how have you been breastfeeding or how long do you plan on breastfeeding

Sheryl - posted on 09/21/2009

i been breastfeeding for 6 weeks and would like to do 6 months or longer not sure about teeth though lol

Briana - posted on 09/21/2009

Quoting Charlotte:

Quoting liz:

I am all for nursing but i also think that if a child can physcially ask for it they are too old. . . I nurse and have nursed my daughter but that is inappropriate for a six year old to be sucking off a mothers boob. Theya re getting enough nutrtional value from food even at 5 or 4 or 3 i think that it is the mom not beong able to let go. . . really I am a nursing mom so i have nothing against nursing but would you give a six year old a bottle NO . . .

You know, both my kids could "physically ask" to nurse before they were even two years old.  I understand that you are speaking from your ignorance here, but you have to realize that by your standards a lot of the world is doing this whole breastfeeding thing "wrong".  There are many places in the world where it is common and expcted for a child to nurse until 4-6 years old.  Just because it isn't the "norm" in Canada, the US, and the UK doesn't make it "inappropriate".

Of course I wouldn't give a 6 year old or even a 2 year old a bottle!  Bottles are bad for dental health, speech development, etc.  They are unnatrual and in most cases completely unnessicary.  You really seem to be under the impression that breastfeeding is a substitute for bottle-feeding; this is simply not the case.  Bottle-feeding is a substitute for breastfeeding, and since it is artifical it has it's flaws and limmitations.

You also seem to be under the impression that a mother who can't "let go" could force breastfeeding on an unwilling child.  If that were the case, my 4 year old would NOT have weaned when he did.  His weaning at 22 months was sudden and traumatic for both of us.  I was engorged and in pain and I *begged* him to nurse.  He would not.  No doubt there are mothers more stubborn and children less so than me and mine, but I can't immagine a mother actually forcably holding her child down and stuffing her breast in his mouth without him simply retalitating by biting (kids past 2 generally do have a few teeth).

When I frist started breastfeeding my first and we were having so many issues and I was in pain with cracked and bleeding nipples, I just hoped I could make it to 6 months, and when someone told me of the WHO's recomendation of a *minimum* of two years I felt totally overwhelmed.  Two years!  Were they kidding?  That was a *long* time, and much longer, I was sure, than most people actually breastfed thier children.  Thing is, I educated myself and the more I read the more I realized that there is nothing "weird," "abnormal," or "inapropriate" about nursing a child as long as he or she wants to nurse.  Yes, even 6 years.

The biological fact is that all children will eventually wean themselves before they are teenagers.  Some self wean as early as 18 months, others as late as 8 years.  But they all do self-wean if allowed.  I suggest you do a little research into the *biological* norms of breastfeeding before passing judgement on people you don't know.

Very well said! And no your milk is NOT made for each child, the colostrum you get in the begining is what is best for babe, BUT the older child does the amazing job of bringing that in for babe.

I feel that what you have said liz is complete bullshit and absolutely discouraging (as if dealing with everyone around you who is unsupportive isn't enough) when I come on here I am seeking support and you have completely ruined that for me with your ignorance

I am going to continue to take the advice of my midwife, doula, doctor and breastfeeding specialist over you, thank you though for speaking without doing any research

If you have an opinion that is fine, just don't try and tell me that what I am doing is wrong if you have NO idea about it

Heather - posted on 09/21/2009

My daughter is 14 months old now and I am just now weening her off the breast. Her teeth started to hurt me and she wouldn't really have much to do with anyone else lol.

Amanda - posted on 09/21/2009

I have been nursing my daughter for 8 months on sunday and it is the best decision I have ever made. I get that same question from friends and family "Are you still nursing?" and they have that weird face. Yest I am still nursing and as long as she wants it I will nurse her. I have a problem with getting my daughter to take my breast milk from a bottle so she strictly wants the boob. And it isn't me who is giving the bottle to her it is her grandma when I am not even around. Me and my husband went out for the first time since she has been born by ourselfs and we were gone for about 8 hours and she would not eat any of the milk I pumped but as soon as I got home she started putting her head into my boobs for the milk. Does anybody know how I can get her to dring milk from a bottle when I am not around?? She use to when she was first born and I was going to class at night and she was staying with her daddy. I just know she had to be starving when I got home cause she had last nurse at 8 that morning and we didn't get home until 5. Any advice is appreciated!!

