HOW OLD IS TOO OLD?

Shannon - posted on 05/04/2010

My daughter is only 6 months and people keep telling me that it's about time to go to a bottle, I hate the fact that people feel the need to have an opinion about my choice to breastfeed. My daughter started losing weight so I had to start giving her formula, but I am still breastfeeding her twice a day so she can get a little bit. But if I could I would still be nursing her but I need to do what is healthy for her.
As far as weaning your daughter eliminate one at a time so she doesn't have withdraws or stress. No matter what anyone says you are doing a great job and you should do what you think is best, keep up the good work!

Kitra - posted on 05/04/2010

hi patricia, i like many moms have faced the same issues, and most of the non-support has been from my family. i am hoping to go to 2yrs, and i know dyl will let me know when he wants to stop if it's before that. here is an article we were featured in, maybe it will help a little, it talks about how black mothers don't breastfeed as often or as long as other moms, and how they are less supported. hope it and all the support you're getting here, helps

kit

http://www.chapelhillnews.com/2010/04/18...

Marsha - posted on 05/04/2010

I know you got tonnes of replies to this...but when I read your post I HAD to respond too.
GOOD FOR YOU for still breastfeeding! It is the BEST food for our children, and as they grow, the milk changes with them, so it provides what they need at every month and every stage of their development.
My daughter just turned 1 on Sunday, and she still breastfeeds. Of course it isn't as frequent as when she was smaller, now that she eats solids, but I would say she nurses about 3 times a day, once when she wakes, once when she goes for her nap (sometimes) and once when she is going to bed at night. I feel that they will ween themselves naturally. That is what I did with my first. I let her decide when to stop. And they do.
I think when they are around 1, they nurse for comfort and to feel that love and security from their mothers. They are getting more and more independant, and those times are so precious. They will be grown up before we know it, so these moments are ones to treasure.
If people say "STILL?", look at them like they are strange for asking, and say, "Of course!", make them think about it a bit.

Crystal - posted on 05/04/2010

I am stilll nursing my 16 month old. The doctors all recommend that you nurse until at LEAST one year and my doctor is urging me to continue. I nurse on demand and now that my son is eating our food, he only nurses when he wants to fall asleep and I am going on demand. I had thought when I was pregnant for him that I would only nurse to one year but now that I have him, I am not sure when we will stop, probably closer to 2 years. It is the best thing for him and my doctor is recommending it. Follow your mom-instincts. Each child is different and some will actually wean themselves. I agree with others, reply when people inquire with just as much shock, "of course!!" Doctors have realized the benefits to it and are actually recommending it. I also agree with not going cold-turkey. It will be too hard on both of you.

Krista - posted on 05/04/2010

I'm in the same situation. I go off of the belief that he will start to bite me when he's ready to ween. I have yet to get bitten, he's almost 9 months, and we both enjoy our time together. So what if I breast feed him till he's 2? Does that matter? I don't think so. Its no one's business but your own. :)

Teri - posted on 05/04/2010

I nursed my daughter until she was 2 yrs 10 months. I consider that close enough to 3 yrs of nursing. For the firs 6 months all she got was boob juice. At 6 months we introduced solids. Even at 2 yrs she was still nursing about4-5 times a day and to sleep. I night weaned her so I could sleep and we were at 2 times a day-before work and before bed. Then she stopped nursing before work, but still at bed time. Then all of a sudden (it seemed to me) she was asking for a sippy cup of milk to bring up to bed with her. She did that for about 1-2 weeks and she was done. She does occasionally still ask to nurse but I tell her that she emptied them and they don't work any more. My mom was concerned about how long I would be nursing my daughter and I started saying things like "I guess I'll have to move into the dorm with her."

I have to say that the longer you nurse the better off you and your child will be. The longer you nurse the less risk you have of getting breast cancer. The longer you nurse the better immune system you child has. I know every child is different, but she didn't get her first ear infection until 2.5 yrs.

Christel - posted on 05/04/2010

I breastfeed until my daughter was one, that was what my pediatrician recomended so don't feel bad. I took out a feeding and after a week anither feeding and I think the last one I stopped with was the morning.

Kelly - posted on 05/04/2010

I have an 11month old who is still breastfeeding. And my 2nd child did until he was 35 months. Its your baby. Dont let anyone tell you what is best. You obviously know already. Plus you can always tell them about the health benefits extending well beyond 1 year of breastfeeding.

