being pressured to stop

Gretchen - posted on 04/26/2010

My heart just breaks for you -- I'll be praying for you and your child as you do whatever you can to care for her and do what is in your best interest! God designed your body to care for your child, so I pray that He will provide for you the strength and peace to do what you need to. I'll also pray for your mother and grandmother, that their hearts will change. I'm so sad about the whole situation! BLESS YOUR HEART!!!



Wow. . . looks like you have roused an amazing army of support here! I'm so proud of all these women -- it gives me hope for the next generation!!

Autumn - posted on 04/26/2010

Well, my son is about to be 18 months next week and I still breast feed. He eats table food and sleeps through the night. He usually only bfs once a day. But he wants to and I enjoy the time with him. You can see that there are lots of people that don't even know you that care about what you are doing enough to write these responses and encourage you. Just remember that they are only words and that they aren't true. Don't stop bf your child if you don't want to . Try hard to ignore the ugly words. Get on the phone or on the street and find an income based apartment complex that you can afford. Find another job. Do you drive? If not, get your drivers license. Be independent. You can do it. Keep us all posted!!

Eve - posted on 04/26/2010

WOW!! You may need to avoid them for awhile. It is stressful enough just taking care of your precious lil one. you dont need extra stress and it sounds like they are trying to break down your self esteem. Your lil one needs nothing but breastmilk for the first year. You are doing right by your child by breastfeeding. I am SHOCKED they would call you names for wanting the healthiest way for your lil one. Good luck and I would ignore them mayb even take time away from them.

Brandi - posted on 04/25/2010

OMG forget them and distance yourself from them if you have to ,im sure you dont want to but tell them you are the mother of this child and if you want to bf then do it i just stopped cause i had twins and hubby is deploying and it was a handful when he was here and will be worse when he is gone. If you want your child to benifit from bf then do it how ever much you want and let them know that you make that childs future and if you need to take negitive people out of your life then do it i have had to with my parents and we are getting along pretty well now hope this helps

Gabrielle - posted on 04/25/2010

Wow!
That is nuts.
World health organization recommends feeding to at least 2 years.
Personally I dont think i could feed past one or walking, but thats me. My eldest daughter's grand father use to tell me she looked malnourished because i breastfed her. He was pissed he couldnt give her a bottle.
I was only 17 then but stuck to my convictions & stood my ground. He shut up eventually.
I'd be firm with them. They are entitled to their opinion but in your house & your space they can keep it to themselves.
Benefits are worth it hun.
I'd be so cheeky as to print out some factual info on the benefits & leave it lying around for them! :)

Amanda - posted on 04/25/2010

Oh my goodness! First I am sorry! Second you are not a pig u are a mammal and mammals nurse their young! I would print out information and give it to them showing that the American association of pediatricians recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and as the main source of nutrition through 12 months! My son is 8 months old and I commend you for sticking up for your self and even secretly nursing! Are you involves with a breastfeeding support group? If not try to get hooked up with one! Also do you have a pump? If so pump whenever you are away from them and give your baby that in premade bottles they won't know the difference and you still get to give her the benefits! If you don't have a pump contact your local wic and they can help you achieve one! Also talk to them about your finance issues and family issues they may be able to help! If you have any more questions feel free to ask! Goodluck! And the pumping will work if u can get away long enough to! Great job thus far!

Cassie - posted on 04/25/2010

Are they crazy????? WHO recomends exclusive breasfeeding for 6 months and continued breastfeeding for 2-3 years!! This benefits YOUR child, not theres. It protects her against childhood disease such as cancer or obesity! You need to tell them to mind their own business! Breastfeed that baby again! Please! I still exclusively breastfeed my almost 7month old and I wont stop til hes ready to stop.

Amy - posted on 04/25/2010

I would tell them that it is your daugther and they have no right to disrespect you like that! BF is the best thing for your baby and you are the mother and you know what is best for your daughter!!!