Crystal - posted on 09/21/2009

My son is 5 weeks old and I have been breastfeeding him. I had some problems with my milk supply at first so at night I've been supplementing him with Emfamil. I plan to keep going with breastfeeding until at least 6 months. But if we're not ready to stop then, we'll keep going till he bites me!

Shenice - posted on 09/21/2009

My daughter will be 2 months on the 24th. I have been breastfeeding that long.
I plan on actually breastfeeding till teeth start coming and just pumping after that. I had two co workers that did it for two years. Im not sure about that myself but to each its .

Kasasanda - posted on 09/21/2009

for 8 months and I don't know how it is up to her when she wants to stop

Rebecca - posted on 09/21/2009

My son is 16 mo and I plan on nursing him until he self weens. I love the bonding we get thru breastfeeding!

Michelle - posted on 09/21/2009

self weaning oldest was 23 months the baby will be 1 oct 4th and still going

Sara - posted on 09/21/2009

My daughters first birthday is today and we are still breastfeeding. Of course, she's not breastfeeding like when she was younger, but I plan on breastfeeding until she no longer has the interest to. There is no hurry to stop. Not to mention, there are tremendous benefits to her and myself because of her breastfeeding. She has slept through the night since she was 5 months old, she eats solids and drinks from a cup, and she has plenty of teeth and doesn't bite. But, she still likes to say hello with a small nursing session.

Ayla Chanel - posted on 09/21/2009

I have been breastfeeding for 3 months now, i plan to breast feed for 6...

Charlotte - posted on 09/20/2009

Quoting liz:

I am all for nursing but i also think that if a child can physcially ask for it they are too old. . . I nurse and have nursed my daughter but that is inappropriate for a six year old to be sucking off a mothers boob. Theya re getting enough nutrtional value from food even at 5 or 4 or 3 i think that it is the mom not beong able to let go. . . really I am a nursing mom so i have nothing against nursing but would you give a six year old a bottle NO . . .

You know, both my kids could "physically ask" to nurse before they were even two years old.  I understand that you are speaking from your ignorance here, but you have to realize that by your standards a lot of the world is doing this whole breastfeeding thing "wrong".  There are many places in the world where it is common and expcted for a child to nurse until 4-6 years old.  Just because it isn't the "norm" in Canada, the US, and the UK doesn't make it "inappropriate".

Of course I wouldn't give a 6 year old or even a 2 year old a bottle!  Bottles are bad for dental health, speech development, etc.  They are unnatrual and in most cases completely unnessicary.  You really seem to be under the impression that breastfeeding is a substitute for bottle-feeding; this is simply not the case.  Bottle-feeding is a substitute for breastfeeding, and since it is artifical it has it's flaws and limmitations.

You also seem to be under the impression that a mother who can't "let go" could force breastfeeding on an unwilling child.  If that were the case, my 4 year old would NOT have weaned when he did.  His weaning at 22 months was sudden and traumatic for both of us.  I was engorged and in pain and I *begged* him to nurse.  He would not.  No doubt there are mothers more stubborn and children less so than me and mine, but I can't immagine a mother actually forcably holding her child down and stuffing her breast in his mouth without him simply retalitating by biting (kids past 2 generally do have a few teeth).

When I frist started breastfeeding my first and we were having so many issues and I was in pain with cracked and bleeding nipples, I just hoped I could make it to 6 months, and when someone told me of the WHO's recomendation of a *minimum* of two years I felt totally overwhelmed.  Two years!  Were they kidding?  That was a *long* time, and much longer, I was sure, than most people actually breastfed thier children.  Thing is, I educated myself and the more I read the more I realized that there is nothing "weird," "abnormal," or "inapropriate" about nursing a child as long as he or she wants to nurse.  Yes, even 6 years.

The biological fact is that all children will eventually wean themselves before they are teenagers.  Some self wean as early as 18 months, others as late as 8 years.  But they all do self-wean if allowed.  I suggest you do a little research into the *biological* norms of breastfeeding before passing judgement on people you don't know.

