How long did you breastfeed your child?

Rebecca - posted on 01/07/2010

I breastfed my youngest 4 years & 5 months. My doctor was aweful about my continuing but I teach breastfeeding to mothers so I knew better than to listen to him which made me concerned about what he was telling mothers that didn't know as much about breastfeeding as I do so I made him a packet on extended breastfeeding to educate himself on the matter, lol. Recently, just before we completed weaning I had the same issue with a dentist that tried to tell me my breastfeeding was ruining my sons teeth before he had any of our background info. If he had asked first he would have known my son is allergic to dairy & has hypocalcemia (low calcium in his body). The first Dr mentioned (no longer my Dr BTW) did not tell me when he was diagnosed as allergic to dairy at 1yo that he should be on a calcium suppliment & floride so my poor babies teeth are very weak. Breastfeeding rarely causes dental problems as the child sucks the milk to back of the thgroat which triggers the body to swallow which is opposite of what a bottle does. Anyway... I went way off topic there, lol. I am glad you are continuing with you & your sons breastfeeding experience & the best time to stop is when BOTH of you are ready.

Staci - posted on 01/07/2010

My first child, 13 months. Second, 9 months. Third, 6 months and going strong. Will continue until 12 months at least. Hooray, for you for giving your child the best start in life!!

Ericka - posted on 01/07/2010

i stopped breastfeeding at about 18 months

Roszita - posted on 01/07/2010

hahhaha the best breastfeed ur baby till at least they turn 24months. But very sad that my second son automatically stop his breastfeeding at exactly 12months old. Cos for him i'm working and not total breasfeed. But now looking forward to breastfeed my youngest daughter to breastfeed her till she turn 24 months. Now she is only 6 months old.

Kim - posted on 01/07/2010

I went 2 years with my daughter.... I was told that the longer you can, the better it is...WITHIN REASON..I have heard 2-3 years is average. All I can say... if you can do it, do it... you are giving your child more then you think. I can tell when she gets sick...it does not stick around very long. Good Luck!

Jenni - posted on 01/06/2010

My son is 2 and half and still nurses ay night. When I was pregnant with him I was only going to nurse until he was 6 months because I read that it was important. Then I had him and I enjoyed the bond we had, so decided to nurse until he was a year. Then I read about the guru of nurseing (I cannot rmember his name) and I learned about self-weaning and the improtance of toddler nursing (until 3). My son loves the bond, he is very smart, developed early for everyting, and has barley been sick the worst was a bad cold! I believe strongly in breastfeeding until atleast 2. I will help anyone who needs anything. Good luck to all those who are trying!

Darby - posted on 01/06/2010

i have an 9 month old daughter than i have (not by choice) weaned off. she got her first 2 teeth when she was 6months and i still continued. at 8months she just decide that she no longer wanted me and was using me as a teething toy instead of her food supply. i didn't take long for me to dry up so that also made me think that i wasnt producing enough for her anymore. good for you for going so long, i planned to end it at about 11-12 months before i go back to work. out of most of my friends i was the only one that bf. good for you

Laurenn - posted on 01/05/2010

My plan is to go until my baby is 2 but that's a long shot. I hope that he'll go that long but I know he may ween himself sooner as many babies do. His teeth aren't that big of a problem because I stop when he bites and that teaches him that if he wants milk better smarten up.

That's great that the nurse said if you continue to bf you don't have to give whole milk as I wasn't totally convinced when my doctor said I should. She hasn't proven to be that informed thus far so I wasn't sure. My son is 11 months and at his 9 month check up she said to start now. I haven't though because like I said, I wasn't convinced.

Heather - posted on 01/05/2010

My little one is 13 months and just having one BF at night now. I plan to stop soon, as personally I feel he doesn't really need it much now and I want a little more freedom to be able to leave him with his dad sometimes. But I have great respect for anyone who breastfeeds longer. I feel proud that he's never had a bottle of formula in his life and I've been able to give him this great healthy start in life and our bonding is so strong.

