Breastfeeding until age 2!!!

Laura Zoey - posted on 03/06/2012

Rania, tell any nay sayers that the american academy of family physicians states that weaning a child before two years of age puts the child at increased risk of illness.

The world health organization says breastfeeding should continue at least two years and thereafter as long as mutually desired.



Beyond two is trickier to give strong facts but before the second birthday no one can say a peep. It's for your baby's health!

Rania Samer - posted on 03/06/2012

I'm so glad I found this site and posting! I've been debating whether to stop breastfeeding my 14 month old. My heart and hubby tell me no but family thinks its crazy past 6 months! My daughter still wakes up at night every 1-3 hours and the only way shell sleep is if I nurse her. It's fine for me because she's in a stage now where she'll kiss me and help herself! Easy if I'm lying next to her but she shows no sign of weaning. I'm not afraid to tell people I still nurse I find that many quit because they weren't producing so I'm lucky I take care of myself for my angel. It's a blessing those that are against it are jealOus in my opinion.

Fiona - posted on 06/06/2010

Know the feeling!

Allison - posted on 05/24/2010

I got plenty of comments from people, but it tapered off after a while, maybe by age 1.5 or so, when people finally got it out of their system or something :) We went til almost 3 years old, and it was just great. I would do it that way again in a heartbeat. I worked full time, but didn't have to pump after about 1 year and a few months, as it was mostly a comfort thing after that. ENJOY!!! It goes by WAY too fast!

Melissa - posted on 05/23/2010

after that long they do not "fill up" like when your child was an infant. They only fill on demand, and do not keep any reserves :). So I know what you mean about the not feeling full, but they are still doing their job.



Btw my favorite was when people would tell me I needed to give my babies water in a bottle...when they were very young. Or the your not starting solids until when?? 7 months is too old, I started mine at 3, 4 or whenever. I would take it with a grin, through my teeth.

Georgeia - posted on 05/23/2010

My first daughter I breastfed until she was 2 years and 2months! She self weaned convieniently just in time for me finding out I was pregnant with my second. I am currently breastfeeding my second daughter who is now 8 mths and plan on going as long as we can!!! Good luck!!

Jennifer - posted on 05/23/2010

yes! my daughter is 2! we are still nursing when ever she asks fors it!

Bridget - posted on 05/23/2010

My son is 11 months old and I breastfeed. I plan on doing this as long as my son and I want/need it. I hear it all the time "You still breastfeed?" or "How much longer are you gonna do that?"

Let them say what they want. We breastfeeding moms are doing what we know is best for our children.

Keep it up and ignore anyone giving you grief.

Jennifer - posted on 05/23/2010

Yes. As soon as my son started getting teeth everyone started asking when I was going to stop! Don't let that stop you. You know what is best for you and your baby!

Laura Zoey - posted on 05/23/2010

Hi! I am breastfeeding Eric til he won't take it anymore! I know how precious my milk is and that it will be a sad day when he stops getting the nutrients from it. I am confident he will continue past his 2nd birthday. We should be having a new baby around his 2nd bday so he will tandom nurse w/ him or her. Eric might want to keep on nursing with his baby sibling so who knows when he might wean?! I do feel uncomfortable when I see a 2-3 year old and imagine nursing at that age, but I remind myself that he will grow slowly and it will be different when it is My baby! So I say, don't put an age on weaning ! Let it happen when it does and then no one can bug you about it cuz there is no date to say. Keep at it and you will never regret it!

Ju - posted on 05/23/2010

Hey... I totally emphatise with you and I have my share of critics... from early days... you dont have enough milk (and should give him formula) till now he's old enough and your milk won't benefit him but you know, I turn a deaf ear coz only I know what is good for us and he will let me know when he is ready to wean. Hopefully it is soon coz I am hoping to have another baby soon. Just trust your own instincts coz Mummy knows best. Go the distance! Take care!

Michelle - posted on 05/22/2010

My daughter is 5 months old, friends have said,
"Are you still nursing her?"
I reply, "Yes, does it bother you?"

People are relatively ashamed when you put them on the spot.

If they do choose to reply, I point out my job is to meet HER needs, not theirs.