Jessie - posted on 04/25/2010

ok, I'm still pissed off. just what the hell are breasts made for if not for your child to nurse from? we are fricken MAMMALS. Yes, like cows or pigs, or cats or dogs. designed to nuture our children inside our womb until birth and outside of it until a natural child led weaning. absolutely disgusting to think about this. I mean, my mother has been trying to get me to quit for months (mine baby boy is 9 months) I had to tell her off and tell her we werent going to see her anymore if she didnt knock it off.

Jessie - posted on 04/25/2010

DO NOT GO ANYWHERE NEAR THEM OR ALLOW THEM NEAR YOUR CHILD. YOU DO NOT WANT THIS KIND OF DISGUSTING BEHAVIOR ANYWHERE NEAR YOUR CHILD. That seriously makes me want to puke. Do you have any idea what goes into formula? nasty ass shit that's what. take them with you to your next doctors appointment if you have a supportive doctor otherwise keep these people out of your life. NO ONE should ever speak to you that way about anything, let alone the most natural, beautiful, nutritious thing you could ever do for your child. breastfeed her as often as you can you can certainly build it back up to feeding full time!

Christina - posted on 04/25/2010

WHAT???? This is your body YOUR choice do NOT let them pressure you into stopping! You are doing what you know is best! I know how it feels and just remind them you are PROTECTING your child from illnesses that formula fed babies are more prone to! My son is 15 months and is STILL breastfeeding and has only been sick ONCE since he's been alive. Keep at it and most of all they only can force you do something you don't want to do if you give them that power so DON'T!!!!

Rachel - posted on 04/25/2010

omg!!!! I would tell them that until they can keep their negative word to themselves that they need not to come by. you should NEVER have to keep bf-ing a secret. this is so upsetting to me. I cant imagine how it must be for you. I am so sorry you are going through that. I would nurse in spite of it. when I had people from all directions tell me that I would never succeed with breastfeeding and I would never have the patience to get through it, it just motivated me that much more. I would try to build your milk supply back up and do it exclusively and be proud of it. dont let anyone discourage you. you know whats right for your baby. Ive now been nursing for 8 months. no formula at all. ive lost 90 lbs and my son has only had 1 cold. its so worth it. stay strong. and this site will provide you with so much support.

Christy - posted on 04/25/2010

This post has been stuck in my head all day. It upsets me so much to hear that there are people out there that are so ignorant. Not only is breastfeeding the best thing you could ever do for your baby, but they are also so disrespectful. Name calling has no place in a family. I hope you will be able to change what your daughter sees in her life so that she is not in this same position someday. I have been breastfeeding exclusively for four months now and I think you should keep at it and shut those old hags down!

Kymmi - posted on 04/25/2010

Are you serious? Why would they give you such a hard time for breastfeeding your child? It's the NATURAL way to feed your baby. I don't know where all this bad stigma for nursing has come from. Everyone around me is very supportive of the fact that I plan to nurse until my son is at least a year old, and most of the mothers I know plan to do the same. I agree with some of the other responses. She is your daughter, you are her mother, and they need to respect your decision. It's not like you're being neglectful or anything. Speak with them firmly that while you appreciate the ability to stay with them, that you don't appreciate and will not tolerate them speaking to you that way. I think they should be spending more energy playing with and being with their grand/great-grand daughter than thinking of ways to harrass you simply because of how you chose to feed her.



I hope it all works out and they realize how plain childish and hurtful they're being. Good Luck.

Becky - posted on 04/25/2010

I don't know the full situation but this does not seem healthy for you or your child. You are doing the right thing by providing your child with the nutrition and comfort that she needs. I would suggest finding a local support to help you through this so that you can continue to breastfeed your daughter. Seek out any friends/family who support breastfeeding or find a La Leche League group near you. To find a meeting and great resources go to: http://www.llli.org/

Virginie - posted on 04/25/2010

Again, I'm really sorry you have to live with that. Any chance you can talk to your child pediatrician or you family doctor? You're being verbally abused, and you should get some help. They might have resources for single moms. Do you have any other family member that could help? What about the army? Do they provide any help to other moms?
I'm afraid that your mother and grand mother might not stop there and will continue to harass you in all your mothering decisions.
Co-sleeping with your baby is great, just make sure you're doing it safely, that she cannot fall or suffocate under a pillow or blanket.

