How To Breastfeed Your Baby For One Year

Research about the benefits of breastfeeding - both for mom and baby as well as the world - continue mounting. As a result, more moms than ever are choosing to breastfeed their new babies once they leave the hospital. The numbers of women still nursing at 6 months and one year, however, takes a sharp decline.

photo credit: Tim & Selena Middleton
The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at least one year of nursing. Here are a few of the most important things a mom can do if she wants to breastfeed to that one year mark - and beyond.

1. Find support early on - this means during pregnancy if possible. Attend a breastfeeding support group meeting like La Leche League, or meet with a lactation consultant. Don’t wait too long to get the help you need if you start experiencing problems. Remember that pain means something is going wrong, and that most problems can be remedied with small adjustments in latch on and positioning.

2. Remember early and often - try to nurse the baby in the first two hours after birth if at all possible. Babies are in a “quiet, alert” state during this time and then fall often will asleep for several hours. If that first relaxed nursing session can happen early on, mom and baby will have an easier time later.

3. Be strict about positioning - don’t be afraid to unlatch baby and latch him back on if you’re uncomfortable. Get cozy and use lots of pillows if you need to so that baby is lifted up so you don’t have to lean over and don’t have to hunch your shoulders. Remember to keep baby facing you, tummy to tummy.

4. Listen to the baby - don’t limit the baby’s time at the breast in the early days. Frequent nursing in the early weeks does a lot to ensure a healthy milk supply.

5. Avoid “triple nipple syndrome” - don’t introduce a pacifier or bottle early on. While some babies can switch back and forth easily, some can’t and will refuse the breast.

6. Learn how to nurse in public - A baby sling carrier and a nursing bra can make this easier. Practice latching baby on in front of a mirror so you can be comfortable getting baby arranged discreetly.

7. Remember Dad - get Dad on your side and get him involved in baby’s care. Sometimes Dads or other people who will be caring for the baby can be a little jealous that you’re the only one who feeds him. Make sure he knows how important he is to you and the baby, and help him appreciate the many things he can do to comfort and care for your little one.

8. Relax and enjoy your baby - enjoy nursing sessions with your baby and take the time to really savor your baby. These moments pass so fast, even though feeding him sometimes seems to take forever! The secret to breastfeeding is to trust yourself and your baby and commit to the experience.

About the Author

Carrie is a homeschooling, single work at home mom of 4. She resides in the metro Atlanta area. She can often be found blogging, craving Indian food and listening to Coldplay.

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