Brandy - posted on 05/04/2010

I breast fed all my children until they refused the breast, and it varied. My first was until 8 months old...too soon for ME, my second was until 11 months old, and I am still BF my third at 6 months old. Doc's usually recommend up to a year, but go as long as YOU feel comfortable.

Hazel - posted on 05/04/2010

Hi my baby girl is 9m & I am certainly still feeding her! You are doing the best thing for your baby, I know as well as any that it can be draining but well done for putting your baby 1st. The NHS recomends BF untill at least 2 if you can. I am a BF peer supporter for the NHS in Scotland & I wld say she should naturally begin weening herself, my little girl has, but I would not recomend cold turkey. Just start cutting out feeds one at a time, everytime she gets used to the change try another. I would choose whichever feed you will find it easiest to cut out, when you will have the energy to deal with the fall out. Maybe a daytime one when she can be distracted or one where you feel you could cuddle her back to sleep wthout BF. Good luck with weaning whenever you decide to start, but make it yours & your babies choice, don't let Anyone sway your judgement. Mummy knows best :) with best wishes for you & your family
Hazel

Fiona - posted on 05/04/2010

The international age for weaning is 3 years old, in Canada they recommend 2 years or more, with my first daughter (4 years ago) it was only one year or more, I weaned her when she was 2, she has never been ill, I put it down to breastfeeding!

Katrina - posted on 05/03/2010

Think about this one.
When someone makes the comment "Still" ask them if they think breast milk has an expiry date? Because if it does no one told me the date.
Seriously, boobs and breast milk don't just expire and go bad. Keep going as long as it is right for you and you're little girl. My daughter and I are almost at 3 yrs. Eventually if you keep going, the child gets older and people don't even think to ask anymore.
Is it hurting you? Is it hurting your little girl? No.
Is breastfeeding hurting the person who's asking you "Still?"
Respond, "Making milk is my super power, what's yours?"

Ruma - posted on 05/03/2010

You can breastfeed her upto 24 months.And about weaning,I think you should have started it by now.start with light foods like cereals ,etc

Corinne - posted on 05/03/2010

I breast fed mine till thwy were coming up two. By that time it just didn't feel right to me and they were easy to pacify with milk from bottles. This is such a short time that you can provide such a special comfort. and closeness. Go for it till you or your child feels otherwise. I found Breats feeding was the only fod source mine could keep down during stomach bugs ( that they increasing caught when mixing t=with kids at play groups etc). You will know what is right for you,. Your child may only want aquick comfort feed or a pacifyer to get to sleep. If it works for you then go with the flow. Mine are now almost 6 and 4. They tell me the special cuddle (breastfeeding) was really cuddly. and can remember feeling snuggly with me. Follow your heart. Go for it.x

Amie - posted on 05/03/2010

My son will be 15 months and we are still breastfeeding. My daughter breastfed until she was 2 and occasionally asks even now being over 3. I plan on nursing until my son is 2 or he decides to stop on his own. Many other cultures continue this relationship well past 12 mos. and there are more studies showing benefits for both mom and child of extended breasfeeding. That being said, I am also a firm believer that you should only continue this relationship as long as it is working well for both of you. The decision to breastfeed and for how long is very personal, and I would never tell anyone what they should or should not do...good luck and good job!

Anne - posted on 05/03/2010

My daughter is 17m. Wean when you're both ready hun, ignore all these people! It is the best thing for your child, and they are still well short of the World Health Organisation advice of nursing for a 'minimum of two years' and thereafter for as long as you want!
Go you!

Angie - posted on 05/03/2010

I don't think there is a "too old" as long as both mom and baby are still enjoying the nursing relationship. Personally I'm still nursing both my 3 1/2 year old and 19 month old. My 3 1/2 year old is down to every other day or so but my 19month old still nurses every 2 hours around the clock.

April - posted on 05/03/2010

well my daughter is 10 months old and i still breast feed at night but i bottle feed during the day only because i had to go back to work. Doctors reccommend breat feeding for the first year but i do know people who breat feed longer. I would say breat fed until both you and your daughter are ready to move on

Erin - posted on 05/03/2010

I would like to echo everyone's sentiments on here and add one thing: I noticed from your picture that you are African American. Unfortunately, african american women breastfeed thier children in disproprtionately low numbers compared to other ethnic groups, especially in very urban areas. Be a pioneer! Set an example. It seems to me you already know in your heart that what you are doing is the best for your baby. I'm not sure where you are located, but there is sure to be a La Leche League in your area, and if you look really hard, some places have breastfeeding support especially for ethnic women. Good luck, and keep up the good work. Your baby will thank you!