Brandy - posted on 01/05/2010

Quoting Aubrey:

My Dr is trying to get me to stop bf because I was telling him that my little guy, 11 months old now, has been getting into a bad habbit of biting me when he's done. I told the Dr that I will bf as long as my little buy wanted it and the Dr said I had to stop at 12 months because he will need what is in cow's milk. Is this even true? Am I not going to be able to bf after he's 1? I know physically I will beable to keep producing milk, but will I not be nourishing him if I continue to bf after 1?

You should find a new Dr. First: cows milk is designed for an animal with 3 stomacks and a long digestion track. Second: by the time the processing and pasturizing of the milk is done there is basicly no nutritional value in it. Third: if you are reliying on milk for your calcium and D3 then you are very depleated in that. If you want something closer to bm then only go with goats milk. If you are looking for milk in general then the almond milk is good also, they are finding out that soy milk isn't healthy and most lactose free milks are from cows. I hope this helps you. You should also find a good health food store, most of the stuff in there has been used for hundreds of years and they should know most of the few side affects if any.

Kimberly - posted on 01/04/2010

My first born didn't last a day or 2 bf. I was scared that he wasn't eating and I was having a hard time getting my son to latch on. Plus having the in-Laws hovering over me didn't help either. I felt that I missed out on that experience and bond with my son.

Adisalem - posted on 12/29/2009

Keep breastfeeding as long as you can. That's wonderful. I stopped at 8.5 months because I just couldn't keep up with pumping at work.

Maureen - posted on 12/26/2009

19 months and still going strong. Won't drink cow's milk - Doc says it's okay, since she'll eat yogurt and stuff and drinks plenty of water. she'll wean herself when she's ready!

Natasha - posted on 12/24/2009

Quoting Briana:

How long did you breastfeed your child?

My son is 12 months old. No formula and no cows milk now either. I went for his 12 month check up and they asked if I was giving him whole milk. I thought the nurses jaw was going to hit the floor when I told her that I was still breastfeeding and was planning to continue. She said that had never heard that before from one of their patients! And she also said that most mothers quit after their baby's teeth came in! The rest of the appt was quite positive. Basically good job mommy and that I don't need to give him cow's milk if I continue to bf. So I was happy. But I thought it was a little sad that so many mommies give up breastfeeding so soon. Am I wrong? When do you stop or when do u plan to stop breastfeeding?

I agree that it is sad.  I breastfed my son for 2yrs and my daughter only about 4-5 months and incorporated formula as well.  I plan to nurse this one until he's done! 

TINA - posted on 12/23/2009

Quoting Nicole:

I'm a first time mommy who's been breastfeeding since day one! My daughter is 10.5 months old now, and even though she's going to be entering day care in the new year (my hubby and I will both be in university) I'm planning on continuing to BF her at least 3 times a day. I'm hoping that the transition from exclusive BF (for her liquids anyway) to a combination of formula and BM won't be too difficult on her little tummy.

Way to go all you BF'ing moms!!

i had to add formula into my son's diet a few weeks ago.. It was a little hard on his tummy at first but gas drops seemed to help alot.

TINA - posted on 12/23/2009

My son is seven months and I love breastfeeding him. Unfortunately I am also having to start supplement him with formula because I just started a new job and There is absolutely no time what-so-ever there to pump. I have tried several times and I would not get to eat if I pumped as well on my lunch. It really upsets my because my milk supply has be decreasing. I still solely breast feed when I am at home though. so as long as I have milk and he still will nurse I will definitely continue to he is atleast a year

Lainie - posted on 12/23/2009

With my son I only breast fed 4 month, and only quit because I abruptly stopped

producing when I conceived my daughter. Once she was born I started pumping extra and now feed both her (4 1/2 months) and my son (16 1/2 months). My doctor had the exact same reaction when I told her that I was breast feeding past 12 months. Basically she said well done, but it is extremely unusual.

Deena - posted on 12/23/2009

With my 1st I nursed for 14 months, but supplemented cow's milk at about 10-11 months of age. I also started her on a cup at this time. With my 2nd I nursed about 12 months and did the rest the same. I let them decide when to be done, and it worked great. At around age 1, cow's milk has more benefits for them anyway I've heard. Good luck!

Kacy - posted on 12/23/2009

My Rowan was 2 1/2 yrs., and we had to stop because my milk dried up (I was 8 mos. preg.) My son and I are going strong at 18 mos. (and no cow's milk ever!) I would look for a la leche league in your area to find like-minded moms and get support.

