A simple question without simple answers

For some mothers, getting the baby to start breastfeeding was an enormous challenge. They spent so much time reading about breastfeeding, researching ways to get a fussy baby to take to the breast, and consulting lactation specialists that the idea of weaning the baby seems almost unimaginable.

However, weaning is something that must take place for every breastfed child, so the real question is when should you start to wean?

Experts politely disagree

Experts disagree about the ideal time to stop breastfeeding and some researchers even encourage parents to continue breastfeeding as long as the child and mother are both willing and able to do so.

Generally, leaders in this field agree that, if at all possible, it is ideal for the baby to consume only breast milk for the first six months of his or her life. The American Association of Pediatricians encourages mothers to continue breastfeeding along with supplementary foods for another six months, which would mean weaning your infant at 1 year.

However, the World Health Organization doubles this time period in their recommendations, telling mothers to continue breastfeeding for two years if they are able to do so.

Trust your mother’s intuition

So when should you wean your baby from breastfeeding? Only you can make the right choice for your baby and for yourself. If you have to return to work sooner than six months, you may want to consider pumping and storing your breast milk during the day and breastfeeding at night. If this is not possible, make adjustments that work for you.