Jaqulene - posted on 05/03/2010

I get the same reaction and my baby girl just turned 6 months! My hubby wants me to stop when she turns a year but I am more inclined to let her self wean..within reason...no 5 year old nursing thats for sure! lol Good luck ;)

Faith - posted on 05/02/2010

My son is almost 2 1/2 and I still nurse him. Even though he eats he still wants to nurse after. I nursed his sister till she was almost 3

Stephanie - posted on 05/02/2010

Don't worry about what people say, if they question you then they are uneducated on the benefits of BFing through the first yr. and beyond. I would begin replacing a feeding with a meal until you are down to BFing 1-2 a day and then it will be a gradual process for both of you. Good Luck!

Mallory - posted on 05/02/2010

As far as I know, its amazing that you still breastfeed! I read in a book that only 17 percent of women make to the age of 1 with their child. It is the best you can do! For weening I have been reading up on it, and I think your child adjusts better then we do (as a mother). Make sure they like the formula and will take a bottle before you decide to do it. And then most children like the bottle more because its faster, and they continue on their day! Good luck!

Amy - posted on 05/02/2010

I think people who don't know anything about BF should keeep their comments to themseelves and stay out of a BF'ing mom's business! I BF my baby and I love it. She can't live without it either! A baby is still technically a baby/infant until they turn 2. There is NOTHING wrong with BF'ing your baby until 2 yrs old or beyond. Many women thru time and all over the world have done extended BF'ing. It is good for a child psychologically and will make your relationship stronger and closer. You BF as long as you can/want and don't listen to anyone. In fact, I plan on printing up information on BF'ing and carrying copies with me so if anyone has something to say, I'll hand them one!

Alexandria - posted on 05/02/2010

My daughter was 21 months old when i stopped breastfeeding her... and the only reason i stopped was because i ended up in the hospital, and was put on medicine that i have to stay on and i cant breastfeed while on the medicine. DONT let anyone discourage you from breastfeeding... and for weenin.. every couple of days cut a feeding out... the hardest ones to get rid of will be before nap and at bedtime.. but it should be ok to take one feeding out at a time so she gets use to it instead of cutting her off all at once. hope that helped!

Princess - posted on 05/02/2010

I SAY THE HELL WITH WAT PPL THINK... I HAVE BREASTFEED ALL MY KIDS. MY OLDEST STOPPED HERSELF @ 20 MONTHS, MY MIDDLE I MADE HER GO COLD TURKEY WHEN SHE WAS 18 MONTHS AND IM WAS MADE AT MYSELF 4 DOIN TAT & I AM NURSEIN MY SON NW HE IS 10 MONTHS.... I PLAN ON LETTIN HIM STOP HIMSELF...

Janine - posted on 05/02/2010

Girl, breastfeed till you are ready to stop or the baby is. I started weaning at 10 months wanting to be done by a year but then hung onto it for a summer knowing that she could use the additional hydration over the hot months. I ended up stopping at 15 months. It was time for us. Don't ever make decisions in your motherhood based solely upon people's remarks. They will say everything under the sun. Just remember that you are doing what is best for your baby and you. That is the answer you can give.

Liane - posted on 05/02/2010

My son is also 10 months old and I've started hearing some comments regarding this as well. I have to say that the comments I hear in support of it are far greater though :) I just ignore people who say things like this to me. They obviously are not educated enough to understand why I would want to feed my baby the perfect food for him ;) Keep on BF knowing that you are doing what your body was made to do. As for weaning, I'd suggest letting your baby take the lead on that... Good luck to you and Lailah!

Donna - posted on 05/02/2010

Patrice - don't worry about what they say! It is completely personal, and you should do whatever is best for you and your daughter. There is nothing strange about feeding your daughter up until she is one, or further if you so choose. A lot of people who make you feel odd about it have their own agendas, so don't worry...you are doing great!

Claudia - posted on 05/02/2010

my third child now 19 months old is still nursing twice a day, i breastfed my second daughter until 2 years of age, my first one only 7 months/ but exclusivily, and my last two children are sick the least, so that should answer everything. My grandma was shocked and askied "how much longer i want to do that", after i told her that even WHO recommends up to 2 years of age she never asked again, and usually if there is no reason i just wont go into that subject.

