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How long should your nurse your baby? Here
are some suggestions.
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Baby
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Babies
Moms Parenting
How Long Should You Breastfeed?
by Anne Cavicchi
Unfortunately, the question "how long should a mother nurse her baby?"
does not have an easy answer. Advice given by people, whether it's doctors, a
breastfeeding counselor or your mother, it is confusing and contradictory.
Everyone you talk to has different advice for you. Combine this with the fact
that every mom & baby are different, and you have good reason to be
wondering what is the best thing to do.
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Breastfeeding is by far the best way to feed your
baby. Even many manufacturers of baby formula are saying this! Breast milk is
the perfect food for your baby's development for the first year or more. It
contains antibodies which may protect your baby against some infections.
Breastfeeding also helps reduce the risk of allergies in infants who have a
family history of asthma, food allergy, or eczema. It is easily digested and
contains just the right amount of fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and
minerals. It is inexpensive and require no special equipment or preparation.
Breast milk changes as your baby grows and is the only food needed for the first
4 to 6 months.
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So does that mean you should only breastfeed for
the first 4 to 6 months and then stop? Wean your baby at one year? Yes? No?
Maybe?
There are so many factors involved along with so
many pressures from others. Some will pressure you to breastfeed into the second
year and beyond. Others will argue that your baby should be weaned to a bottle
after a couple of months. Some will say you have to wean before you return to
work. Others will tell you that going back to work doesn't mean you have to
wean. Who's right?
Most proponents of breastfeeding and many of the
experts recommend breastfeeding for the first year or longer. While I totally
agree with this in principle, I say you should breastfeed for as long as you
feel it is the best thing for you and your baby. This is something only you can
decide.
About the Author:
Anne Cavicchi is a Canadian wife and mother of one boy and two step-daughters.
She also owns Annie's
Maternity Corner where you'll find everything you need for
pregnancy and baby! Great products, articles, information and more to see you
through pregnancy and baby's first years at Annie's.
Babies
Moms Parenting
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