How long should I breastfeed my baby?

Hello, dear 23 Mai Paris ! One of the questions most often on the mind of a breastfeeding mom, whether a novice or an experienced one, is: "How long should I breastfeed my baby?". It's a question fraught with expectations, outside opinions and, above all, a deep desire to do what's best for our little ones. At 23 Mai Paris, we understand that this is a very personal decision, and we want to offer you clear information, based on expert recommendations and the experience of thousands of mothers, so that you feel confident and empowered, however long you decide to breastfeed.

The starting point: what do the experts say?

To begin with, it's a good idea to be familiar with the recommendations of the main global and national health organizations, as they provide us with a solid scientific basis:

World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF :

They recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. This means that the baby receives only breast milk, with no other food or drink, not even water (your milk contains everything the baby needs!).

From 6 months :

It is advisable to introduce nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods (porridges, small pieces, depending on the method you choose), while continuing to breastfeed until the child is 2 years or older, or until both mother and child wish to do so.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

It shares similar recommendations, supporting exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, then continuing with complementary foods, ideally up to the age of one year and beyond, according to the mutual wishes of mother and child.

Mexican Health Secretariat and official Mexican standards :

They are generally in line with WHO recommendations, encouraging exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding with complementary foods up to the age of two or more.

Why "until the age of 2 or more"? The incredible benefits of prolonged breastfeeding

The recommendation "up to 2 years or more" may surprise you. In our culture, we often think of breastfeeding beyond one year as something "abnormal" or unnecessary. But nothing could be further from the truth! Your milk remains a nutritional and emotional treasure for your child, even when he's already eating a wide variety of foods.

Benefits for your baby:

1. Continuous and adapted feeding : your milk is intelligent! Its composition continues to evolve to meet the needs of your growing child. It continues to provide high-quality proteins, essential fats for brain development, vitamins and minerals. Even after one year, it can cover a significant part of his caloric and nutritional needs.
2. Constant reinforcement of the immune system: Your milk is rich in antibodies, living cells and immune factors that protect your child against infection. This protection is particularly valuable when your child starts going to nursery or exploring the world, exposing himself to more germs. Breastfeeding an older child who's ill means offering comfort and an extra dose of immune defence.
3. Digestive health : Breast milk is easy to digest and promotes healthy intestinal flora at all ages.
4. Cognitive development: Some studies suggest a link between longer breastfeeding and better cognitive development.
5. Emotional comfort and bonding: For a young child, the breast is not just a source of nourishment, it's also a source of comfort, security, love and refuge. It's a wonderful tool for calming him when he's sad, scared, tired or hurt. It strengthens the unique bond between you.
6. Reduced risk of chronic disease: Prolonged breastfeeding has been associated with a lower risk of overweight, obesity and type 2 diabetes in adulthood.

Benefits for you, Mom :

Yes, you benefit too!

1. Reduced cancer risk: Breastfeeding longer (cumulatively) reduces your risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
2. Protection against other diseases: Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
3. Helps postpartum recovery: Although the impact is greatest in the first few months, prolonged breastfeeding can continue to help your body.
4. Emotional bonding: It's a special moment of connection with your child, a break from the daily hustle and bustle.

Factors influencing YOUR decision about the duration of breastfeeding

Although the recommendations are a guide, the final decision is a compromise between your baby's needs, your needs and your context:

• Your baby's signs: Some babies show a gradual, natural detachment from the breast (respectful or child-led weaning). Others may continue to be happy until the age of 3 or 4, or even longer, if left to their own devices.
• Your well-being and comfort: How do you feel when you're breastfeeding an older child? Do you find it pleasant, exhausting, or both? It's perfectly normal for your feelings to change over time.
• Your lifestyle: Going back to work, work schedules, other children can all have an influence. However, it is possible to breastfeed and work! At 23 Mai Paris, we know that the right clothes can help. Our Breastfeeding t-shirts and Breastfeeding dresses are designed to allow you to express milk or breastfeed discreetly at work or elsewhere.
• Social or cultural pressure: Unfortunately, sometimes comments or looks can make you doubt whether you should breastfeed an "older" child. Remember the experts' recommendations and, above all, trust your instincts and what's best for your family. You'll find support and information in our previous blogs to help you feel more confident.
• New pregnancies: Some women continue to breastfeed during a new pregnancy (tandem breastfeeding after the birth of the new baby), others decide to wean.

