Birthday Gift
Rewards Points
Member Coupon
Table of Contents
Six months isn't the finish line for breastfeeding. A lot of moms think once their baby starts eating real food, breast milk becomes less important. That's not true at all. Your milk keeps doing amazing things for your baby's health long after those first purees.
Both the AAP and WHO say keep going through the first year and beyond. Whether you're dealing with work schedules, worried about supply issues, or hearing opinions from everyone and their mother, we've got you covered on breastfeeding after six months.
How Long Should You Breastfeed?
There's no single right answer. It depends on your situation, your baby's needs, and what feels right for your family. That said, health organizations do offer guidelines based on research.
When Do Most Moms Stop Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding rates drop fast after six months. CDC data shows 84% of U.S. mothers start breastfeeding, but only 55.8% continue at six months. By 12 months, just 36% are still nursing.
Why do moms stop? Work makes pumping hard. Some worry about milk supply. Others feel pressure from family or friends. Many think breast milk isn't important once solids start—but that's not true.
Where you live matters too. In many European countries, moms nurse for 6-12 months. In parts of Asia and Africa, two to three years is standard. In the U.S., nursing a toddler is less common and sometimes criticized, though it's perfectly healthy.
Expert Recommendations by Age
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
The AAP says breastfeed exclusively for six months—no water, juice, or solids. After that, continue nursing while adding solid foods for at least 12 months total. Their 2022 update recommends two years or longer if you and your baby want to continue.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, then nursing alongside solids for two years or more. This applies worldwide and is based on clear health benefits that last well beyond the first year.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC tracks breastfeeding rates and supports the AAP guidelines. The 2025 data shows that most moms start nursing but stop before hitting recommended milestones. The CDC says any breastfeeding helps, but longer is better for both mom and baby.
Experts agree that nursing for at least one year is best, with extra benefits if you go longer. Don't stop at six months just because your baby started eating solids. Your breast milk stays valuable for as long as you continue.
Benefits of Breastfeeding After 6 Months
Breast milk doesn't lose its value after six months. Many benefits actually get stronger the longer you nurse.
Breast milk stays valuable after six months. Many benefits actually increase the longer you nurse.
For Your Baby
1. Health Protection That Gets Stronger
Babies breastfed past six months get sick less often:
- 63% fewer ear infections
- 72% fewer respiratory hospitalizations
- 64% fewer stomach bugs
- 50% lower UTI risk
Your milk contains antibodies that may adapt to whatever bacteria you meet. When you catch a cold, your body produces antibodies, which it then passes on to your kid. This is something that the formula cannot achieve.
2. Smarter Babies
Children who have nursed for at least 6 months score 3-5 points higher on IQ testing. DHA in breast milk promotes brain development, resulting in kids' improved problem-solving and memory by age three. They also speak early and have more vocabulary.
3. Perfect Nutrition
Your milk changes as your baby develops. At 6-12 months, it gives 50% of the calories. At 12-24 months, it still provides 30-35% of their calorie needs, as well as the majority of their vitamin A, C, and folate requirements. The enzymes also aid in the digestion of solid foods, which helps to alleviate constipation.
For Mom
1. Lower Cancer Risk
For every 12 months you nurse, breast cancer risk drops by 4.3%. Nurse for 18+ months and ovarian cancer risk drops 30%.
Duration matters:
- 6-12 months: 20% lower breast cancer risk
- 12-24 months: 28% lower risk
- 24+ months: 37% lower risk
2. Faster Weight Loss & Stronger Bones
Nursing burns 500-700 kcal (calories) or 2,100 – 2,900 kJ (kilojoules) daily. Most breastfeeding moms reach pre-pregnancy weight by 6-12 months versus 18+ months for others. Your bones also rebuild denser after weaning, reducing osteoporosis risk.
3. Better Mental Health
Breastfeeding releases oxytocin and prolactin, which reduce stress and anxiety. Moms who nurse past six months have lower postpartum depression rates.
