Little data are available for extended breastfeeding rates in the U.S. One small study of American women who breastfed more than a year found that the average weaning age was between 2 1/2 and 3 years, with some children breastfeeding more than 7 years.
What percentage of mothers breastfeed after 6 months?
Healthy People 2030 Breastfeeding Objectives* Baseline Target
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Increase the proportion of infants who are breastfed exclusively through 6 months of age. 24.9%† 42.4%
Increase the proportion of infants who are breastfed at 1 year. 35.9%† 54.1%
Is it normal to breastfeed a 5 year old?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing up to one year and as long as mutually desired by the mother and the child. For the rest of the world it's very common that toddlers 4 to 5 years old still are nursed by moms for bonding and health reasons.
Is breastfeeding after 2 years harmful?
Like the AAP and WHO, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends continuing to breastfeed for at least 1 year, and says that the health of moms and babies is optimal “when breastfeeding continues for at least 2 years.”
At what age is breastfeeding not beneficial?
The World Health Organization agrees that breastfeeding should continue "up to two years of age or beyond". But Dr Max Davie, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, says there is limited evidence of additional nutritional benefit beyond the age of two.
Can I breastfeed my 7 year old?
"I would say that the benefits of long-term breast-feeding — as long as both mother and child want — are enormous. But people should be informed that nursing a 6-7+year-old is a perfectly normal and natural and healthy thing to be doing for the child, and that their fears of emotional harm are baseless."
Why is breastfeeding recommended for two years and beyond?
According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), a longer duration of breastfeeding is associated with maternal disease reduction and protection. It reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart attack, says the ABM.
At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?
Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond. Babies show they are ready to start solids when they: start showing interest when others are eating.