Virginie - posted on 04/25/2010

Don't feel pressured or ashamed for breastfeeding your baby. You're doing something fantastic for her. Your mother and grandmother were raised at a time when breastfeeding was not "fashionable". Continue to nurse, you can even start nursing her during the day again, your milk supply will follow. You need to do what YOU think is best for your child (which is what your mother and grandmother did with their own child). If they are unwilling to back down, maybe you should see them less...

Rae - posted on 04/24/2010

I can see that there is a lot of good advice already here, but I'll add my two cents worth too. In Australia, the Anti-Descrimination Act legally prevents people from harrassing breastfeeding mothers, and people who violate this law can be charged accordingly. Most developed countries include bfing mopthers in their version of this Act, so tell your family that their behaviour is in violation of the law and that if they continue you will be forced to take action. Even if it sounds drastic, it is actually well within your rights to have the police charge them. Good luck!

Sara - posted on 04/24/2010

Unfortunately I think you need to remember that your mother and grandmother are from a time when breast feeding was heavily discouraged by doctors and just generally looked upon as unhealthy and disgusting. Something only animals and primitive people did. It sounds like even though recent science and society have done a complete 180 about breastfeeding, these two women have not. I am so sad for you. I breastfed my son until he was 13 months (he stopped on his own) and am now breast feeding my almost 11 month-old daughter (she stops when she stops) but I am lucky enough that my mother (and the rest of my family) fully support breastfeeding and know it is what is best for baby and me. She is your child and it is your body, doing exactly what you are meant to do. If I had to deal with what you are dealing with, I would take my mother and grandmother with me to my pediatrician's and OBGYN's offices so they could hear for themselves all of the benefits. Do you live with them, are they supporting you? If you are, you should look into finding a way out, no one can make you stop unless it is unhealthy for one of you. I know they are probably your closest family members, but if they are going to treat you this way, you should seriously question whether they have your best interests at heart. If they love you, they will stop treating you this way, accept that this is your decision as a mother, and support you in it. Try telling them, "I know you think breastfeeding my daughter is disgusting, but it is something I love, she is my child and it is my body. I want you in our lives at this most precious and amazing time for us, but I don't want (baby) exposed to all this negativity during a time when she's supposed to be feeling nothing but contentment and love. If you don't want to see it, I'll do my best to stay in another room, but you can't tell me how to feed my child. The name calling is very hurtful, I'm emotional enough without it. I love you both, but if you don't have something nice to say, please don't say anything at all. If you continue with the name calling, I'm afraid we may not be able to be around you during this time." I know I'm not in your situation, it's easy for me to say that. But what will you regret down the line, being "forced" to not do something which is beautiful, healthy and natural, or having some negativity cut out of your life for a few months?

Rebecca - posted on 04/24/2010

THAT IS DISGUSTING!!!!! i have never been so angry! people should praise breast feeding and the mothers who do it! i had to quit breastfeeding my first child at two months (for personal reasons) and i was devastated. you shouldn't have to quit until you are ready to quit. forget them. the only thing i can say is, if at all possible get SOOOOO far away from these people. like sammie said, she is YOUR child and this is YOUR experience with YOUR daughter. not theirs. forget them good luck. i hope everything works out!

Lily - posted on 04/24/2010

your mother and grandmother have a very strange perspective on breastfeeding. Its natural, beautiful and designed by GOD our creator to feed and bond with our infants. There is nothing better you can do for your baby than nurse and cuddle him/her. You are an adult and can feed YOUR child how you please. I would suggest trying to find a healthier and more supportive environment to raise your child in.

