How long should you breastfeed your baby? The real answer (no pressure)

How long should I breastfeed? Three months? Six months? A year? Even longer? Between official recommendations, the opinions of those around you and your own feelings, it can be difficult to know what's "right" - for your baby and for you. So, what is the ideal duration of breastfeeding? And at what point can (or should) you stop? Here's what you need to remember, without pressure, and with kindness.

What is the recommended duration of breastfeeding?

The major health authorities agree on this point:

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child's life, followed by breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond, in addition to a diversified diet.
In France, Santé publique France and the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months, then mixed breastfeeding for as long as mother and child wish.

👉 There's no official "deadline" for quitting. This choice depends on you, your baby and your life context.

And in real life, how long do we breastfeed on average?

In France, durations are shorter than elsewhere:

70% of mothers start breastfeeding at birth
But only 25% are still exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months.
And less than 10% at 6 months

In other countries (Sweden, Norway, Canada...), breastfeeding rates at 6 months exceed 50%. But every journey is different - there's no need to feel guilty if your situation is different.

When breastfeeding is no longer enough: when to introduce other foods?

Around the age of 6 months, breast milk is no longer sufficient to cover all your baby's nutritional needs (particularly iron and zinc). This is the time to introduce a complementary diet, known as diversification.

But beware:
🍼 This doesn't mean stopping breastfeeding, just supplementing it. Breast milk remains an essential source of nutrients and antibodies for up to 1 year, and even beyond.

Can you breastfeed longer?

Yes, it's perfectly possible (and beneficial) to continue breastfeeding after 12 months. Breast milk continues to adapt, remains rich in antibodies and provides emotional comfort.

💡 Long breastfeeding is common in many cultures, sometimes for up to 2, 3 or even 4 years.

What's important? That you're in line with your choice, and that breastfeeding remains a positive experience, free of constraints.

When should I stop breastfeeding?

There's no universal ideal moment. You can stop :

when you feel the need
when your baby starts to turn away from the breast
when breastfeeding becomes a mental or physical burden

Some mothers stop after 3 weeks, others go on for 3 years. And all these durations are valid. The important thing is to listen to your body, your baby and your family's equilibrium.

5 tips for choosing the right breastfeeding duration (for you)

✅ Don't compare yourself: every journey is unique.
✅ Trust your feelings: you're the one who's breastfeeding.
✅ Get information from reliable sources (WHO, Ameli, PMI...).
✅ Don't be afraid to adjust or change your mind along the way.
✅ Surround yourself: midwife, IBCLC consultant, support group...

In short: the best breastfeeding time is the one that suits you best.

There are no hard and fast rules. Breastfeeding can last 3 days, 3 months or 3 years, as long as it's an informed and conscious choice. Your baby needs love, presence and security - and you're already providing that.

FAQ - Duration of breastfeeding

What is the ideal duration of breastfeeding?
The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months, then mixed breastfeeding up to 2 years or more.

When should you stop breastfeeding?
Whenever you decide. There's no fixed age. The right time is the one that suits your family.

When is breast milk no longer enough?
Around 6 months, it's time to diversify. Milk remains important in parallel.

Is it bad to breastfeed for less than 6 months?
No. Any duration of breastfeeding, however short, is beneficial. There's no such thing as "bad" breastfeeding.

Written by Eléonore de Ganay