I'm breastfeeding for at least a year & plan to let her wean herself.
Good Luck!

Breanne - posted on 05/22/2010

My son will wean himself when he's ready. He's 19 months and usually just nurses for comfort then naps and bedtime. He gets jealous with other babies around and pulls the nursing card to get my attention but I nurse him anyway. I don't get much grief, my one friend doesn't agree with it but then again I don't agree with her parenting style, however we just don't tell each other how to parent and we're still friends. Good Luck. Nurse away.

Ricel - posted on 05/22/2010

I did breasfeeding the same way. now, my kid has grown smart & healthy. no regrets at all! ;)

Sharna - posted on 05/22/2010

just this morning my partner was giving me grief, telling me it was 'wrong'. look, a mum nows best. im going to feed for as long as my son wants to (he is 13months). its your babies choice more than anyones and its the best thing for them. the World health Organisation recommends to breastfeed til at least 2 years old. ur doing the right thing. dont tell urself anything else!

Crystal - posted on 05/22/2010

I nursed until my son was 3. Currently nursing my almost two year old. I got flack over it but it's my kid so I don't care ( and tell them so lol )

Theresa - posted on 05/22/2010

I'm on your boat although I wasn't able to continue breastfeeding past 5 months. I say GOOD FOR YOU!

Aicha - posted on 05/22/2010

Sorry to hear your family is giving you grief have you pointed out the the WHO (world health organization) recommends breastfeeding for 2 years or more

Jenny - posted on 05/22/2010

Have you looked into the le leche league. They are a great support. I nursed my daughter till she decided to stop on her third birthday. My mom nursed me till I was about three, and that was when nobody even tried breastfeeding.

Rona B - posted on 05/22/2010

do what yo u wanna do your the mom they are not ..

Dawn - posted on 05/22/2010

How to deal with it? how about:

Screw you what business is it of yours, how would you like it if I commented on some of your life choices, Judegy McJudgepants?????

Or perhaps:

It isn't a shame, it's a lovely thing I'm able to do for my family, other people make different choices, this is ours. I wish you were more supportive of it but I see you can't be. Shall we agree to differ and let this go?

In a really friendly, neutral voice. You know what you mean, they *know* they've been very rude and it gives you both an option out.

I prefer the first one myself and anyone who knows me would expect it;)

Jess - posted on 05/21/2010

All of mine have nursed until they were at least 3. Just tell them that the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until AT LEAST 2 years.

Celeste - posted on 05/21/2010

Breanna, nursing works on supply and demand. As long as you nurse, you will have milk. The way your breasts feel aren't an indicator of anything. Also, think of your breasts like factories, not storage facilities-your baby nurses, milk will be made, so they don't necessarily "fill up"

Breanna - posted on 05/21/2010

how can you guys breastfeed for so long, i felt that after my son was about one that my milk was bearly there. my boobs never filled up

Schmoopy - posted on 05/21/2010

I'm in your boat!!! My son just turned 1, and he's nowhere near ready to wean. He won't even take a bottle! I could tough it out, I suppose, but I don't feel like it's worth it, ya know?

Rebecca - posted on 05/21/2010

I think is it natural to brestfeed til the baby is ready to wing off. I say more power to you, if you want to breastfeed for 2 years. I plan on a year and if my little girl wants to go longer then I will. Good Luck! Hope this helps.

Tara - posted on 05/21/2010

It is your child so it should be your choice. Only you really know what is best for your baby. For my little one we were planning on nursing for a year but an illness caused use to ween her at 8mo.

Kay - posted on 05/21/2010

I plan on breast feeding for as long as poss have the support of the my father to do so hopefully that will be more than two or three years

Julie - posted on 05/21/2010

Nicole, my daughter is 16mo and she is still nursing. She nurses about 1-2 times during the day and it varies in mid of night.
Sometimes 1 and sometimes 4. I have a few family members that ask me when I am going to stop or make fun but that isn't stopping me! We all have read articles and such, about how breastfeeding is more beneficial than not, nomatter if they are newborn or 2. I wouldn't let your family members bother you. it's between you and your daughter and what is best for you both. I plan on nursing until MaKinna is 2. My goal was a yr ;) You're doing the best for your daughter...and using what God gave you for the right purpose ;)

Melissa - posted on 05/21/2010

I had a neighbor that would tell me how gross it was that I was bf, everytime I would see her she would comment; how long are you going to do that, get him off there already. And I rarely nursed around her...she just would bring it up out of nowhere. I had to hear that for my second son and my daughter...I cant say I was sad when she moved.

