What is the average age mothers stop breastfeeding?

The Average Age Mothers Stop Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers. However, the question of when to stop breastfeeding is complex and varies significantly among families. Recent insights reveal that while many mothers initiate breastfeeding, the duration can differ greatly based on personal circumstances, cultural norms, and health recommendations.
Initial Trends in Breastfeeding Duration
According to health data, over 90% of mothers begin breastfeeding at birth, reflecting a strong commitment to this natural practice. However, by the time infants reach six months, only about 40% of mothers continue to breastfeed exclusively. This drop-off highlights the challenges many face in maintaining breastfeeding amidst various life pressures.
Cultural and Personal Factors Influencing Weaning
The average age at which mothers stop breastfeeding can vary widely. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for at least one year. However, many mothers choose to breastfeed well into toddlerhood. Anthropological studies suggest that the natural age of self-weaning—when a child decides to stop breastfeeding on their own—ranges from approximately 2.5 to 7 years.
In practice, it is not uncommon for children to continue breastfeeding until they are four years old or older, depending on the family’s comfort and cultural practices. This extended duration is often seen in families where breastfeeding is viewed as a normal part of child-rearing, rather than a phase that must end at a specific age.
Health Recommendations and Personal Choices
Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), advocate for breastfeeding up to two years or beyond, emphasizing the importance of continued breastfeeding for both nutritional and emotional support. Yet, the decision to stop breastfeeding is deeply personal and can be influenced by factors such as the mother’s work commitments, the child’s readiness, and the overall family dynamics.
Ultimately, while the average age for stopping breastfeeding can be around one year, many mothers find themselves breastfeeding for longer, reflecting a blend of health recommendations and personal choice. The journey of breastfeeding is unique for each mother and child, shaped by individual circumstances and societal influences.

Will I lose weight after I stop breastfeeding?

It’s normal to store extra fat during pregnancy to be used up while breastfeeding. Mothers vary in when they lose this extra weight. For some it is in the early weeks, some later and for others it’s not until after they have stopped breastfeeding.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

But Dr Max Davie, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, says there is limited evidence of additional nutritional benefit beyond the age of two. “By the age of two, a child should get all the nutrients required through their diet so there is no additional benefit to breastfeeding over this age.”

How long are humans meant to breastfeed?

In the US, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and to continue for at least 12 months5. But in other countries, the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to the age of 2 or beyond6.

What is the oldest breastfed child?

A British mother has revealed how she will miss breastfeeding her daughter after the youngster finally weaned – at age 9. Sharon Spink, a mom of four, insisted that feeding daughter Charlotte until earlier this year was completely normal and has cemented a lifelong bond between them.

At what age do most mothers stop breastfeeding?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

How many years can a woman produce breast milk?

It usually takes several weeks for your breasts to completely stop producing milk after you stop breastfeeding. Some women continue to produce milk up to 2 years after they have stopped breastfeeding. Contact your GP if you’ve stopped breastfeeding and: you’re still producing a lot of milk.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

As you may have read in my other blog about a baby’s breastfeeding crisis, a breastfeeding crisis, sometimes called a growth spurt, is a common phrase used to describe a phase where mothers may encounter significant breastfeeding challenges, typically related to an increase in milk demand from the baby.

How long does the average mom breastfeed?

Among those who breastfed, average duration was 6.9 months; when stratified by race, breastfeeding duration was longest among White mothers at 7.3 months, followed by mothers of other races at 6.3 months, while Black mothers had shortest average duration, with 5.1 months.

How long are you meant to breastfeed for?

How long should I breastfeed? If you choose to breastfeed, it’s recommended that babies should consume only breast milk for around the first 6 months of their lives. After this, it is recommended that they continue to be breastfed for 2 years and beyond, alongside eating other foods.

What is the longest a mother has breastfed?

Percent of mothers who breastfed were as follows: never (28.6%), 6 weeks (50.3%), 6 months (26.4%), 9 months (16.6%), 12 months (9.7%), 18 months (2.7%), 20 months (1%). We windsorized the 2% of mothers who reported breastfeeding longer than 24 months.