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Any amount of breastmilk is better than none, even if its for three days. With that said, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and to continue to nurse until 12 months and as long as is mutually desired by both mother and child thereafter. In the first 6 months the baby's stomach is still underdeveloped and breastmilk is the most gentle food. In addition the immunonological benefits are overwhelming. But if you can only do 40 days that would still be great.

I agree with Miriam, any amount of breastfeeding is better then nothing at all. My goal is to breastfeed for 6 months and possibly longer. So, 40 days is certainly going to give your baby some lasting benefits. You may even decide that you want to continue after the 40 days. Breastfeeding was very demanding for me at first and I was overwhelmed by it but I stuck it out and now it's been a month and I think that it's pretty easy and a wonderful experience. Not to mention my daughter loves to nurse so I couldn't imagine taking that away from her just yet. Good luck!!!

thanks :) your answers really helped.
do You also give the bottle sometimes?

I agree that any amount is better than nothing, and the longer the better. It has so many health benefits for you and your lo, which just can't be matched by formula feeding. I didn't supplement with bottles of formula, since this can have a negative effect on milk supply. Some good websites with TONS of info on breastfeeding (how long, how to overcome problems, health benefits, etc) are kellymom.com and lalecheleague.org. If you really want the maximum benefit for your lo, you should exclusively breastfeed for 6 months (unless your ped tells you to intro solids sooner), then start some solids and continue breastfeeding until 1 year if you can or want to.

Just so there is not confusion, exclusive breastfeeding simply means breastmilk. They do not differenciate between bottles and breast.

Now I did supplement with formula when I went back to work. I just could not pump enough. My son got like one bottle of formula a day. Its certainly not the ideal scenario but its still better than no breastmilk at all. On the weekends he didn't get any bottles at all, I just nursed.

The longer the better but 40 days is much better than not at all. I've heard that colostrum alone is very beneficial for the baby. My family and my dh's family both have family history of allergies (food allergies, hayfever type allergies, bee sting allergies, etc and autoimmune disorders) and I even get allergy shots weekly right now. So with that in mind my Allergy Specialist/Immunologist told me that the longer I breastfeed the better off my little one's immune system will be. I had to supplement with formula for the first couple months because my antihistamine pills were affecting my milk supply but once I was able to build up my supply I stopped the formula. The pediatrician told me that nursing for just 4 weeks was fine too and that if breastfeeding was too difficult not to stress over it and just start bottle feeding formula.

There isn't any amount that's "enough" exactly.... 40 days is better than not at all. If it's working well for you, though, I'd say keep on doing it! I've breastfed for almost 11 months now, going for 1 year at least, and it's been just the best thing my son and I could do. He gets formula during the day now, but I'm SO glad that we've had the amazing bond of nursing. That said, if it isn't working for you, don't stress over it. Do as much as you can. But don't wean on some magical date because you think it's "enough"... more is definitely better. Good luck! Hope the nursing works for you! ~spam

The AAP recommends 12 months, the WHO says at least 2 years. Breast milk never stops being beneficial.

There was just a report on the news that up to 6 months is really good (1 yr would be best). They say that b/c alot of women stop b'fding after 3 months b/c of returning to work. Originally I was only going to do 3 months but b/c it is going so well and I am able to have a flexible schedule, I will try for at least 6 months. But, I agree that any amount is great:-)

Yes, 40 days is good, but more is better. My original goal was 3 months, then 6 months (which we are at now), now it's 9 months. I have a dwindling supply, but my dd has still not had any formula (besides 1.5oz when she was a newborn)...so bf as much as you can and feel good that you got your baby good breastmilk, the health benefits are amazing!

40 days is way better than 0. Why are you thinking only 40 days though? If you go this long I dont think you will be ready to quit... :)

Yeah, My little one is almost 11 months and we are still doing great! My mother in law had the nerve to tell me that breastmilk is not completely healthy for him at this age. Whatever! She is still living in the old times I guess.

JEN--sooo annoying. My mil has asked me twice how long I "intend" to keep b'feeding (as if it was a bad thing). That generation just doesn't have any idea about how beneficial it really is. And it gets old trying to convince them. I'm glad my mother is so supportive of it.

Yes, my mother is supportive too. The funny thing is my mil breastfed and My mom didn't. Yea for Our mommiess, lol.