Benefits Of Breastfeeding: How Long Should You Nurse?

how long to breastfeed a newborn to see benefits

Breastfeeding is a natural process that provides the ideal nutrition for a newborn baby. It is a positive experience for both mother and baby, as it helps create a special closeness and bond. Breast milk provides the perfect array of nutrients, and frequent breastfeeding ensures bonding time for the parent and newborn. Experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for around the first six months of a baby's life, with the introduction of solid foods alongside breastfeeding from six months. Breastfeeding for even a few weeks has benefits, and it is recommended to continue breastfeeding for at least one year.

Characteristics Values
How often should a newborn be breastfed? 8-12 times per day for the first month.
How long should each feed last? This varies depending on the baby. Some prefer frequent short feeds, while others prefer longer feeds.
How long should a mother breastfeed for? The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding up to 2 years or more. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for the first six months, then keeping it up for at least one year.
How long are the benefits of breastfeeding apparent? There are benefits to breastfeeding even if done for just a few days or weeks.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding? Breastfeeding provides ideal nutrition for the baby and helps burn calories for the mother. It also protects the baby from illnesses such as diarrhoea, ear infections, bacterial meningitis, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For mothers, it reduces the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.

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Breastfeeding for the first six months

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for a newborn and offers numerous health benefits for both mother and child. For the baby, breast milk acts as their first immunisation, providing protective antibodies that help to prevent illnesses such as digestive problems, ear infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses. It also supports the baby's digestive system and may even protect against allergens found in other foods.

For mothers, breastfeeding helps to burn calories and can aid in returning to pre-pregnancy shape and weight. It also stimulates the production of oxytocin and prolactin, hormones that can promote feelings of joy and fulfillment. Additionally, breastfeeding may lower the risk of developing various health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer such as breast, ovarian, endometrial, and uterine cancers.

Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is a general guideline, and the frequency of feedings will depend on the individual needs of the baby. Newborns typically feed 8-12 times per day during the first month, and this may gradually decrease to 7-9 times a day as they approach the two-month mark. Responsive feeding, or feeding on demand, is important, as it ensures the baby is getting enough milk and provides comfort and reassurance.

While the first six months are considered ideal for exclusive breastfeeding, it is important to note that any amount of breastfeeding can provide benefits. Even a few weeks of breastfeeding can have positive effects, and mothers should not feel guilty if they are unable to breastfeed for the full six months. The decision to continue or stop breastfeeding should be made based on what works best for the mother and baby.

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Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother

Breastfeeding has many benefits for mothers, and it is recommended that mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months of their baby's life, and then continue breastfeeding for at least a year. Here are some of the benefits that mothers may experience:

Bonding and Closeness

Breastfeeding allows mothers to feel a special closeness and bond with their baby. Skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding can promote a sense of connection and intimacy between mother and child.

Health Benefits

Breastfeeding has been shown to have several health benefits for mothers. It can help lower the risk of developing conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding also provides mothers with the benefit of feel-good hormones, oxytocin, and prolactin, which can contribute to feelings of joy and fulfillment.

Weight Loss

Breastfeeding may help mothers return to their pre-pregnancy shape and weight quicker. The process of nursing helps the uterus contract back to its normal size and can burn an extra 400 to 500 calories per day, aiding in maintaining a healthy postpartum weight.

Cost Savings

Breastfeeding is a cost-effective option as it is free. In contrast, formula feeding can be expensive, with costs averaging over $800 on the low end to upwards of $3,000 in the first year.

Convenience

Breastfeeding can be more convenient than formula feeding as there is no need to prepare or purchase formula. Mothers can breastfeed their babies whenever and wherever they need to be fed, without the hassle of mixing and measuring formula.

Baby's Health

Breastfeeding also provides benefits for the baby's health. Breast milk is easily digestible and provides ideal nutrition for infants. It can help protect the baby from infections, digestive problems, and other health issues. Additionally, breastfeeding has been shown to lower the baby's risk of developing allergies, asthma, and obesity.

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Benefits of breastfeeding for the baby

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for babies, even if done for a short period. Here is a detailed overview of the advantages:

First Hour After Birth:

The benefits of breastfeeding in the first hour include close skin-to-skin contact for the baby and the stimulation of milk production for the mother. At first, the baby receives colostrum, a thick, yellow substance that is the first stage of breast milk. Colostrum contains important nutrients and antibodies to protect newborns.

First Few Days:

Breast milk fully comes in during this period, providing early nutrition and helping protect the baby from infection. It acts as the baby's first immunization, offering protective antibodies for at least the first year of life.

First Three Months:

Breast milk continues to support the baby's digestive system and may provide protection against allergens found in other foods and supplements.

First Six Months:

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Breast milk provides ideal nutrition and ensures frequent bonding time for the parent and newborn. It can also help protect against illnesses like diarrhea, ear infections, and bacterial meningitis, or make their symptoms less severe.