Lindsay - posted on 05/21/2010

Haven't had any trouble with family. Although my friend has been a little rude. When I told her my daughter was a yr old and still breastfeeding strong she replied, " Shouldn't she be on a bottle". I only got to breastfeed her until she was 13 months but wanted to stop by age 2. I found out I was pregnant and decided it would be best to stop feeding her. Plus she was already weaning herself since I first got pregnant.

Melissa - posted on 05/21/2010

I nursed all of my children until they stopped. It was a different age for each; 2 for my oldest son, 1 1/2 for my middle son...I was pregnant again and he stopped about a month before I delivered my daughter. My daughter nursed least..she stopped a little over a year. To be honest I wasn't ready for that one but try as I might she would have no more of it.

As far as your family, I'm sorry you have to deal with that, its hard when there is constant involvement by others. Maybe politely but firmly telling them this is important to you and that you don't want to have this conversation again will get the point accross. Unfortunately people don't always realize how their supposed innocent comments can affect someone. Good luck and always remember no matter what you and your baby are benefiting from this!!!

Jessica - posted on 05/21/2010

i love that post!! willprint off and keep at all times! thanks

Djrianna - posted on 05/21/2010

I'm planning on BF'ing until age two as well. know my family will give me a hard time, especially the in-laws who think we should give the baby formula because it makes colic go away. My mom also looked worried when I told her I would BF exclusively until age 1.

Like someone else said, it's your family; do what you think is best for them. The naysayers will learn to deal! I have to say, I'm impressed with everyone who wants to BF for that long, it's a great gift we are giving to our children!

Tuesday - posted on 05/21/2010

Nursing your baby until s/he is 2 is the best deal for your baby especially if you're eating the best foods (plenty of fruits and veges and lots of water and 100% juice). While building the best bond with your baby, you are also giving baby the best defense against illnesses. Breastfed babies have better brain development also. Naturally you have the ability to nurse the baby until s/he is five years old so why not at least go until baby is two?

Ramona - posted on 05/21/2010

Remind your family that doctors and the World Health Organization recommend that! I'm lucky that my family is very supportive of my decision but ultimately it is up to you and I would be very firm with my family and say that I'm making THE BEST CHOICE for my baby's future health. My mother breastfed me until I was 20 months and I can count on one hand the number of times i've been sick!!!!!!!!! I have had one cold or less per year, I was never sick at all even a little ear ache until I got the chicken pox at 4 or 5. I missed school MAYBE 10 times all 13 years for being truly sick. You cannot beat the lifetime immunity provided by breastfeeding. I have literally had the flu twice in my life. The only time I got sick in the last 4 years is when I got pregnant because my immune system wasn't as strong. So obviously it served ME well and I plan on doing the same with my baby!!

Chantal - posted on 05/20/2010

Tell them it's none of their business. Because it isn't any of their business!!

Francesca - posted on 05/20/2010

My daughter turned one on April 25th and she still feeds as much as she did when she was 6 months old.



I got a lot of grief, but I started tuning them out. Luckily I have a great support system. In fact, I think my Dh is more hung up on extended breastfeeding than I am. I try not to BF while were out (she can use her sippy cup now) but he urges me to BF. Reminds me its my right, and he will yell at anyone who disagrees. (Even relatives).



Talk to your family. Ask them to support the decisions you have made. Explain to them why this choice is important to you. And if they can't understand...Sometimes snappy comebacks help ease the pressure of the conversation. Like, if they ask you while you are nursing when you plan on stopping, let them know in about 5 minutes. OR Breast is best for babies. (you can even quote WHO or APS or likewise) Don't you want the best for your grandchild?



