Although any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial to you and your baby, exclusive breastfeeding (breastmilk only) for the first six months of life, with the gradual introduction of solid foods after six months, is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. 

The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends breastfeeding be continued for at least the first year of life with the American Academy of Pediatrics adding, "There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychological or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer."

Breastfeeding after returning to work or school

Mothers are able to continue breastfeeding after returning to work or school with the  support of their coworkers and employers. 

Increasingly employers are recognizing the positive impact of promoting and encouraging breastfeeding. 

• Employers who allow the necessary time and an adequate area for mothers to express milk see healthcare savings averaging $400 during the first year of each baby's life with fewer sick days needed by parents to take care of sick children. 
  
• Employers have also noted improved employee productivity, higher morale, improved employee retention and a family- friendly community image.

With 70 percent of mothers with children under the age of three returning to work or school and the increased awareness of the lifelong health benefits of breastfeeding, childcare providers play an essential role in supporting breastfeeding mothers to continue providing human milk for their children.  These providers should have an understanding of the handling, storing and feeding of human milk. 

• Continuing to breastfeed for a minimum of one year provides a savings of $1,200 - $1,500 for the purchase of infant formula.
  

Resources you can turn to

OhioHealth has many resources to support your commitment to breastfeeding. For Lactation Consultant support in your area, or for other breastfeeding information, please contact:

• Center for Women's Care at Grant Medical Center: (614) 566-9008
• Doctors Hospital: (614) 544-2111
• Elizabeth Blackwell Center at Riverside Methodist Hospital: (614) 566-3434
• Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio, Grant Medical Center at Victorian Village Neighborhood Care: (614) 544-0810