Keep up the good work. Breast is best!!!

Francesca - posted on 12/23/2009

I know what you mean. My sister in law who has a 6 month old ask me what I was doing with my 8 month old now that my milk is nolonger good. I asked her what she meant by that??? She said her pediatrician told her that there was no nutritional value to milk after 6 months. I tried to argue otherwise but she thinks I am a hippy. I even printed out the report on nutrition from 6-23 month olds from WHO. We have been bfing for 8 months with no clear sight of an end, dispite what people think or say :)

Lerin - posted on 12/23/2009

I breastfed my first daughter until she weaned herself, which was around 18 mos. My youngest just turned 1 and is showing no signs of giving it up, she nurses just as much as always, no matter how much 'real' food we give her- we don't give cow milk yet either. Breastfeeding is perfectly natural and normal. As long as you can and, and he wants to, I would continue with it, because their is nothing detrimental about it all. I have a friend who breastfed her daughter until she was about 4.5, and only stopped because she is expecting again and her milk dried up.

Lisa - posted on 12/23/2009

I nursed my 1st until his first birthday. My 2nd is 13 months and he is still nursing morning and night. He shows no signs of wanting to stop so we are still going. He does drink cows milk in a sippy cup twice a day. Good Luck and don't stop until you and your son are ready!

Christine - posted on 12/23/2009

Post a reply! I'm still breastfeeding my son is 6 months not sure how long i'm going to continue. But now i'm aiming for 12 months!

Melissa - posted on 12/23/2009

I nursed my son until he was 17 months old. He self-weaned because I was pregnant and my milk supply dropped very low. He wasn't getting very much, and just eventually stopped asking for it. He drank whole milk from a sippy cup, and is now an incrdibly healthy and happy 3-year old. My daughter is 18 months old, and still nurses 2-3 times a day (always at night before bed, usually in the morning, and sometimes one another time during the day). She drinks whole milk also, but I will let her wean when she is ready.

Dorothy - posted on 12/23/2009

i have a 6 month old he's my first child and i had planned on brest feeding at least till his teeth came in. but i well basically dried up. i eventually started to get him on formula part time because i was looking for work.. he was about 3 1/2 months at that point.. i still brest fed most of the time. then it became only at night but thats still wasn't enough for him he'd still need to have a bottle. so we talked to our Dr and decided to stop all together. he's growing alot faster .. maybe with my next one ill have better luck.. i give you MAD props for brest feeding as long as you have.. your not crazy just determine :D good luck with everything :D

Christina - posted on 12/22/2009

No sweetie, you are not wrong. I am a firm believer that like the child wean themself off. I wish I could breastfed with no supplements! However, I nursing is her prime food source. I ahve a 9 month old daughter BTW. Her doctor are pushing me to stop nursing becuase they feel i am not producing enough and she is 5th percentile of weight. But i fight them. She is healthy as can be! Advance I might add. I nurse her, occasionally formula, baby food and some people food...she's a greedy girl...LOL. But the point I am trying to make is everyone will try to put their 2 sense in and look at you crazy when you don't do things their way. We are blessed with instincts, especially mothers. Follow your baby and trust your gut and your daughter. i say KUDOS for you for doing it after a year!!!

Kelli - posted on 12/22/2009

1st - 2 years

2nd- 4 years



There are so many reasons for extended breast feeding. Obviously, health is the first one. But beyond that-- it's great for emotional needs, toddler discipline, teaching independence.. I could go on.

Natasha - posted on 12/22/2009

I breastfed my daughter for about 4 or 5 months but did forumla and breastmilk. I nursed my son Roman for 2yrs, never any formula, no cows milk until 11 months, and then it was mixed with breastmilk until he was 14 months. Drew is only 4 months so I've been nursing him for that long and won't be doing formula and will follow suit as far as cow's milk with his older brother!

Nicole - posted on 12/22/2009

I'm a first time mommy who's been breastfeeding since day one! My daughter is 10.5 months old now, and even though she's going to be entering day care in the new year (my hubby and I will both be in university) I'm planning on continuing to BF her at least 3 times a day. I'm hoping that the transition from exclusive BF (for her liquids anyway) to a combination of formula and BM won't be too difficult on her little tummy.



