How Long Should I Breastfeed?

Whether you are a new mother or a seasoned pro, there is one constant in the journey of parenthood…

Questions. Lots of them. 

One of the most frequent questions I receive is, "How long should I breastfeed?"

The truth is, like so many aspects of parenting, there is no single "right" answer. The ideal duration for breastfeeding is a deeply personal decision that depends on a variety of factors unique to every family.

There are several things I encourage you to consider when determining your breastfeeding goals. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, among others, recommends early breastfeeding and continued exclusive breastfeeding through the first six months of life, with introduction of complimentary foods at that point. Breastmilk should remain the primary nutrition up until a year of age.  Here is the kicker that may surprise you. Continued breastfeeding through 2 years and beyond is now a formal recommendation. 

Consider the many benefits to breastfeeding both for moms and babies. I think we often consider the benefits to baby’s health, but it is important to realize that breastfeeding also benefits the mother in many ways in he long term health. 

Your “Why” is another HIGE factor in how long you will breastfeed. Things like culture, previous experience, your exposure to breastfeeding as normal, and how you understand the benefits of breastfeeding are among the factors that will impact your why behind your goal. Breastfeeding is a highly personal and intimate, I highly encourage you to identify your why in addition to setting your goal.

What is your why? Ask yourself, “why do I want to breastfeed?” 

Another thing to consider is what life looks like for you and your family. Will you be mainly staying at home with your new little one or will you be returning to work. The good news, with todays time is that pumps are very accessible and pumping and returning to work is very common. 

Once you have your why, identify your goal. 

At the heart of this decision is the "dyad"—the bond between mother and baby. Every baby is an individual, and every mother’s experience is different. You might even find that your journey looks completely different from one child to the next.

It is important to remember that breastfeeding goals aren't set in stone. They can, and often do, change throughout your journey. Some mothers find themselves breastfeeding much longer than they originally planned. Others may choose to end their journey earlier than expected, or find it ending due to reasons outside of their control. It is very important to me, that mothers are supported in their breastfeeding journeys. If you are thinking of stopping, simply because you need help and cannot find it, it is my prayer you find this post and message me. Seriously shoot me a text 561-264-7139. Sometimes a goal is as simple as "let me get through the next feed," while other times it is "we will wean whenever my baby is ready." Ultimately, the journey is led by YOU. 

My goal is to ensure that families are well-informed, supported, and empowered. Whether we are setting prenatal goals or navigating changes months down the line, the focus remains on evidence-based care and your personal well-being. Ultimately, the "right" length of time to breastfeed is whatever works best for you and your baby.