Beth - posted on 05/02/2010

My son is almost 9 months old and I'm still breastfeeding him, so I don't see anything wrong with it at all. I'm starting to try and wean him now, but if it doesn't work I will continue to breastfeed until hes ready to stop.

Delenia - posted on 05/02/2010

My baby boy is now 17.5 months now & he weened himself about 2 weeks ago...i was planing to carry on til 18months minnimum & 2 years maximum...but my milk started decresing cause he started drinking less & less (he was only doing 2/3 short feeds in 24 hours)..one at beadtime and one in the morning...he wasnt sleeping very soundly so i thought to introduce a bottle feed in the evening and see if he slept better....well he realy liked it and in one week he didnt want the boob at night anymore (only sometimes before a nap in the afternoon...) but a few days later he didnt wanna know anything about breast milk anymore!!!..so now im giving him 3x bottles a night..one at bead time one at +- 1:30 then one when he wakes at 7:30.....So be carefull if u dont wanna stop completely if u are thinking about introducing a bottle..also i think if u and baby are both still happy with breast feeding & it suits fine into u`everyday & night..then why stop????? on all the posters in all the Medi-Clinics they say breast milk is best till 2-years old...& i think if u are comfortable with it then dont stop...for me ..if i had reached the 18 month mark & baby was still baby-like ( not to rough or grown-up like!...if u know what i mean..some kids act & look much older than they are,or if he started to bite then i would consider stopping..unless he only drank at night!! otherwise i would have gone on till he was 2, eventhough everyone around me (except for the older european friends) thought i should stop cause it was getting weird for them...but hey thats their problem...not mine, all im intrested in is doing whats healthy for my baby, & if the docters & mid wives all say 18-24 months...then it should be fine...dont get me wrong i wouldent go on after that..( baby realy doesnt need it after that...and id like my boobs back too!!)...so take all u`r options into consideration and do whats wright for u & u`r baby!!! Dont listen to anyone eals!!!

Jasmine - posted on 05/02/2010

My daughter is 16 months and I am still breastfeeding.I love it i plan to breast feed until she is about 2 maybe longer i think its such a great thing to be able to continue to breast feed

Lady - posted on 05/02/2010

F... what others say that's your baby. My baby is 9mths and I plan to bf unitl he's atleast 1yr, how long my body allows me, or long as he want it. NO NO NO don't do cold turkey. What u trying to do tramatize poor lil baby. BF is all he has ever known so you have to do it gradually. Who knows u may have to try more than 1 kind of formula that doesn't agree with his body when u've the right 1 already:) He look at you as his loving protective mom and u trying to change that image to the wicked witch. GL my love and do what's best for u & baby!

Marcie - posted on 05/02/2010

It's not strange at all to feed to 1yr. in fact the American Pediatrics recommend that! However the WHO recommend feeding until 2 yrs old. Ameicans unfortunately don't seem to understand the benefits. Why feed formula for 2 months? In fact I had a lot of trouble finding a formula my baby could handle when he stopped feeding @ 7 months old & it's expensive. My second child fed until I finally weaned him @ almost 4 yrs - of course he was only feeding @ bedtime from ~3 yrs on but it was comforting to him & me - however he showed no signs of stopping, I had to stop him it was a difficult week or 2 - but then he was fine. :) Your doing great there's No Reason to wean a 10 mon. old - she's too young for Milk yet & there's so much health benefit to nruse til 1 or 2 yrs old, I've read til 3 as well..

Jennifer - posted on 05/02/2010

My doctor told me I could do it until my sons were two, so I say go with what the doctor says who cares. I quit both mine cold turkey, and then pumped until the milk gradually stopped coming in. My mom on the other hand started by giving me one bottle of formula a day in place of breast feeding, and then moved to 2 and so on, and I was actually weened within a week.

Danielle - posted on 05/02/2010

my plunket nurse told me to only feed my daughter when she goes to bed so she only gets breast fed 3 times a day and has water or watered down juice.my friend also told me that she got he son off the breast by not giving him anything for 3 days so she didnt feed him no breast or no food only offered him formula hope that helps ooo by the way im still breast feeding and my daughter is 10months as well trying to get her off but is harder than what i thought

Vivecca - posted on 05/01/2010

I nursed my son until he was 1 and a half. I didn't care when people said "still?" I only said yes and kept nursing him! About the weaning, I only took away the night time session because I was dead tired of putting him to bed with me, and I kept nursing him during the day. To do that, I offered him a bottle when he asked to nurse. He got the idea quickly. For the rest, he decided to wean himself! Also, I ended up pregnant very close to that time, so... WIC nutritionist told me that sometimes, that makes the milk taste different and they won't like it. I have no idea.