Elysia - posted on 04/24/2010

wat on earth is their reasoning behind you stopping bf. Its is the best thing you can do for your child and has so many benefits and if your lucky enough to be able to do it without any dramas then y should you stop. That is your baby and they have no right to tell you to stop bf. Not only is formula not as good it is expensive, time consuming and a pain. R they willing to pay for formula, bottles, teats steralising equipment and come and clean them and make them up etc if not i personally would b tellin them where to go. And as for the names and things that is so wrong. I breastfed my son till he was almost 9months old and i only stopped because i was pregnant again and its difficult with a large belly and growing infant. I think if you wish to continue bf then u should do so and not let anyone even your family dictate to you.

Marcie - posted on 04/24/2010

Thta's really horrible a 5 moth old is very young, I find it amazing that they have such probolems?? They reccommend feding untio 1 yrear, however the WHO reccommends feeding for 2 years!! I fed my 2nd son for 3.5 yrs, he was down to only feeding at night for comfort & I finally cut him off, I hated to but at almost 4 I had too - I had hoped he would wean himself, Anyway he's rarely sick, my 1st son only fed for 7 months - I returned to work when he was 6mon,. & he just fought me so much as the bottle was easier - I can tell you that finding a formula that he could handle was quite the task! My 2nd son won't takea bottle. Anyway I would print out as many facts about breastfeeeding & the benefits - protecting yourself for breast cancer & protecting your child from Asthma , etc..things like this & give it to them = give them the WHO recommendationd of feeding for 2 yrs. Good god a 5mon,. old is very young that's really awful to call you names, what's wrong with these peope. not to mention formula $$ really adds up breastmilk is best & free! in this troublesome economy. That's a real shame that it's your mother who's one og the name callers - I would totally throw as much information as possible about benefits + recommendations in her face, there's NO WAY I would take that crap - sorry if I sound a bit angry but I am.

Misty - posted on 04/24/2010

OMG hunni O feel so bad for you so many things going on and no support stay strong and do what you want there must be a shelter you can go to I live in canada and we have womens shelters to live at ........ And Rebecca I loved all the info on BF I have a 12 year old son I couldn't BF him he was allergic so when I was prego with my daughter I was so scared it would happen again. But not ma girl she is now 8 months and we co sleep and I BF everyone has something to say about it the "oh you are still nursing and the for how long " the one I love is my daughter won't take a bottle no way no how I always get you need to get her on a bottle I always think where the hell is she going that i'm not lol we need to get BF ing out there more I know I am sick of sittin on some random toilet and feeding my girl and I bet the lady who actually has to pee doesn't like it either

Tatiana - posted on 04/24/2010

what reason do they have for being against breastfeeding? they may have their own personal reasons (which are probably wrong b/c breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your child)...and even then there is no reason for them to talk to you that way. That's just insane. Maybe they're just really repressed and have a problem with breasts in general and think it's "dirty" but, obviously if that's the case then they're the one with the problem and should open their minds and realize first of all there's nothing wrong with breasts and feeding you child gives them all the nutrients, boosts immune system, etc. (I'm sure you've done your research...maybe you should print something out and let them see it). Don't stop and don't let them make you feel ashamed. You are in the right! I know it can be hard when you have people you live with (especially if they're family) putting you down, but maybe you can find other breastfeeding moms in your community to encourage you. Much luck to you and your baby.

Diane - posted on 04/24/2010

You are doing the riight thing for your baby and you should not be made to feel ashamed of yourself! I think it might help to go to regular La Leche League meetings if for no other reason then just to get some support for breastfeeding and I would stay away from them as much as possible and if they ask why them tell them it's because they are being hurtful to you and your baby and you don't want to expose your baby to all the negativity (really it's abuse). You are her mother and you know what is best for her, you'll only be sorry if you let them control your parenting. You're the parent and you need to be able to make the decisions.

Ileana - posted on 04/24/2010

AND BY THE WAY, MY BABY IS THREE YEARS AND I BREASTFEED HER! AND SHE IS HAPPY, HEALTHY AND A STABLE CHILD. AND I AM A PROUD, STRONG MOTHER. NONE CAN TAKE THAT FROM US. DON'T LET THEM TAKE IT FROM YOU!

