Women's Health
How long does breastfeeding last?
Estimated wait
6 months – 2 years
Typically ~1 year
Based on published sources
Timeline guide
- Faster cases~10 months
- Average cases~1 year
- Slower casesUp to 2 years
This is a recommendation and a personal choice, not a required or typical real-world length — actual duration is shaped by individual circumstances. General information, not medical advice.
This is an official recommendation, not an average. The WHO and NHS advise feeding only breast milk for about the first 6 months, then continuing to breastfeed alongside solid foods up to around age 2 or beyond. That range — 6 months exclusive, up to 2 years continued — is the guidance for optimal infant nutrition.
More details
How long any individual breastfeeds in practice varies widely.
Sources
Last updated: 10 Jul 2026
Information is for general knowledge only.