When To Stop Breastfeeding Baby

Breastfeeding is best for your baby and it is beneficial for your health too. Breastfeeding can be challenging at first, and some days it can be frustrating to be constantly on call. However, the benefits to both mom and baby make it a worthwhile option.

A Very common question among many mothers, especially first time mothers is when to stop breastfeeding baby. With all the new information and new studies being done re breastfeeding its no wonder so many women are confused as to when is a good time to stop breastfeeding their babies.

There are many factors to consider when making the decision to stop or continue to breastfeed. Some mothers may opt to stop breastfeeding earlier than others for several reasons. There are some mothers who have to return to work a few months after giving birth and as such may decide to stop breastfeeding or may even decide to stop offering breast milk to baby completely. Some mothers who have to return to work within a couple months after giving birth may opt to pump milk and therefore still offer baby breast milk exclusively.

There are some mothers who opt to wean their babies at 6 months old and introduce formula as well as starter solids eg fruit purees. While there are some mothers who decide to continue breastfeeding for up to 12 months in conjunction to introducing solids and formula. Then there are those who decide to breastfeed well over 12 months as far as up to 36 months.

So When is a good time to Stop Breastfeeding Baby?

For the first 6 months of life your baby will get what he needs from your breast milk. It aids your baby's digestive system, which means constipation and diarrhea is unlikely. The feeding may be done shortly after birth or at least within four hours after birth.

During the first six months of your baby, breastfeeding will do nicely. As such it is recommended that, if possible , babies be breastfed for at least the first 6 months of their lives. It is further recommended that, if possible, babies be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months.

Most pediatricians would agree that 6 months is a good time to slowly introduce solids to baby while still offering breast milk as the main food source for baby. As a mother of two, it is my humble opinion that the decision of when to stop breastfeeding baby is a personal one.

I breastfed my daughter until she was two years old and my son, who is now 11 months old is still being breastfed. I am also proud to say that they are two very active and healthy children.

Some experts on this subject may say 12 months is the ideal age while others will say 6 months and still some may say 24 months. Who is the real Expert? Speaking from experience I can tell you that you will know when it's time to stop breastfeeding.

In most cases your body will tell you or nature will give you a little nudge. Sometimes baby will wean themselves, sometimes the body starts to produce less milk and there are times when mom decides ( as in my case) that baby has had enough.

In conclusion therefore it is important that baby be breastfed for at least the first 6 months of life and exclusively if possible. It is important to remember that breast is best and so baby should be breastfed for as long as possible.