First Year:

Breastfeeding for the first year, as recommended by the AAP, provides continued benefits. Breast milk can still offer energy, protein, vitamin A, iron, and other key nutrients. It also continues to protect the baby from disease and illness as long as they consume it.

Beyond the First Year:

Breastfeeding beyond the first year is considered extended breastfeeding. It is biologically normal, and in many cultures, breastfeeding continues for two or three years or longer. Extended breastfeeding continues to offer protection from disease and illness for both the parent and the baby. Breast milk adapts to meet the growing needs of the baby and provides specific antibodies during times of illness. It remains an easy way to soothe an upset toddler and provides valuable bonding time.

In summary, breastfeeding offers a range of benefits for babies at different stages of development, from providing essential nutrients and antibodies to fostering bonding and comfort.

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How often to breastfeed

How often you breastfeed will depend on your baby and how old they are. Newborns typically feed every one to three hours, and it is normal for them to want to eat 12 or more times per day. Breast milk is easily digested, so newborns are hungry often. Frequent feedings also help stimulate milk production during the first few weeks.

From one to three months, parents can expect to breastfeed every two to four hours. If you plan to exclusively breastfeed your baby and want to keep your milk supply up, remember that the more you breastfeed, the more milk your body will produce.

When your baby is four to six months old, they may be more interested in the world around them and may get distracted during feedings. You may need to find a quiet place to get a full feeding in, or you may find that distracted babies need more frequent, smaller feedings.

Once your baby is six months or older, they can start eating solid foods. You may notice that their feeding patterns change as more solids are offered. If they seem to be breastfeeding less, you may want to offer the breast before solids to encourage continued breastfeeding, as this remains their primary source of nutrition.

After 12 months, breastfeeding patterns vary greatly. Your baby may want to breastfeed mostly before and after sleep times. Other babies continue to breastfeed frequently. Continue to follow your baby’s cues as to how much breast milk they may need.

It is important to note that every baby is different. Some babies want frequent short feeds, while others prefer feeding for longer, or a mixture of both. Let your baby finish the first breast, then offer the second.

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Signs to stop breastfeeding

It is recommended that babies are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months of their lives. From 6 months onwards, solid foods should be gradually introduced while continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years or more. However, the decision to stop breastfeeding is a personal one, and there may be signs that indicate it is time to stop.

Baby's Age and Interest

After 6 months, your baby's interest in breastfeeding may gradually decrease as they start eating solid foods. Once they are established on solids and are taking in adequate nutrition from these foods, they will become less dependent on breast milk for their growth and development. This usually happens around 9 months.

Mother's Absence

If you need to be away from your baby for an extended period, such as a business trip, you may need to stop breastfeeding or temporarily pump and store your milk.

Return to Work

Returning to work is another reason why some mothers choose to stop breastfeeding. However, it is possible to continue breastfeeding while working by discussing a flexible schedule with your employer or learning how to pump and store milk with the help of a lactation consultant.

Mother's Feelings

Some mothers may long for the independence they had before breastfeeding. They may feel guilty, sad, or lonely when their child no longer wants to nurse, and they may miss the bonding experience. Sorting through these emotions with a friend who has gone through a similar experience or by writing in a journal can help.

Baby's Decision

After 9 to 12 months, your child may decide on their own that they no longer want to nurse. They may naturally lose interest in breastfeeding and be ready to transition to other forms of nourishment.

Physical Discomfort

Some mothers experience sore or painful breasts due to incorrect positioning or attachment of the baby during breastfeeding. If you are experiencing discomfort, it is important to seek help from a midwife, health visitor, or breastfeeding specialist, who can provide guidance on positioning and attachment to alleviate these issues.

Inadequate Milk Supply

If you are concerned that your baby is not getting enough milk, it is recommended to consult a midwife, health visitor, or breastfeeding specialist. They can provide advice and suggest ways to increase your milk supply, such as ensuring proper attachment and frequent feedings.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to stopping breastfeeding. It is a personal decision that should be made based on the needs and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Newborn Feeding Demands: Why So Often?

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Frequently asked questions

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for around the first 6 months of your baby's life. After that, it is recommended to continue breastfeeding for at least 1 year, with additional foods being added starting at 6 months. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding up to 2 years or more.

Newborn babies should breastfeed 8-12 times per day for about the first month. By the time your baby is 1-2 months old, they will probably nurse 7-9 times a day.

Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby. Breast milk provides the perfect array of nutrients and ensures frequent bonding time for the parent and newborn. It can also help protect the baby from infection and lower the risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Very occasionally, there are sound medical reasons for not breastfeeding. For example, if you have HIV or are taking medication that could harm your baby. If you are unsure, speak to a midwife or health visitor for information and support.

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