Way to go all you BF'ing moms!!

Liane - posted on 12/22/2009

Good for you for making it this far! Yes, lots of women do quit before now but if you are still able and your son is thriving then keep up the good work. I worked full-time with my first two kids and was able to bf for 4 months and 9 months. Now with my third child (almost 6 mos) I am a SAHM and I plan to nurse him until at least 12 months if I am able to. Keep up the good work. You are truly doing what is best for your baby. Lots of medical professionals have very inaccurate information regarding bf'ing so I'm not surprised by this nurses comments. It is extremely unfortunate that they are allowed to give out such information.

Kristina - posted on 12/22/2009

i stopped brest feedin at 2 months only because my baby dried me out i was plannin on doing it until she was 1 or 2

SARAH - posted on 12/22/2009

My little girl is 7 months and I work full time, so I pump every evening and bf in the a.m. but I am not producing much at all, so I have been considering weaning her....but I really enjoy our time when i am bf her. I want to go as long as she'll have it...but I don't know how much longer that will be.

Tara - posted on 12/22/2009

i stopped at 14 months. i was sooo ready lol its great ur still doing it tho and most doctors would praise you for it. it is honestly the best milk you could ever give ur child

Justyna - posted on 12/22/2009

I think you are AWESOME!!!!! My first child I breastfeed for 12 months, this one I plan to breastfeed even longer as long as she wants. Once she gives up the bm, I will give her goat milk, as it is better than cow's milk. And u are absolutely right, it is sad that sooo many women choose to feed baby formula, (except for the ones that want but can't), I find it selfish. Keep doing what u r doing!!

Jamie - posted on 12/22/2009

Quoting Tara Lee:

My LO is 15 months +, and we still BF. I also don't give her cows milk, but that is mainly because she HATES it. Luckly, I am a stay at home Mom, and this works for me. I plan on BF until either she desides to stop or about 2 1/2 to 3 years old. I don't care what others think, I know this is what's best for my daughter.
I also think it's sad that so many quit so soon or so many don't even try. They are missing a great experiance. Keep it up.

Nope, not true :).  Cows milk is for baby cows.  Your milk is for your baby.  That doctor is silly.  

http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/mmi...

I am still breastfeeding my 2 1/2 year old 1 year old :)

Elizabeth - posted on 12/22/2009

Quoting Aubrey:

My Dr is trying to get me to stop bf because I was telling him that my little guy, 11 months old now, has been getting into a bad habbit of biting me when he's done. I told the Dr that I will bf as long as my little buy wanted it and the Dr said I had to stop at 12 months because he will need what is in cow's milk. Is this even true? Am I not going to be able to bf after he's 1? I know physically I will beable to keep producing milk, but will I not be nourishing him if I continue to bf after 1?

It is so sad that Dr's give such bad advice. Today we are a formula fed society therefore the standards for BF are set to those of a formula fed baby. BM continues its benefits into toddler years, the longer the duration the BF relationship continues the higher the IQ the immunity etc. BF toddlers tend not to vitamin deficient like that of formula or cows milk children. BM continues to change for the needs of the child. Our society has this outlook that our toddlers need to be grown and so forth forgetting that it is developmentally appropraite for children to still nurse. Researchers have proved that our children are designed to nurse till ages 7-8. Continue to BF your little one you are doing so much better for them this way!

Kate - posted on 12/22/2009

my son's nurse did the same thing!! My son is now 14 mos and im still going strong! I plan on going until he weans himself. Good job on going this long! it definatly isnt easy!!

Elizabeth - posted on 12/22/2009

My Mady is 15 months and we are still going I hope to make it to 2 which is what WHO recommends if we go longer then so be it. I know it is so depressing how many moms chose not to BF at all and how many quit so early. Mady hasnt even had a cold or anything other than her allergy to my moms dog.

