Breast milk doesn't "stop" at a specific age; rather, breastfeeding can continue for as long as the mother and child desire. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for two years or beyond.
Understanding Weaning
The process of stopping breastfeeding is known as weaning. Weaning is a gradual process, not an abrupt one, and its timing is a personal decision for the mother and child. There is no "right" age to stop breastfeeding; it depends on various factors:
- Mother's preferences: The mother's comfort level and desires play a significant role.
- Child's needs and readiness: The child's nutritional requirements, developmental stage, and emotional dependence are important considerations.
- Cultural norms: Cultural practices can influence the duration of breastfeeding.
- Health considerations: Medical advice may influence the decision to wean in some cases.
Recommended Duration of Breastfeeding
Here's a summary of breastfeeding recommendations from leading health organizations:
| Organization | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| World Health Organization (WHO) | Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, then continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years or beyond. |
| American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) | Exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant. They recognize the WHO's longer recommendation. |
| UNICEF | Supports the WHO's recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years or beyond. |
Key Takeaways
- Breastfeeding can extend beyond infancy, continuing into toddlerhood and even preschool years.
- The optimal duration of breastfeeding is a personal choice, with no fixed age limit.
- The WHO recommends breastfeeding for two years or beyond, alongside complementary foods after six months.
- Weaning should be a gradual and responsive process.