Ileana - posted on 04/24/2010

you know what? and mark my words: NONE OF THEM IS THE MOTHER! NONE OF THEM CARE FOR THE NEEDS OF THE CHILD! NONE OF THEM WILL RAISE THE BABY! NONE OF THEME WERE SUFFERNG GIVING BIRTH! SO, SINCE NONE OF THEM PASSED THRU IT, NONE OF THEM HAVE A SAY ON THIS!. IF IT WAS SOMETHING SO GROSS, GOD HAVEN'T DESIGN IT TO BE! ANIMALS CARE FOR THEIR BABIES! WE ARE MORE ANIMALS THAN THEM BY NOT DOING SO! EMPOWER YOURSELF TO BE THE MOTHER YOU AND YOUR BABY NEED YOU TO BE! THIS STAGE IN BABY'S LIFE WILL PASS, SO QUICKLY, BUT THE REMORSE YOU WILL FEEL(AND YOU ARE FEELING IT ALREADY!) FOR NOT DOING WHAT YOU KNOW IS RIGHT, WILL HAUNT YOU FOR EVER! DO WHAT YOU FEEL IS RIGHT! DON'T LET OTHERS STEAL THE OST PRECIOUS TIME FOR BOTH OF YOU! STOP VISITING THEM. I DID.... AND IT WORKED.... IT'S YOU AND YOUR BABY'S TIME.... DON'T LET THEM RUIN IT. BLESSINGS, AND KEEP SEEKING PEOPLE WHO SUPPORTS AND ENCOURAGES YOU!

Brianne - posted on 04/24/2010

You are doing what's best for you and your baby by continuing to nurse her. BF is superior to any other nutrition at this age, and it's a bonding experience for Mom and baby. I nursed my daughter until 15 months of age, and while some in my family may not have made the same choice, no one spoke to me that way about it. The fact is that YOU are her mother, and only YOU can decide what's right for her. BF is best, and since you are eager to continue, you need to stand up to them and not let their words deter you. I know that's easy to say from the outside, but just be strong for your daughter! She deserves the best from you, and that's what you're giving her by continuing to nurse and by not letting the negativity from others influence the way you raise her!

Carlita - posted on 04/24/2010

I wanted to cry when I read this; Ugh, I am so sorry for you =( I can relate to how you feel w/ my mom. I don't live w/ parents or anything, but whenever my mother comes to my house to visit my kids, she's very ignorant & grossed out about it. She likes to call it "The Stuff" Ugh....People just don't understand the many many benefits of breastfeeding & it breaks my heart what you are going thru. Please stay strong for you & your daughter, & stand up for what is right. You are doing what you can, & I really hope you move outta there soon. Best wishes =)

Jennifer - posted on 04/24/2010

Tell them you are the mom, you will bf your daughter until you want to stop and if they continue to call you these names they will no longer be welcome in your home or around your daughter - don't sacrifice these precious moments and don't let you little girl suffer...stand up for yourself and take these first steps and in a way these are the first steps in teaching your daughter how to become a strong woman...good luck!

Tammy - posted on 04/24/2010

I would like to congratulate you on continuing to bf even though your mom and g-ma aren't supportive!!! I am fortunate that I haven't had that issue with either my or my husbands family. My son is a little over 6 months and I was recently laid off - when I went back to work in Nov, we had to supplement and now that I'm home with him I hope to "restock". I have a question for you - have they offered to buy the formula? If so, then that isn't a great arguement but if not then bring that up if they continue to have the issue. Maybe they will be swayed if they are the ones buying it. Since it doesn't seem as though they care about the health benefits.

Good luck and keep you chin up!!! You are doing AWESOME!!

Sheryl - posted on 04/24/2010

Keep up the good work with your breastfeeding. You know that Breastfeeding is best......feed your baby whenever you are home & just tell them that this is the way it's going to be. You are the mum & you know what is best for YOUR baby. Well done on keeping up the breastfeeding.