Breastfeeding on demand: essential at every stage

Whether your baby is a few days old, a few months old or several years old, breastfeeding on demand remains the guiding principle. This means that you breastfeed your baby when he asks for it, not only because he's hungry, but also because he's thirsty, needs to be comforted or needs to be touched.

• Newborns: Breastfeed very frequently, 8 to 12 times every 24 hours, or even more. Their stomachs are tiny!
• Babies from 6 months to 1 year: Feeding may become less frequent as complementary feeding takes hold, but breast milk remains their main source of nutrition.
• Small children (toddlers) : their feeding habits can be highly variable. Some days they feed more (if they're sick, tired or going through a change), others less. Feeds may be shorter and "on the go".

Adapting to the different stages of breastfeeding:

• The first six months (exclusive breastfeeding): Concentrate on a good latch, breastfeed on demand and enjoy this close contact. Your comfort is essential; make sure you have good posture and wear nursing clothes that facilitate access, such as our comfortable nursing sweatshirts for cooler days.
• From six months to one year (introduction of solid foods) : breast milk remains the priority. At first, offer breast milk BEFORE solid foods. As your baby eats more solid foods, the order may vary. Continue to breastfeed on demand.
• Over one year (breastfeeding with a toddler): Here, breastfeeding becomes much more than just a matter of nutrition. It's a powerful parenting tool.
• Handling "emergencies": a child running around can call for the breast at any moment. Having practical clothes from our nursing wear collection will make your life easier.
• Limits (if necessary): if you feel you need to set certain limits (for example, not breastfeeding in certain places or at certain times), you can do so in a respectful way, offering alternatives and explaining with kindness.
• "Acute mamitis": it's normal for young children to seek the breast more during phases of anxiety linked to separation or major changes.

Withdrawal: a gradual, emotional process

Sooner or later, breastfeeding comes to an end. Weaning is a process that can be initiated by the baby (natural or child-directed weaning) or by the mother.

• Child-led weaning : usually progressive. The child gradually loses interest. It can occur between the ages of 2 and 4, or even later.
• Mother-led weaning: if you decide the time is right, proceed gradually and respectfully:
• Don't offer, don't refuse (if possible): start by not actively offering, but don't refuse if the child asks.
• Replace feeds: start with the feed that seems least "important" to your child (perhaps the mid-afternoon feed) and replace it with a snack, a game, a story, lots of cuddles.
• Distraction: offer alternatives when he asks for the breast.
• Push back: "Not now, darling, but in a little while / after we've finished playing this".
• Talk to your child: explain in simple words (if he's old enough to understand) that you're changing certain things.
• Lots of patience and love: there will be better days and harder days. Be flexible.

Weaning is an emotional process for both you and your baby. Let yourself feel these emotions. There's no rush. If one strategy doesn't work, try another or wait a while.

Nursing clothes: your long-term ally

No matter how long you decide to breastfeed, at 23 Mai Pariswe want you to feel comfortable and stylish. Our nursing clothes are designed to accompany you from the very first days until you and your baby decide it's time to close that chapter. The ease of access, discretion and quality of our garments will enable you to integrate breastfeeding into your daily life without complications, encouraging you to continue for as long as you like.

So when is the "right" time?

The "right" time to breastfeed is the time that's right for you and your baby. There's no magic expiration date. Expert recommendations give us an ideal minimum, but it's up to the two of you to decide on the maximum. It could be six months, one year, two years, three years or more. Every drop of breast milk and every moment of connection counts.

Trust your instincts, get informed, seek support from those around you (and here at 23 Mai Paris, you'll always be welcome!) and enjoy this unique experience. Whatever you decide, it will be the best for your family!

How long have you breastfed or do you plan to breastfeed? What challenges or joys have you encountered along the way? We'd love to hear from you in the comments!