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!
Don't worry that your child will breastfeed forever. All children stop on their own, no matter what you do, and there are more breastfeeding youngsters around than you might guess. And whenever weaning takes place, remember that it is a big step for both of you.
Breastfeeding: an Introduction provides a basic outline of the key aspects of breastfeeding. How long should I breastfeed my baby? Breastfeeding: an introduction booklet Breastfeeding: an Introduction provides a basic outline of the key aspects of breastfeeding. Last reviewed:. However, most breastfeeding difficulties can be overcome with help. An Australian Breastfeeding Association counsellor , lactation consultant or maternal and child health nurse can offer you information and support.
Returning to the paid workforce need not mean having to wean. Many parents combine breastfeeding with part or full-time work , study and other commitments.
If you decide on a bottle, eventually your baby will need to be weaned from that. Start with whichever breastfeed of the day your baby seems least interested in. If the breasts are uncomfortable when a feed is missed, you may need to express a small amount for comfort, to avoid blocked ducts or discomfort from fullness. Reduce either the time of expressing or volume removed over days for the breasts to adjust. The concentration of antibodies to bacterial and viral diseases in breastmilk is increased as weaning progresses and milk supply reduces.
This ensures that your baby is protected as they are being introduced to new foods and exploring new surroundings. Remember to give your baby plenty of cuddles during the weaning process so that you and your baby still have plenty of close time together.
Slowly reducing the number of breastfeeds protects your baby during the weaning period and will also help you avoid problems such as mastitis.
If you need to wean your baby quickly, talk to a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant about caring for your breasts. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.
Babies show they are ready to start solids when they:. A baby born at full term has a store of iron passed on from the mother during pregnancy. Breastmilk contains small amounts of readily absorbed iron, and recent studies have shown that the risk of iron deficiency is very low in full-term healthy breastfed babies who continue to breastfeed past 6 months as solids are introduced.
If you become pregnant , you may choose to continue to breastfeed or you may like to gradually wean your baby. This is an individual choice. Whether or not you choose to continue breastfeeding, it is important to maintain a healthy diet. Seek advice from your health professional or the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Some parents and babies enjoy breastfeeding so much they are in no hurry to stop. It is not unusual for children up to 4 years of age to continue to be breastfed. Family members and friends may feel uncomfortable about extended breastfeeding and it can be helpful to have information to give your family and friends about why you have decided to keep breastfeeding.
This may include information about the continued health benefits, security and comfort for your child. You may be ready to cease breastfeeding, but your child may resist all your attempts to do so. There are many strategies for weaning a baby. Unfortunately the child would need to be able to take a bottle, sippy cup, or straw cup comfortably before you are able to wean, to ensure they are able to take adequate feed volumes.
Protocol Persistent Pain with Breastfeeding external icon. Breastfeeding Medicine , 11 2 American Academy of Pediatrics. Red Book Online, To receive email updates about this topic, enter your email address. Email Address. What's this? Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. Related Topics. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
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