Melinda - posted on 04/24/2010

continue breastfeeding please!!! dont listen to what they say, its not their child.

Mary - posted on 04/24/2010

Don't forget words are only as powerful as you allow them to be.

Here is the definition for a sow–noun:
1.an adult female swine.
2.the adult female of various other animals, as the bear.

It sounds to me that you are the bear, not the swine, because you are doing the best you can to protect your baby. Be strong and ignore them. You are a good mother!

AMY - posted on 04/24/2010

You are doing the best for your baby. You have to keep telling them that. Can you ask a health professional (your doc) or someone who's opinion they might respect to talk to them about the massive benefits of breastfeeding? You have to be strong on this otherwise you will feel annoyed and pushed over all your life! They need to back off. This is very unfair of them! Hope you find some peace and good luck. Breastfeeding is beautiful. Lots of love xx

Danielle - posted on 04/24/2010

that is ridiculous!!! pediatricians/nurtritionists recommend exlusively for 6 months for health reasons and push for at least 1 year of breastfeeding so you can switch to cows milk...my first daughter nursed until she turned 2 at night time and then i weaned her...do not listen to your mother and grandmother they are going to hurt your child with their bad advice just like they are hurting you now with the name calling. if you have to cut ties with them until you feel ready to be done breastfeeding. its your bond with your baby not theirs. ignore them. plain and simple

Lisa - posted on 04/23/2010

My heart goes out to you! No one has a right to tell you how to raise your child, especially if their wrong!

Miranda - posted on 04/23/2010

I would say that these old bitty's need to chill out and mind their own business!!! I already posted a long response about what I think! But again you need to do what is right for your child! I hope you continue to breastfeed as much as you can, if you have to supplement then so be it, but it's better to get a little breastmilk than none at all! :)

Miranda - posted on 04/23/2010

I feel sorry for what you are having to go through! How horrible of them to call you such names for providing your child with the best nutrients that you can!!!! I am a pro-breastfeeder (if you couldn't tell). I would continue breastfeeding your child, especially due to her age. I would let them know that their name calling is highly ignorant, and that you will not tolerate it because I sure in the h*ll wouldn't!!! You are not a "sow" or a "pig" for breastfeeding you child, you are educated and allowing your child to grow and be less likely to develop allergies, illnesses, obesity issues, etc....Please don't stop breastfeeding your child if you don't want to. "Older" women were provided different information about breasatfeeding than what we are getting now; It was thought that only poor women did it, and that formula was the way to go. How little they actually understoood of the true nutrients and benefits that breastmilk provides! I would get in contact with your WIC office and get information regarding breastfeeding and just happen to leave it "lying" around the house where they can read it or something along those lines. If they want to continue to call them names, I would just politely say to them that they are the ones that are the pigs and sows for forcing you to go against something that you want to do for YOUR child!!!! Stay strong, and keep breastfeeding if you really want to do it. Don't let these women break you! You are strong and wonderful, and a great mother!!!!!!!! Again, I am sorry for what you have to go through! By the way I am still currently breastfeeding my child who is 14 months old!!

Sally - posted on 04/23/2010

That is shocking! You should be able to breastfeed your baby for as long as you wish. I would contact my nearest ABA or call the hotline & get some help/advice & support. 1800 mum 2 mum.

Colleen - posted on 04/23/2010

STAND UP FOR YOURSELF! UGH...you have no idea how angry this makes me! Maybe you could get some pamphlets from WIC or your ped, some books from the library, and do some internet searches and educate those ignorant SOB's! BF is not only best for baby it has health benefits for mom too, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. I could go on and on about the benefits....ugh if only I could get my hands on those so called "women" you are dealing with.

Here are a couple of starts for you:

http://www.007b.com/wonders_breastmilk.p...
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeedin...

BTW...IT'S YOUR BODY, YOUR BABY...DO WHAT YOU FEEL IS RIGHT...AND STOP LISTENING TO THOSE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!

