From the Guidelines
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding for at least one year as complementary foods are introduced, as stated in the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Points
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth, and continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods for 2 years or beyond 1.
- Breast milk provides optimal nutrition for infants, containing the perfect balance of nutrients, antibodies, and other bioactive components that support healthy development.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months helps protect infants from infections and diseases while reducing their risk of developing allergies, asthma, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome.
- The gradual introduction of complementary foods after 6 months, while continuing breastfeeding, helps ensure proper nutrition as the infant's needs evolve.
- Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding through reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers, faster recovery from childbirth, and enhanced bonding with their infants.
Recommendation
Based on the most recent and highest quality evidence 1, the recommended duration of breastfeeding is at least one year, with exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, and continued breastfeeding for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.
Evidence
The AAP recommends that birth hospitals or centers implement maternity care practices shown to improve breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity 1. Medical contraindications to breastfeeding are rare, and pediatricians play a critical role in hospitals, their practices, and communities as advocates of breastfeeding and, thus, need to be trained about the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children and in managing breastfeeding 1.
From the Research
Recommended Duration of Breastfeeding
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends providing interventions during pregnancy and after birth to support breastfeeding 2. However, the USPSTF does not specify a particular duration for breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Recommendations from Other Organizations
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth, and continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods, for 2 years or beyond 3.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods up to 2 years of age or beyond 3, 4, 5.
Evidence on Breastfeeding Duration
- Studies have shown that exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months does not result in deficits in weight or length gain, although larger sample sizes are needed to rule out modest differences in risk of undernutrition 4, 5.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months may compromise hematologic status in developing-country settings where newborn iron stores are suboptimal 4, 5.
- Infants who are exclusively breastfed for 6 months have a significantly reduced risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infection 4, 5.
Breastfeeding Support and Duration
- Interventions to support breastfeeding, including professional support, peer support, and formal education, can change behavior and have a moderate net benefit 2.
- Hospitals play an essential role in providing care that helps mothers establish and continue breastfeeding, and implementing Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)-aligned maternity care can improve duration of any and exclusive breastfeeding among mothers 6.