Crystal - posted on 09/20/2009

I've been breastfeeding my son since he was born-he'll be exactly 5 mos on the 24th of this month :) I'm so happy I was able to go through with it w/o any problems- I love being able to bond with my baby :)

Tawnya - posted on 09/20/2009

Quoting Mary:

My son is almost 3 months old and up until a couple of weeks ago I had no expectations on how long I would breastfeed. Now I feel like I want to go as long as possible. Unfortunately, I just went back to work (this was my first week) and I am scared I won't be able to keep up my supply. I have been pumping everyday (2-3 times) and some days I am amazed by how much milk I can get and others I am very dissappointed and worried that I am not pumping enough. I am using a hand pump and have considered renting an electric pump, but don't know how much it costs and if it is worth it.
I honestly can not imagine not breastfeeding at this point and I truly hope I can keep this going at least until a year old and he is on solids.

Get an electric double pump! Medela freestyle is my pump....works great! Not as tiring on the hands, pumps both breasts till they are empty in 20 minutes or less and it will help maintain your milk supply while at work

Shannon - posted on 09/20/2009

My son is 13 months and im still breastfeeding. He drinks cows milk too but still on the breast. Im not sure when i will wean him off completely. =)

Liz - posted on 09/20/2009

I am all for nursing but i also think that if a child can physcially ask for it they are too old. . . I nurse and have nursed my daughter but that is inappropriate for a six year old to be sucking off a mothers boob. Theya re getting enough nutrtional value from food even at 5 or 4 or 3 i think that it is the mom not beong able to let go. . . really I am a nursing mom so i have nothing against nursing but would you give a six year old a bottle NO . . .

Ashley - posted on 09/20/2009

Quoting liz:

Quoting Ashley:

I've been breastfeeding for 3 months and my son ( who is 3 months old ) gets it by breast, and bottle... but mostly breast because I cant pump very well. I have planed to breastfeed for at least 6 months to a year but I dont know if my milk will let me, I dont produce enough milk to fill him up, with going back to work and breastfeeding is rough because I'm not allowed to pump or store my milk there. so I'm hoping for the best.

I would look into that more because i am sure it is a law that if you are a nursing mom they have to give you time to pump and you could always bring a lunch box and store the bottles in that at work in the fridge until you get home. Really though look into that

I have looked in to and the law says that it is law for an employer that has 25 or more employees has to have a place for me to pump and store. however, my job only has 10 employees working there and he does not have to provide that for me. I wish the law was 10 employees that way I'd have it made lol

Charlotte - posted on 09/20/2009

My first I nursed for 22 months until he stopped (I wanted thim to keep going until he was at least 2 years old).



My second is going to be 3 come February and he's still nursing at least 2 times a day (once in the morning and once in the evening), more if he's feeling sick or something. I plan to let him self-wean, but I admit I have been encouraging him to cut back a bit in recent months. So long as it's not 10 times a day, I'll be happy to nurse him until he's 4, 5, 6; it's really up to him! :)

Liz - posted on 09/20/2009

but the milk in Brians breast is made for the six month old is what i am saying. . .that is why breast feeding is so awesome. . .It grows with the child is it for. . .

Ashley - posted on 09/20/2009

Quoting liz:

Quoting Briana:

I am tandem nursing my 25 month old son and my 6 month old daughter and I plan on nursing them this way until they are ready to stop.... child led weaning is the best way imo

I agree with child led weaning but your milk is made for each child so that milk is made for the 6 month old it is not even for the 25 month old any more. . . .

not true, my 3year old gets breast milk as a treat and my breastfeeding coach told me that there's nothing wrong with that and since the winter season is getting near its really better for them. even if their a 1 1/2 like Briana's kids or 3 years apart like mine breast milk is good for them no matter what age.

Liz - posted on 09/20/2009

Quoting Ashley:

I've been breastfeeding for 3 months and my son ( who is 3 months old ) gets it by breast, and bottle... but mostly breast because I cant pump very well. I have planed to breastfeed for at least 6 months to a year but I dont know if my milk will let me, I dont produce enough milk to fill him up, with going back to work and breastfeeding is rough because I'm not allowed to pump or store my milk there. so I'm hoping for the best.

I would look into that more because i am sure it is a law that if you are a nursing mom they have to give you time to pump and you could always bring a lunch box and store the bottles in that at work in the fridge until you get home. Really though look into that

Crystal - posted on 09/20/2009

I plan to nurse until he is 1 yr. old. I nursed my last 2 for the first year and it is soooo much easier than bottles.