Michelle - posted on 04/23/2010

I breastfed my son until he was 15 months old... my goal was to do it until he was 18 months but I got pregnant with my daughter and my milk soured. My daughter is now 8 months old and I plan on breastfeeding her until she is 18 months. Breastmilk is the best thing you can give your little girl. She is your daughter, not theirs, and you should raise her the way you want. I personally love the bonding that comes from it. Nobody else can do what you're doing for her. Breastfeeding is a loving, nurturing, selfless act that you shouldn't be ashamed of or try to hide. If you want to breastfeed YOUR daughter, don't let anybody stop you. Just ignore the names and do what you want to do, if they can't understand it, it's their problem, you are doing what you think is best for your daughter and there are alot of people here who are supportive of that.

Jessica - posted on 04/23/2010

I have bf both my boys my youngest is 7 months and still nursing. My oldest is 4 and i nursed till he was 1 and then only stoped because i went on meds for an infection. This is easy, healthy and cheap way to feed your child and not to mention the way it should be or why else would we be able. Good luck with your mom and grandma . One idea is ask the local wic officce if they have someone you could talk to and them maybe get your mom and grandma to go with you and let them talk it over with them as well.

Ceciley - posted on 04/23/2010

If you live with them, I suggest leaving as soon as you can to get out the abusive environment. If not the next time they start in tell them that if it continues you will break off contact, because you refuse to subject yourself or your daughter to that kind of verbal abuse for making the right choice. Good luck mama!

Erin - posted on 04/23/2010

Name call right back at them. Personally, I'd tell them to eff off. That's just ridiculous. :( I'm sorry that your mom & grandma are being awful to you.

Katy - posted on 04/23/2010

They don't need to see you or your daughter until they learn some respect!!!!
If anything they are the pigs, they are the disgusting ones. How dare they talk to you like that!!! And do not feel bad about breastfeeding your baby, THAT'S YOUR BABY!!!! YOU CALL THE SHOTS!!! If you want to breast feed then do it, all day long, all night long. It's none of their business. My daughter is almost 11 months old and I still nurse her round the clock. It's good for them emotionally, physically, nutrishonally, and it's good on your pocket book. Don't you ever let someone tell you how long to bf your child! You stop when the two of you want to stop. That's something that is beween you and you baby ONLY!!!! NO ONE ELSE!!!!!

Wanda - posted on 04/23/2010

There is a reason why women produce milk. TO FEED OUR CHILDREN. You are in a tough situation. My advice, do you want you know is best for your child and ignore your mother & gmother.

Michelle - posted on 04/23/2010

Mandy- first of all I echo what others have said, do in your heart what YOU KNOW is right for your baby. Just as a personal offer to you, I'm still nursing my 11 mo old and she have never had a cold, runny nose. Just a couple of days ago had to give her Tylenol for the first time for a fever. That says a lot about how wonderful our milk is to our babies. I don't know how to tell you to handle your mom and grandma but it's obviously an age/cultural thing. Don't let them win, you're not doing this for anyone else's benefit other than that wonderful baby you brought into this world. You could just put your foot down and say that they are not welcome to come around you or your family anymore until they stop being horrible to you and your baby (because they sense it too). Good luck and stay strong in this, seriously we're all rooting for you.

Alison - posted on 04/23/2010

I nursed my twins until they were 29 months old. I got pressure to stop starting right after they turned one yeard old. It's hard to keep strong under all that pressure for so long, but no one said to me what you family is saying to you... It's clear that, for physical and emotional reasons, you both benefit from the nursing. I'd continue to nurse when you can, because your schedule is crazy, and ask friends or other family members to house you for a while. Offer to do the housekeeping as "rent." Or watch their children as room and board. Please try to distance yourself fromthese people who are hurting you! You sound overwhelmed, and who wouldn't be, but know you are being a wonderful momto your daughter, by giving her your breastmilk. My prayers are with you both!