By Mike Tattersall

It is recommended by the American Pediatrics Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) that new moms breastfeed their babies for at least 6 months.  Once the baby reaches 6 months, solid foods can be introduced into the diet.  However, breast milk or formula is still the main source of nutrition for the first year of life, so mothers can certainly continue to breastfeed beyond 6 months.

To extend breastfeeding beyond 6 months, a new mom must have good habits from the start to make the process enjoyable.  Too often, new moms haven’t quite adapted to nursing their little ones, so in turn are anxious to quit nursing.  If a mom wants to extend breastfeeding, there are a few tips to consider.

First, make sure the baby latches on and suckles properly.  Breastfeeding should not be painful or uncomfortable.  Some babies latch on better than others, so if a mom happens to have a baby that puts up a fight, she shouldn’t be afraid to seek help.  There are plenty of free breastfeeding support groups and classes that can be attended.  Furthermore, there are lactation consultants available at the hospital when the baby is first born.

Second, a new mom must nurse frequently.  Nursing often builds up the milk supply and also gives a mom and her baby the chance to bond.  While the first 6 months of life are often filled with hours of on demand nursing, moms will begin to nurse a less as their babies grow older.  This is because the baby begins eating solid foods and becomes fuller.  The main source of nutrition the baby needs will still come from the breast milk however.

Experts also agree that if moms want to extend breastfeeding beyond 6 months, they should limit the use of bottles and pacifiers.  This can be difficult, especially if a mom has to return to work.  The best approach is to express breast milk for during the day while the mom is at work and then nurse in the mornings and evenings.  Also choose a bottle that closely resembles a mother’s nipple.

Pacifiers are often used for comfort, so if a mom wants to extend breastfeeding, she can instead let her baby suckle for comfort.  This will encourage the baby to breastfeed longer and also avoid the use of a pacifier.

While extending breastfeeding beyond 6 months has its advantages, new moms may still be subject to criticism, especially if they continue to breastfeed past 1 year.  To help encourage this decision, moms can join a breastfeeding support group.  It’s also important for a mom to surround herself with people who are supportive of the decision.

When the baby is ready to wean, don’t try to force the issue of breastfeeding.  Babies wean themselves naturally at different ages.