And don't forget, you are doing a wonderful thing for your baby. Don't let anyone ruin that, or force you to make a decision to stop when you and baby are not ready, that you will regret later. Only you know what is best for your family. No one else.



Good luck. I hope things get easier for you!

Samantha - posted on 05/20/2010

Crumbs you guys are just brilliant! I'm in my 5th month of breastfeeding and as long as i can produce milk i hope to carry on feeding (although i have to admit it is a pain in the bum as i have to pump every 3hrs at work!) but all my friends and co-working mums keep telling me to stop at 6 months, they say "there is no health benifit to feed any longer"!!!

So please send me lots of BF dust so i can carry on and annoy all my non-BF friends.

Rosie - posted on 05/20/2010

I thought that is was strange to breastfeed for so long but since i have been on here, it seems like a lot of people do it, i think that it's good. i don't know if i could do it but good for you if you can!

Celeste - posted on 05/20/2010

Yup, I'm in the same boat. My twin boys are 3.5 and I've been getting ignorant comments since they were 1 1/2.

BTW WHO states 2 years OR beyond.
"The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of nursing up to two years of age or beyond (WHO 1992, WHO 2002)."

AAFP recommends:
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that breastfeeding continue throughout the first year of life and that "Breastfeeding beyond the first year offers considerable benefits to both mother and child, and should continue as long as mutually desired." They also note that "If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned." (AAFP 2001)

AAP recommends:
"Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child... Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother... There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer." (AAP 2005)

So, you've got medical research on your side! Hang in there, you're doing a wonderful thing!

Becky - posted on 05/20/2010

My son is 22 months & still nurses in the morning and at night. He enjoys it & it is very healthy for him. I think it's fine to do it until 2. We're slowly weaning him- but you have to do what is right for you and your family.

Abigail - posted on 05/20/2010

i completely understand i have a 5 month old daughter and people always ask if i breast feed n i tell them yes i wanna do it till she is at least 1.. they look at me like i am completely crazy!! they are surprised i have breast fed this long. but i think since its wats best for her den ishould keep doing it until i feel its right to stop...

Jennifer - posted on 05/20/2010

I finally finished weaning my daughter a couple months ago...she was 2 1/2. People eventually gave up on the comments when it became clear it was just bouncing off of me. Tell them firmly you've made your decision based on what is best for your daughter, not on what is comfortable for everyone else. Good luck, and congrats on your decision!

Sarah - posted on 05/20/2010

Do what is best for you! I am already getting grief because I am BF at 6 months. I just don't think they understand it is what is best for you and your baby. They just need more education on the issue.

Ashley - posted on 05/20/2010

My youngest son is 8months old and I plan to breastfeed until he is ready to stop. My mother thinks that I should wean him now. I want to breastfeed for as long as I can. He is my last baby and medically breast milk is good for him. I hope I don't have to hear negative things about breastfeeding all the time. It is important to me and my son is super healthy.

Sharon - posted on 05/19/2010

Tell them that the World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding until 2 years of age, and that breastfeeding should continue for as long as both mother and baby desire. And I intend to do just that! :p

Ignoramuses are just that ignorant; good to practise selective hearing or switch the subjects whenever they start their ignorant talk.

Candice - posted on 05/19/2010

Mine turned 2 May 15! I haven't gotten any grief by any family,mainly because I laid down the law from day one :) I do get some smarmy comments from idiotic co-workers,but I tell them ALL the nursing facts I know and they shut up.I'm not going to bother weaning until my niece is,because my daughter will just bum milk from auntie.

Cassandra - posted on 05/19/2010

My mother breastfed me until I was 3 while working full time and my brother until he was even older, although she was no longer working by then. She nursed me that long without the support of friends or LLL. My own son is only 4 months old, but I plan to breastfeed him as long as possible. He was 7.5 weeks premature and his doctor tells me he's doing wonderfully and that my milk is surely why! Keep it up! Have you been to La Leche League?

Fiona - posted on 05/19/2010

My daughter will be 2 next week and still breastfeeds 1-3 times a day/night. It's a personal thing and at times I've had all sorts of comments (from my husband included), but it is working for both of us.
Good Luck Nicole.