How long is breastfeeding recommended?
WHO has global guidelines on breastfeeding, which also influence the recommendations from the Swedish National Food Administration and the Swedish National Board of Health. However, there are different perspectives on breastfeeding and how Swedish parents relate to these recommendations in practice.
What does WHO say about breastfeeding?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child's life. Thereafter, continued breastfeeding as a complementary food for up to two years of age or beyond is recommended. These recommendations are global and therefore make no difference between life in developing and industrialized countries.
What do Swedish parents do in practice?
In Sweden, the trend for breastfeeding has varied over time. According to statistics from the National Board of Health and Welfare, the proportion of children under six months who are breastfed has decreased over the past thirty years. At the same time, there has been an increase in children who are breastfed after six months of age since 2010. This suggests that many Swedish parents continue to breastfeed even after the introduction of solid foods.
Is it weird to breastfeed for a long time – or for a short time?
There is no "right" time horizon for breastfeeding. Some mothers choose to breastfeed longer, while others stop earlier. For some, it is never a choice, but breastfeeding may be stopped by factors they did not anticipate. Historically, it was common in Sweden for children to be breastfed until they were two or three years old, sometimes up to six years old. It is important to remember that every family's situation is unique and that everyone has the right to choose to live in the way that suits their family best.
What affects how long you breastfeed?
How long you breastfeed is influenced by many things, from the child's individual preferences to the mother's personal experience and the family's life situation as a whole.
Baby's personality – some love the breast, others want to move on
Every baby is unique and may have different preferences when it comes to breastfeeding. Some babies really love the breast and may be inclined to continue breastfeeding for a long time, while others show interest in solid foods earlier and simply lose interest in the breast and breastfeeding - new feeding experiences are waiting!
The mother's experience – when the body and life have their say
A mother's physical and emotional well-being and experience of breastfeeding play a major role in how long she chooses to breastfeed. Factors such as breast pain, engorgement or mental health can influence the decision to continue or stop breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is experienced differently and no experience is more right than another.
The family's life situation – work, stress and the opinions of those around them
More practical things, such as returning to work, family routines and the mother's social support, can also affect how long breastfeeding continues. All of these factors play a role in parents making decisions about how to continue feeding their baby. If you want to continue breastfeeding when you return to work, it may be helpful to remember that you actually have the right to both breastfeed and pump breast milk during working hours.
Combining breastfeeding with other foods
The transition from exclusively breast milk to a diet that includes solid foods is an important milestone in your baby's development. This process is called food introduction and usually begins around 6 months of age but can vary slightly depending on the baby's personality and needs.
When do you start introducing food without stopping breastfeeding?
The Swedish National Food Agency recommends starting to introduce solid foods at around six months of age, while continuing breastfeeding. Breastfeeding as a supplement to food can continue for as long as both mother and child wish.
How long can breastfeeding and solid food work together?
Many children continue to breastfeed alongside solid foods until they are one year old or beyond. Breast milk can continue to be an important source of nutrition even after the introduction of other foods. The breast and breastfeeding also serve as a source of closeness and security for the child.
Long-term memory – just for hippies or a superpower?
Long-term breastfeeding is defined as breastfeeding that continues beyond the prevailing cultural norm. What is considered long-term breastfeeding can therefore differ in different countries, cultures and subcultures. In Sweden, breastfeeding that continues after the child is one year old is classified as long-term breastfeeding. For those who want to breastfeed for a long time, studies have shown that there may be benefits for both the child and the mother. It is important to remember that the decision to breastfeed long-term is highly individual and should be based on the needs and wishes of the mother and child. Although there are benefits to long-term breastfeeding, there can be challenges, such as a lack of support from the environment or healthcare.
When will there be more security than food?
For many children, breastfeeding becomes more of a source of comfort and closeness than a primary source of nutrition over time. This is a natural development and can still be valuable for both child and parent.
Time to stop? This is how you know when it's time to say goodbye to breastfeeding
Weaning can be a significant milestone in the lives of both baby and mother. It doesn't have to be, but for some it can be both emotionally and physically challenging. With the right preparation and understanding, the transition can be smooth and positive for everyone involved.
It is important to remember that every baby and mother's journey is unique, and that there is no "right" way or time to stop breastfeeding. By being sensitive to the baby's needs while also considering the mother's wishes, the family can find an approach that works best for them.
Baby's signals – ready or not?
Many babies show themselves when they are ready to stop breastfeeding by gradually decreasing their interest in the breast. This can happen naturally as the baby becomes more interested in solid foods and other activities.
How do you make the end of breastfeeding smooth for everyone?
For many families, weaning occurs naturally and is led by the child. For others, it becomes necessary to stop for practical reasons, for example. A gradual end to breastfeeding is often easiest for both mother and child. Removing one breastfeeding session at a time and replacing it with another food, closeness or activity can make the transition smoother.
Who decides about breastfeeding?
“But are you going to breastfeed again now?” and “Isn’t it time to stop that, is there really any milk left?” Or “Aren’t you breastfeeding, don’t you know how good breastfeeding is?” and “You’re giving up too easily!”
No matter what you do, it can provoke reactions and opinions from those around you. Sometimes from the most unexpected directions. And even though it may be said with all good intentions, it's not certain that you'll perceive it that way when you're the one standing there holding the bottle or the breast.
The truth is - it has nothing to do with anyone. The only person who can decide whether or not to breastfeed, and for how long, is you. BVC should support you in your choice, and there is no reason for those around you to do anything else. If you have all the information, then regardless of what you choose, your baby will be full, happy and well. It is also important to remember that not everyone has a choice. Some cannot breastfeed their child, and should then be entitled to support based on those circumstances.
As a parent, you are responsible for your child's well-being, and you are fully capable of making decisions regarding your baby's food.
How long do you breastfeed then..?
There is no universal answer to the question "How long should you breastfeed?" The most important thing is to find a solution that works for you, your baby, and your family situation. Whether you breastfeed for a few weeks, months, or years, it is important that you feel comfortable and supported on your journey, and that you seek additional support if you need it.