4. Convenience & Savings
No bottles, no formula, no prep work. Your milk is always ready. Formula costs $2,000-2,500 from 6-24 months. Breastfeeding costs nearly nothing.
Plus, nursing gives you quiet bonding time and helps both of you sleep better thanks to natural hormones in breast milk.
Breastfeeding + Solid Foods: How to Balance Both
Starting solid foods doesn't mean stopping breastfeeding. The two work together to give your baby complete nutrition. Here's how to balance both as your baby grows.
How Feeding Changes Month by Month
| Age | Breast Milk | Solid Foods | Nursing Sessions | Meals Per Day |
| 6-8 months | 90% of calories | 10% of calories | 5-7 times | 1-2 meals |
| 9-11 months | 60-70% of calories | 30-40% of calories | 4-6 times | 3 meals |
| 12-18 months | 30-40% of calories | 60-70% of calories | 3-4 times | 3 meals + snacks |
| 18-24 months | 20-30% of calories | 70-80% of calories | 2-4 times | 3 meals + snacks |
6-8 Months: What to Expect
At six months, breast milk is still your baby's main food source. Solids are just for practice and exploration at this stage. Your baby should still nurse 5-7 times per day, getting most calories from breast milk.
Start with simple foods like:
- Iron-fortified baby cereal mixed with breast milk
- Pureed vegetables (sweet potato, carrots, peas)
- Mashed fruits (banana, avocado, cooked apple)
Offer solids once or twice a day, usually after a nursing session when your baby isn't starving but is alert and interested. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and work up to 4-6 tablespoons per meal.
Breast milk provides about 90% of calories at this stage. Don't worry if your baby only takes a few bites—they're learning to chew and swallow, not filling up.
9-11 Months: Increasing Solids
Your baby will naturally eat more solid foods during this period, but breast milk still provides 60-70% of their nutrition. Nursing sessions typically drop to 4-6 times per day.
Your baby can now handle:
- Soft finger foods (small pasta, soft-cooked vegetables)
- Proteins (eggs, chicken, beans, tofu)
- Dairy (yogurt, cheese)
- More textures and variety
Offer solids three times a day at regular mealtimes. Portions increase to about half a cup per meal. Your baby will start showing preferences and may refuse foods—this is normal.
Keep nursing before or after meals. Some babies prefer to nurse first, others want solids first. Follow your baby's cues. Don't force either breast milk or solids.
12+ Months: New Dynamics
After one year, solids become the main source of nutrition, providing about 70% of calories. Breast milk shifts to a supplement that provides immune protection, comfort, and extra nutrients. Most toddlers nurse 2-4 times per day.
Your toddler can eat almost everything you eat (cut into safe pieces):
- Family meals with varied textures
- All food groups
- Three meals plus 1-2 snacks daily
Nursing patterns change. Many toddlers nurse when they wake up, before naps, and at bedtime. Some only nurse for comfort or connection rather than hunger. This is fine—breast milk still offers benefits even in smaller amounts.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Here are sample schedules at different ages. These are guidelines—your baby's schedule may look different.
