shades fills you in

The American Academy of Pediatrics now suggests you breastfeed your kid for 2 years

This USA Today Op thinks that sounds like a “nightmare” -- as if moms don’t have enough to do!

And The NYT points out that the difference between the AAP’s guidelines and the reality for most families is staggering. By 6 months, only 58% of American babies are breastfeeding -- and by 1 year, that drops to 35%

Healthline: Well, there are loads of benefits to extended breastfeeding! It’s great nutrition for babies, and is good for bonding. Plus, it has long-term health benefits -- for baby and mom

CNN reports on a study that found breastfeeding gives babies lower blood pressure even into childhood

It might even make babies smarter! But Self.com says the science isn’t totally clear

And WaPo reports that some moms are breastfeeding longer to protect their kids from COVID

Okay, yeah breastfeeding is great! says Time Magazine. But it’s just not feasible for many working parents. First, we need way better workplace protections for breastfeeding

And, by the way, right after the AAP released their new guidelines, the Senate failed to pass the PUMP Act, which would have extended workplace breastfeeding protections -- 19thnews.org

This NYT Op says the AAP’s new guidelines are way out of touch. With formula shortages and the end of Roe, is now really the right time to tell women what to do with their bodies and how to feed their babies?

One mom writing for Romper.com says she breastfed both her kids for 2+ years -- but she still calls the AAP recs “obtuse”

This hour Detroit writer (and gay dad) agrees the breastfeeding push is going a little far. Doctors telling him about the importance of breastfeeding only made him feel inadequate -- not helpful!

And even for people who can breastfeed, two years is a *huge* commitment. Breastfeeding takes money, and a lot of time -- this WaPo writer breaks down what went into breastfeeding for just six months

In the wake of the AAP’s announcement, Salon asked parents what they thought. Most were worried about piling on the mom-guilt -- but others hope the new guidance will help de-stigmatize breastfeeding