Where We Stand: Breastfeeding

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) believes that breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition through the first year of life. We recommend exclusively breastfeeding for a minimum of four months but preferably for six months, and then gradually adding solid foods while continuing breastfeeding until at least the baby’s first birthday. Thereafter, breastfeeding can be continued for as long as both mother and baby desire it.

Breastfeeding should begin as soon as possible after birth, usually within the first hour. Newborns should be nursed whenever they show signs of hunger—approximately eight to twelve times every twenty-four hours. The amount of time for each feeding varies widely for each mother-baby pair: It may be anywhere from ten to forty-five minutes in the first few weeks.