Experts and health organizations generally recommend the following guidelines for breastfeeding duration:
- Exclusively breastfeed your baby (no formula, water, or solid foods) for the first 6 months of life. This means breast milk is the only source of nutrition during this time
- After 6 months, gradually introduce appropriate complementary solid foods while continuing to breastfeed. Breastfeeding alongside solids is beneficial and recommended
- Continue breastfeeding for up to 2 years or beyond, as long as it works for both mother and baby. Extended breastfeeding provides ongoing nutritional benefits and immune protection
- The exact length of breastfeeding is a personal decision between mother and baby, with any amount of breastfeeding being beneficial
In summary, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for 1 to 2 years or longer is the widely recommended practice by the WHO, American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC, and other health authorities
