Does 6 months really mean something?

amanda_wahl

So I have (and not really for a good reason but saniHaden's baby steps) had a goal of making it 6 mos of EBF. Now that its close I'm planning on continuing however I'm curious bc I hear it and read it in here about how great it is to make the 6th month milestone and it got me wondering is there something behind that? Like as in do they say the benefits are the greatest in that time frame or anything specific like that? Please share what you know! 

sosoph

Breastmilk is naturally designed to transition from complete to a supplemental nutrition for a baby. We don't really know exactly where that point is, but your child will show signs of physical readiness and start eating solids.

Other benefits of breastmilk, like comfort and antibodies, also change. Your child learns to self-soothe. He only receives antibodies for germs you have both been exposed to. As he spends more time away from you, you offer him less protection and he builds his own immune system.

So, there are benefits at all stages of breastfeeding, to 6 weeks, 6 mos, 1 year and beyond, but your child is increasingly able to accept other sources of what it offers. Do what works best for your child, you and your family.

jlsimon56

Ditto PP, most people start solids at 6 months so their LOs aren't EBF anymore since they are also getting foods.  No reason to stop BFing though.  

Also, moms like to set small attainable goals.  I did 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, etc.   

PotomacSt

Kellymom has a good explanation of while 6 months is a milestone here under "Delaying solids decreases the risk of food allergies"

https://kellymom.com/nutrition/starting-solids/delay-solids/

Basically, you have to EBF for six months to get the full benefit of reducing allergies and foodbourne illness, because baby's digestive system isn't ready to handle anything but breastmilk until then.