At what age does breastfeeding typically stop for a healthy, full-term infant?

When Does Breastfeeding Typically Stop?

Breastfeeding typically continues for 2 years or beyond as mutually desired by mother and child, with exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods introduced at about 6 months. 1, 2, 3

Evidence-Based Timeline

Exclusive Breastfeeding Phase (Birth to ~6 Months)

• Exclusive breastfeeding (no other liquids or foods) should be maintained for approximately 6 months after birth. 1, 2, 3
• This represents the period when breast milk alone provides complete nutrition for the infant. 2

Transition Phase (Starting at ~6 Months)

• Complementary foods should be introduced at about 6 months, not before 4 months. 2
• Breast milk should remain the major component of the infant's diet as complementary foods are gradually introduced. 2
• The period from 4-6 months to 2 years represents a radical shift from milk-based nutrition to a mature diet. 1

Extended Breastfeeding (Beyond 12 Months)

• The American Academy of Pediatrics supports continued breastfeeding as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond. 1, 3
• Studies confirm that breastfeeding longer than 12 months decreases maternal type 2 diabetes, hypertension, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer rates. 1
• The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of two years of breastfeeding. 4

Real-World Context

Current U.S. Breastfeeding Patterns

• National data from 2018 shows that 83.9% of mothers initiate breastfeeding, but only 56.7% continue any breastfeeding at 6 months and 35.0% at 12 months. 1
• In Norway, where supportive policies exist, 97% of women breastfeed at hospital discharge, 80% at 3 months, and 36% at 12 months. 1

Barriers to Optimal Duration

• Breastfeeding rates decline rapidly between 2-3 months in the U.S., coinciding with maternal return to work or school. 1
• Full-time employment is consistently associated with shorter breastfeeding periods. 1
• Many mothers experience early and undesired weaning due to persistent pain, nipple injury, or lack of workplace support. 5

Important Clinical Considerations

Supporting Extended Breastfeeding

• Mothers who breastfeed beyond the first year often report feeling ridiculed or alienated and may conceal their breastfeeding behavior. 1
• Only one-half of mothers who breastfeed past 1 year discuss their decision with their pediatric provider, and 38% who reported provider unsupportiveness changed providers. 1
• Pediatricians should directly communicate that breastfeeding is a medical and health priority and provide nonjudgmental support. 2

When Weaning Occurs

• There is no universally accepted or scientifically proven time when all breastfeeding must stop. 6
• The timing and process of weaning should be individualized by mother and child, whether abrupt or gradual, child-led or mother-led. 6
• Only 25% of U.S. women are breastfeeding exclusively at 6 months, indicating that many stop earlier than recommended. 5

Common Pitfall

The most critical pitfall is healthcare providers failing to support mothers who wish to breastfeed beyond 12 months or inadvertently communicating judgment about extended breastfeeding, which can lead mothers to change providers or stop breastfeeding prematurely. 1