on new moms we have enough of that! Simply look at it as a source of inspiration, especially on those days when you just want to quit. Set a goal to breastfeed for at least the first three months and then mark—and celebrate!
Breastfeeding is a personal decision. You may only feel comfortable breastfeeding for a few weeks, or you may plan to breastfeed for 6 months then end up breastfeeding a toddler. And, you know what? 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.
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American Academy of Pediatrics Breast surgery. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. February Eidelman, A. Section on Breastfeeding. Pediatrics , 3 , ee Lawrence, Ruth A.
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