How Long to Breastfeed

Based on years of research, these organizations strongly recommend breastfeeding be continued for 1 year or longer:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (PDF, 107KB) recommends breastfeeding for at least 1 year or longer to achieve optimal maternal and child health.
• The Healthy People 2010 Objectives also recommend sustaining breastfeeding throughout the infant’s first year.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (PDF, 124KB) recommends that breastfeeding be continued for up to two years of age or beyond.

Many families breastfeed because they know it is healthier; however, some families who breastfeed stop too soon because of a variety of barriers.

Every family has the right to decide how their baby will be fed, and they deserve accurate information to make that decision. Breastfeeding helps a child maximize his or her health and physical potential, and offers lifelong benefits for the breastfeeding mother and child.

For Questions or Comments, e-mail Nancy Bacon or Rosanne Smith.