Wendi - posted on 12/22/2009

with my oldest i only did it for 4 months. i quit so soon cause i was planning my wedding and the stress was starting to deplete my supply and i had picked back up my smoking. i had quit the moment i found out i was preggers. when i found out i was preg with my 2nd i quit immed again and stayed quit. i bf him for 6months. and now my youngest and hopefully last...lol... i plan again to go til hes about 6 months. its fantastic that you have gone so long cuz your drs nurse was right but you cant do it forever. eventually that 'cord' will have to be cut. i have read that your baby no longer gets the benefits after a certain age, like they do when they are younger and whatnot. i again think its great but i also think that its time you switch him over and let him become a' big boy'

Geralyn - posted on 12/22/2009

19 months... sad day indeed....

Ashley - posted on 12/22/2009

My doctor told me no cows milk until 12 months. I weened her off the breast at like 10 or 11 months. She wouldn't take plain cows milk, so I tried adding chocolate flavoring...that didn't work so well. She really liked cinnamon toast crunch, so I mixed the cinnamon toast crunch in her sippy cup and she drank it that way. She started drinking plain cows milk like 4 months later and she was just fine.

Tara Lee - posted on 12/22/2009

My LO is 15 months +, and we still BF. I also don't give her cows milk, but that is mainly because she HATES it. Luckly, I am a stay at home Mom, and this works for me. I plan on BF until either she desides to stop or about 2 1/2 to 3 years old. I don't care what others think, I know this is what's best for my daughter.

I also think it's sad that so many quit so soon or so many don't even try. They are missing a great experiance. Keep it up.

Lauren - posted on 12/22/2009

I stopped breastfeeding my son when he was 22months old. I think it is very very important for our children to breastfeed as long as you can do it. Its the most healthy thing you can do. My son as also never really had cows milk. The hormones they put in cows milk is terriable for our children and very unnatural for humans to even be drinking cows milks. My sons doctor agrees with all of us this. Instead of cows milk or soy bc to much soy is bad as well we go with rice milk. But keep breastfeeding as long as you can its great! My son has only had one fever ever! He is now going on three and smart as can be! I cant even tell u enough how important it is for your child to breastfeed as long as you can. And Kudos to you for even breastfeeding your child for 12months.

Aubrey - posted on 12/22/2009

My Dr is trying to get me to stop bf because I was telling him that my little guy, 11 months old now, has been getting into a bad habbit of biting me when he's done. I told the Dr that I will bf as long as my little buy wanted it and the Dr said I had to stop at 12 months because he will need what is in cow's milk. Is this even true? Am I not going to be able to bf after he's 1? I know physically I will beable to keep producing milk, but will I not be nourishing him if I continue to bf after 1?

Tiffanie - posted on 12/21/2009

Fantastic! Good for you and your babies!

Tiffanie - posted on 12/21/2009

I just weaned my boy at 27 months. For the last several months it was just for getting to sleep for naps and night night. Occasionally for comfort. I BF my daughter for 19 months. She quit before I had the chance to wean. I cried.

Unfortunately, women in the US stop before most other countries. It is typical in Europe and Asia to wean at 2 to 3, and is smaller cultures, it is common to go to 5.

Do what is right for you and your baby. You are doing what is best for your son, and I know, personally, that I have been greatly rewarded with the extra time and smiles and silliness that we shared during our cuddly time. It's been 2 weeks and I still get teary eyed when he falls asleep without me....Good luck

Nancy - posted on 12/21/2009

The best way to stand up to negative people is to not discuss it with them. Its non of their business.

If the topic happens to come up, i make it clear i'm not soliciting any opinions. i start preaching bf and they get the idea :)

Jess - posted on 12/21/2009

I was so excited reading all these posts! It seems like everyone around me thinks i'm so weird to be bf my 14 month old still, but he still completely relies on it. To go to sleep, to calm him.. we try and get 3 meals of solids everyday, but most of the time he could really care less! but yea its great to here how many other moms are doing it that long and longer! i feel so strong that he needs to decide when he's ready to quit, and i'm trying to stand up to this pressure of people thinking i need to stop now. Its no one elses business. i think you and your baby will just KNOW when its time to stop, and that's exactly when it will happen. and then there's nothing to regret!

Nancy - posted on 12/21/2009

ds- never exclusively bf due to retarded drs but frequent bf for 2 mths



dd- 20 months old and still going, and going, and going......... never received a drop of formula. :) my proudest accomplishment as a mommy.

Farrah - posted on 12/21/2009

19 months w/ my first