Ashley - posted on 09/20/2009

I've been breastfeeding for 3 months and my son ( who is 3 months old ) gets it by breast, and bottle... but mostly breast because I cant pump very well. I have planed to breastfeed for at least 6 months to a year but I dont know if my milk will let me, I dont produce enough milk to fill him up, with going back to work and breastfeeding is rough because I'm not allowed to pump or store my milk there. so I'm hoping for the best.

Liz - posted on 09/20/2009

Quoting Briana:

I am tandem nursing my 25 month old son and my 6 month old daughter and I plan on nursing them this way until they are ready to stop.... child led weaning is the best way imo

I agree with child led weaning but your milk is made for each child so that milk is made for the 6 month old it is not even for the 25 month old any more. . . .

Briana - posted on 09/20/2009

I am tandem nursing my 25 month old son and my 6 month old daughter and I plan on nursing them this way until they are ready to stop.... child led weaning is the best way imo

Liz - posted on 09/20/2009

Quoting Kenita :

I have been breast-feeding my beautiful Brieonna since birth she is now 2 years and 3 months old and I have not had any problems..I am going to let her self wean cause I don't want to put her through any heart ache and I am her to work at her pace so whenever she is ready that is when I will be.

does your 2 year old use a bottle?Or do you just nurse before and after work

Liz - posted on 09/20/2009

Quoting Kim:

i have been bf for 7weeks and hope to do it up until 6months but if my sons not ready to come off il would go up until around 9months no longer.

if you are saying 9 months no longer you will most likely need to force wean which is very emotional for the baby as well as the mom. I would look into it. It takes months too and lots of tears. I am self weaning and my daughter maybe nurses 3 times a day and she just turned one

Liz - posted on 09/20/2009

Quoting Sarah:

how do you know you had thrush?

it will be all over your breast. It will be on there tounge and inside there mouth. White spots. . . Thrush looks like built up spit in their cracks of the lips that you can not wipe away

You can get it while nursing from your baby. I never got it!!

Liz - posted on 09/20/2009

my daughter just turned one and i still nurse. she doesnt take a bottle and never has she eats all table food but has a cows milk allergy so she has water with all meals and then i nurse. At this age I dont offer but I dont deny. She is weaning herself

Kenita - posted on 09/20/2009

I have been breast-feeding my beautiful Brieonna since birth she is now 2 years and 3 months old and I have not had any problems..I am going to let her self wean cause I don't want to put her through any heart ache and I am her to work at her pace so whenever she is ready that is when I will be.

Kimmi - posted on 09/20/2009

I breast-fed my oldest 13 months but was so sad when I had to wean; I was at the time 20 weeks pregnant with my second and my OB suggested I wean b/c it can cause premature labor. With my 2nd, I planned on nursing until around 18 months or we were both ready. I weaned her at 21 months. I got pregnant while nursing her as well. My 3rd is due in Feb and I plan to nurse him the same (at least 18 months or whenever we are mutually ready).

Jessica - posted on 09/20/2009

I have been breastfeeding for almost 6 months now (baby will be 6 months on the 22nd), and I plan on continuing for as long as possible, but probably about 2 years max.

Dale - posted on 09/20/2009

I feed my first until he was 10 months old and my second till she was 15 months old. With my second I was being lazy and couldn't be bothered to wean her! I love every moment of it! I had trouble with my first baby feeding but I stuck at it and I am so glad I did.

Debbie - posted on 09/20/2009

My DD is 14 months and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. I wnet back to work a month ago so she nurses in the morning and then again several times in the evening. On the weekends we nurse on demand.Works great for us.

Sarah - posted on 09/20/2009

I have been Breastfeeding for 4 months and will do so until my baby is at least a year old.

Ashley - posted on 09/20/2009

I have been breastfeeding ever sense my son was born, it has been almost 5 1/2 months now i plan on breastfeeding till he is a year old unless his teeth get in the way..good luck to you.

Krystelle - posted on 09/20/2009

My daughter is 14 months old and breastfeeds twice a day. I had to return to work when she was a year so we just gradually cut back. I did it so slowly that I don't even think she noticed the difference. I had heard horror stories of weaning too earlier so I wanted to make it a smooth transition. I plan to breastfeed for a couple more months maybe and I think she will be ready to stop completely.

