Stages of breastfeeding Breastfeeding can be seen as progressing through four broad stages: Preparing: up until birth Why prepare for breastfeeding? Starting Out: immediately after baby is born (post-natal) 0-4 days Why start out breastfeeding? Establishing: 4 days – 8 weeks Why keep breastfeeding up to eight weeks? Continuing: 8 weeks to 6 months, then 6 months and longer Why breastfeed till baby is 6 months old? Why breastfeed for at least 1 year? Why breastfeed baby longer than 1 year? Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page.

Where to get help Midwives Healthline - 0800 611 116 Well Child La Leche League More information on these and other breastfeeding help providers...

Page last updated: 31 July 2008