Sample Schedule: 6-8 Months
- 7:00 AM - Nurse upon waking
- 9:00 AM - Solids (2-4 tablespoons cereal or fruit)
- 10:30 AM - Nurse before morning nap
- 12:30 PM - Nurse after nap
- 2:30 PM - Nurse before afternoon nap
- 5:00 PM - Solids (2-4 tablespoons vegetables)
- 6:30 PM - Nurse
- 8:00 PM - Nurse before bed
- Night - 1-2 night feedings
Sample Schedule: 9-11 Months
- 7:00 AM - Nurse upon waking
- 8:00 AM - Solids breakfast (1/4-1/2 cup)
- 10:00 AM - Nurse before morning nap
- 12:00 PM - Solids lunch (1/4-1/2 cup)
- 2:00 PM - Nurse before afternoon nap
- 5:30 PM - Solids dinner (1/4-1/2 cup)
- 7:30 PM - Nurse before bed
- Night - 0-1 night feeding
Sample Schedule: 12-18 Months
- 7:00 AM - Nurse upon waking
- 8:00 AM - Solids breakfast
- 10:00 AM - Snack
- 12:00 PM - Solids lunch
- 1:00 PM - Nurse before nap
- 3:30 PM - Snack
- 6:00 PM - Solids dinner
- 7:30 PM - Nurse before bed
- Night - Most sleep through; some nurse once
How Many Nursing Sessions to Expect
The number of nursing sessions naturally decreases as solid food increases:
- 6 months: 6-8 sessions per 24 hours
- 9 months: 4-6 sessions per 24 hours
- 12 months: 3-5 sessions per 24 hours
- 18+ months: 2-4 sessions per 24 hours
These numbers include night feedings. Some babies drop night nursing earlier, others continue past one year. Both are normal.
Signs Baby Is Getting Enough
You don't need to stress about exact amounts. Watch for these signs that your baby is well-fed:
Good signs:
- 5-6 wet diapers per day
- Regular bowel movements (frequency varies)
- Steady weight gain on their growth curve
- Alert and active when awake
- Meeting developmental milestones
- Good skin tone (not pale or dry)
Warning signs to discuss with your doctor:
- Fewer than 4 wet diapers daily
- No weight gain for two months
- Constantly cranky or lethargic
- Significant drop on the growth chart
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, call your pediatrician.
How to Make Night Nursing Easier
Night feedings naturally decrease as your baby eats more solids, but many babies still wake to nurse well past six months. Here's how to make those nighttime wake-ups easier.
- Set up before bed. Keep a dim nightlight, water for yourself, and everything you need within arm's reach. If possible, use a bedside bassinet or safe co-sleeping setup so you don't have to fully wake up and walk across the room.
- Nurse lying down. Side-lying position lets you rest or even doze while your baby feeds. It's a game-changer for your sleep. A supportive pregnancy pillow like the Momcozy U-Shaped Maternity Body Pillow can make side-lying nursing even more comfortable—it supports your back, belly, and legs so you're not straining to hold position while your baby nurses. Many moms keep using their pregnancy pillow long after birth specifically for comfortable nighttime feeds.
- Keep it boring. Use the lowest light possible. Don't talk, don't play, don't make eye contact. Stay quiet and sleepy. The less interesting you make it, the faster baby eats and goes back to sleep.
- Change diapers first. Do it before nursing so you can both go straight back to sleep after feeding.
From 321,99 zł PLN
Night nursing keeps your supply strong and gives extra immune protection. If it works for you, keep going. If you're exhausted and ready to stop, that's okay too.
Common Challenges: When Baby Bites
Biting is one of those things nobody warns you about until it happens. And when it does? It hurts. A lot. This is especially common between 6-12 months when those first teeth start coming in.
Why Babies Bite
Your baby isn't trying to hurt you. They're usually biting because:
- Their gums hurt from teething
- They're curious and testing what happens
- They got distracted and forgot what they were doing
- They finished nursing but stayed latched on
What to Do When Baby Bites
- Stay calm. Your first instinct might be to yelp or pull away, but try not to. A big reaction can either scare your baby or turn biting into a fun game. Take a breath.
- Break the latch right away. Slip your finger into the corner of baby's mouth to break the suction gently. Don't pull your nipple out while they're still clamped down—ouch.
- Use a firm "no." Look your baby in the eye and say "no biting" in a serious voice. Keep it simple and direct. This isn't playtime, and your tone should make that clear.
- Take a short break. Put your baby down for a minute or two. This helps them connect the dots: biting means nursing stops. You don't need to leave the room or make a big deal of it—just a brief pause. If your baby is fussy or restless during this break, try holding them in a baby carrier like the Momcozy PureHug Baby Carrier. The close contact can calm them down without rewarding the biting behavior with continued nursing. Once they've settled, you can try nursing again.
