Up to what age to breastfeed a child: it is necessary, it is possible, desirable

How much you need to feed your baby according to generally accepted norms

Breast milk is a priceless gift of nature.It allows the child to receive everything necessary for growth and development. Milk helps protect the baby from infections. Breastfeeding provides the baby with a sense of security.Up to what age can breastfeeding be fedsolve only two: mother and baby Photo: Getty No artificial mixture is able to give all the necessary elements that are in the mother's milk. This milk contains about 1 thousand components, most of which can not be created artificially. The positive effect of these substances for combating cancer and diabetes is proved.

Up to what age it is desirable to breast-feed

There are expert opinions on breastfeeding, they differ, although they all have in common - recognition of the benefits of mother's milk:

According to WHO standards, babies need to be fed milk for up to 2 years.
Pediatricians say that the baby should be breastfed for up to 1 year, later the milk loses its protective properties.
Feeding consultants offer to extend the period of feeding to 3 years.

As studies have shown, milk does change its composition not only over 2 years, but also several times a day. It does not become less useful because of this.

When can I stop feeding?

Despite the recommendations, you need to be guidedon yourself. A woman does not always have milk, sometimes the mother is sick or separated from the baby. If we talk about proper feeding, when there is a choice, it is worth remembering how babies were fed in ancient times. Women put them to the breast for several years. It is best to focus on the natural process. Over time, a woman gradually stops lactating, and the child stops needing the breast. If the cessation of feeding occurred naturally - this is the ideal option. Often a young woman makes mistakes:

Listens to public opinion or pays tribute to fashion;
tries to plan weaning;
afraid to spoil the figure;
refers to fatigue or early termination of employment.

None of this matters.It is impossible to know in advance how long you will need to maintain this connection with the baby. No one can feel it better than you. There are many ways to restore your figure, and going back to work can easily be combined with breastfeeding the growing eater 2-3 times a day. Only the woman herself can determine how long she will breastfeed her baby. It is better to do this in tandem with the baby, taking into account his characteristics and needs.