Marie - posted on 09/20/2009

With my daughter I only BF for 6 months, had trouble figuring it all out when I went back to work. Now with my son, he is 5 1/2 months and we are going strong (even with me working F/T). Plan to let him wean himself off--probably around 2 years old???

Dana - posted on 09/20/2009

I normally breastfeed until about a year old... unless they cannot control their teeth! Then we cut it off then. Everyone asks me all the time, "You still nurse? Isn't she a bit old for that?". My daughter is 10 months old.

Cassie - posted on 09/20/2009

Don't let anyone hurry you with breastfeeding! Its the most important thing a mother can do to give their baby the best start in life!!! It seems now of days people are always hurrying this time and there is no reason to, the benefits of breastfeeding last your child a lifetime and help you too! My daughter is now 17 months and we just began weaning.

Jade - posted on 09/20/2009

I breastfed my first daughter til she weaned herself around 13 months. I plan on feeding my twins (im 5 months pregnant) til they wean themselves as well

Beth - posted on 09/20/2009

With my first I breastfed exclusively for 15 months. I just had my second July 30 and he picked up breastfeeding very well. It's like a re-run of my first boy and I'm going for as long as he wants to breastfeed. He is doing well with no signs of slowing down so I'm thinking he may go for a while. Either way I am storing breastmilk just in case.

Nicole - posted on 09/20/2009

Quoting Vanessa:

i believe in child led weaning.
i have been breastfeeding for 4 years this coming tuesday and also have a 9 month old :) happy days!

WAY TO GO MOM!!!!!

Emily - posted on 09/20/2009

With my first daughter, I let her wean herself and she went to 14 months, my second daughter weaned herself at 10/11 months and my son, now 5 months, is a hppy little nurser. I pumped for my first and second child. I worked 50 hours a week and had a lot of support from my workplace to pump as needed. I am now a stay at home mom, and don't need to pump very much. Congrats to everyone who chooses breastfeeding. It CAN be difficult but if you can get through the first three weeks, you should be set!

Raana - posted on 09/20/2009

My son never seemed interested in breastfeeding so I gave up at 12 weeks. He is now a very happy three year old who loves milk! My daughter wanted to breastfeed (all the time to begin with) and now has at least two feeds a day and some cows milk while I am at work. She is 14 months, has learnt the sign for milk and asks for it when she wants. My husband wants us to quit but it is her decision, not his or mine to make in my opinion.

Mariska - posted on 09/19/2009

I no longer breastfeed, but breastfed my little one until she was 16 months old. She weaned herself and although it was a sad thing for me, I knew she was ready to give it up and I had to do the same. Our breastfeeding relationship was difficult in the beginning as I got infection and then went back to work after 4 months. I still expressed at work and my little still got the breastmilk despite the negativity from my family to say she is not getting enough! So, for those of you who have some difficulties, just stay strong and keep it going!

Michelle - posted on 09/19/2009

My daughter is almost 14 months and still has two breastfeeds a day. One first thing in the morning and one before she goes to bed. I have followed her lead on when to drop breastfeeds, and plan on letting her self wean. I lovethe bonding time that breastfeeding gives and I think there will be a few tears from me when she decides to stop.

Laura - posted on 09/19/2009

I breastfed my twins for 18 months. Mainly cuz they were premature and their birthday was in Nov so after they turned 1 I was still worried and I knew breastfeeding would help them through the winter. With my baby who is 6 months old I don't plan on trying to wean till 12 months old unless he decides otherwise!!

Mary - posted on 09/19/2009

My son is almost 3 months old and up until a couple of weeks ago I had no expectations on how long I would breastfeed. Now I feel like I want to go as long as possible. Unfortunately, I just went back to work (this was my first week) and I am scared I won't be able to keep up my supply. I have been pumping everyday (2-3 times) and some days I am amazed by how much milk I can get and others I am very dissappointed and worried that I am not pumping enough. I am using a hand pump and have considered renting an electric pump, but don't know how much it costs and if it is worth it.
I honestly can not imagine not breastfeeding at this point and I truly hope I can keep this going at least until a year old and he is on solids.

Jen - posted on 09/19/2009

I'm still breastfeeding and my son is almost 14 months old. :)