- Try a teething toy first. Before the next nursing session, offer a cold washcloth or teether. If their gums are bothering them, this can take the edge off so they're less likely to bite while nursing.
332,99 zł PLN
Air mesh
Lightweight
298,99 zł PLN
Ease of use
3-Size Adjust
All-Day Comfort
Your Milk Supply After 6 Months: What to Expect
Your milk supply changes as your baby grows and eats more solid foods. These changes are normal and don't mean you're losing your milk.
Does Your Supply Decrease?
Yes, but that's how it's supposed to work. Your supply adjusts to match what your baby needs.
Normal Supply Changes
At six months, your breasts feel softer and less full than in the early months. This doesn't mean you have less milk—your body just figured out how much to make without overproducing.
You'll leak less or not at all. The engorgement you felt early on was oversupply. Now your body makes the right amount.
Many moms panic when they stop feeling full, but soft breasts are a good sign. It means your supply stabilized. You might also stop feeling letdown, but it's still happening.
Supply and Demand
Your body makes milk based on how much gets removed. More nursing = more milk. Less nursing = less milk.
When your baby starts solids, they nurse less. Your body makes less milk to match. This is exactly what should happen.
As long as you keep nursing regularly, your body keeps making milk. Even moms who nurse toddlers 2-3 times daily still produce milk. Your breasts never completely stop—they make small amounts continuously between feedings.
How Solids Affect Production
Solid foods gradually replace some of the milk your baby drinks.
- 6-8 months: Solids replace about 10% of milk. Your baby might drop one nursing session. Supply drops slightly but stays high. You barely notice.
- 9-11 months: Solids replace 30-40% of milk. Nursing drops to 4-6 times daily instead of 6-8. Breasts feel less full. If you pump at work, output may drop 25-40%.
- 12+ months: Solids provide 60-70% of calories. Nursing is more about connection and comfort than nutrition. Most toddlers nurse 2-4 times daily—morning, naptime, bedtime. Supply decreases but continues.
Your milk quality doesn't change—you just make less because your baby needs less.
| Age | 6-8 Months | 9-11 Months | 12+ Months |
| Breast Fullness | Less morning fullness | Breasts rarely feel full | Minimal fullness anytime |
| Pumping Output | 1-2 ounces less per session | Less output but baby still satisfied | Milk appears when baby nurses |
| Nursing Duration | Baby nurses faster (5-10 minutes vs 15-20) | Baby nurses more for comfort around meals | Baby asks to nurse for emotional reasons |
| Between Feedings | Longer between feedings without discomfort | Fewer night feedings | Rarely leak |
Common Concerns
- "My breasts feel empty. Do I still have milk?" —Yes. Soft breasts are normal after six months. They make milk continuously, just store less.
- "I used to pump 5 ounces, now I get 2-3. Is my supply dropping?" —Your supply is adjusting to solids. If your baby has good wet diapers and weight gain, this is normal.
- "My baby nurses only 5 minutes now instead of 20. Are they getting enough?" —Yes. Babies get more efficient. They empty the breast faster at 6+ months.
- "Will solids make my baby wean early?" —No. Most babies nurse and eat solids for months or years. Solids complement breastfeeding, not replace it.
Your supply naturally decreases as your baby eats more food. This is your body working right, not a problem. As long as your baby is healthy, gaining weight, and has plenty of wet diapers, your supply is fine.
Breastfeeding Beyond 6 Months: Do What Feels Right
The science is clear—extended breastfeeding has real benefits. But the timeline is yours to decide. Some moms nurse until one year, others continue much longer, and both choices are perfectly fine. What matters is having the support and tools you need to make it work. If you're pumping at work or on the go, check out our easy-to-use breast pumps that actually fit into your day.