Good Luck and if you need any help, feel free to drop me a line!!

Colleen - posted on 05/01/2010

16 months old and still going strong! Don't let other peoples reactions get the best of you...you are doing something GREAT for your LO! Not to mention the health benefits for you.

Carmen - posted on 05/01/2010

I have a twelve year old and now a 3 month old. My little guy will nurse for a while--but not as long as my first she nursed for 3.5 years. I want to nurse him for 1 year maybe 2 tops.

Andrea - posted on 05/01/2010

who cares what anyone else thinks, you do what feels comfortable for you. My daughter will be 12 months in 2 weeks, and when when people hear I'm still breastfeeding they congratulate me for doing it for so long.

Abbie - posted on 05/01/2010

i say feed her as long as is right for you and her both. dont worry about what others say! my son was 2 in feb n i'm still feeding him! he would be heart broken if i stopped and so would i. dont stop until your sure that your ready because once you stop you cant change your mind! good luck :)

Loray - posted on 05/01/2010

You should continue until it is the right time to stop for you and your baby. I breastfed my son until 15 months. We weaned gradually, cutting out one feeding at a time over a month or so and that worked great for both of us. Good luck and tell those people to mind their own business!

Eliza - posted on 05/01/2010

Love the responses - Breastfeeding is the best thing for your baby, yet people who don't fully understand the benefits have the hide to judge! I say who cares what they think it's your child - you do what feels best for you and bub. My daughter is turning 1 soon and hasn't been sick as yet - i believe it's because of all the magical nutrition found in my breastmilk that's kept her naturally healthy! All the best!

Amanda - posted on 05/01/2010

You should tell people to mind their own business. The AAP says to go for one year and WHO says at least two years.

Stacey - posted on 05/01/2010

My daughter is 9.5 months and still breastfed as well. So far I've been very lucky to only get "applauded" for it or some surprise reactions that I've made it this far. I don't know why people think it's ok to judge something like that anyway..unless she were heading to college or something..lol

Trina - posted on 05/01/2010

I say only wean when you and she are ready. It does not matter what anyone else thinks. WHO recommends nursing as long as mother and baby are happy.

Jyngir - posted on 05/01/2010

I breastfed my son until he was about 14months. Around 9 months, I began supplementing formula once a day, then slowly weened him to just two breastfed meals a day (once in the early morning and once before bedtime). Around 10 -11 months I started giving him something called "next step" formula, its more like milk and can be mixed with milk to get them ready to transition to actual milk. By 14 months he was just drinking the "next step" mixed with milk out of a sippy cup (helped the transition from bottles). Little steps worked out for us, good luck!

Debi - posted on 05/01/2010

My pediatrician told me that a child could be solely breastfed (No solid food necessary) for a year if that's how the child wanted it. There is no harm in breastfeeding your baby-in fact its's highly recommended for at LEAST a year. I nursed mine (seven of them) as long as they were willing. Of seven, the first weaned himself @ 15 months, the second went 2 and a half years (only at night toward the end-nothing dramatic or 'weird'). the third had to quit @ 11mos. because my milk dried up-I got pregnant. Out of 7 I only had to "wean" 1-a strong-willed daughter who used nursing for control- at 2 and a half years. My goal was to nurse them till they were 2 because toddlers don't eat very well-teething issues, etc. and it was perfect basic nutrition, but also for the secure mom/child relationship which is the foundation for mental health in life afterward. Tell 'people' other cultures breastfeed till 4 or 5 years-Americans are too much in a hurry for ther children to be away from them-too selfish. Enjoy your babies-they WON'T be a baby very long. = )

Tara - posted on 05/01/2010

Well I think at 2yrs they should be done in my opinion. With my son when he turned 12 months I started weening 1 feeding every couple months. Say your daughter has 5 feedings when she turns 1 cut one feeding out and replace it with a sippy cup and food. wait a couple months and repeat. My son did really well with that he acctualy stoped at 16 months on his own I didn't have to finish out the weeining process. Good Luck and remember she is your baby nurse her till your ready to quit.