how old is too old to breastfeed....your opinion, please

Leslie - posted on 03/10/2010

How old is too old? When the child has no interest in it anymore. I believe in self-led weaning. I always regret my having to stop nursing because I had to work out of state to support my family. Its really up to the baby and the mom. My advice? definately by the junior or senior year of high school. at that point, you'll probably just be pumping but they should be on their own by the time they go to college. :)

LOL!!!!!!

There is never a timeline as to when you should stop breastfeeding them. I've read stories from mothers that did not immunize at an early age and breastfed to keep their immunities up until they had their delayed immunizations. when adjusting humans to other mammals, human babies would need to be fed until they are 5-7. I couldn't imagine nursing a five year old but at one time I never saw myself nursing past a few months.

Jaime - posted on 03/09/2010

It is completely relative... If you breastfeed your child until they are say 8 or 9, that will be the norm for you guys. Some cultures completely accept this, and others don't as well... It is hard for me to imagine breastfeeding my 22 month old son (I weaned him when he was nine months because I was pregnant--- which I regret!!) On the other hand, I can imagine breastfeeding my 7 month old until he is 3...

Do what is right for you! But remember that if you are committing to prolonged breastfeeding to make sure that you are taking your vitamins, and are eating very very very healthy! I cannot stress that enough, because breastfeeding will leach things out of your body that if they aren't replaced, will affect you later on in your life.

Good luck, and congrats on breastfeeding successfully!

Kim - posted on 03/09/2010

Online I read articles about mothers nursing 6, 7, 8+ and one lady had pictures of her nursing her 7 year old. I have to admit...it was weird! But I think that occasional nursing is fine until about 5. I have sons that are 8 and 11 and I couldn't imagine having nursed them past toddler hood.

Emily - posted on 03/09/2010

hee hee!

Amanda - posted on 03/09/2010

When they pop off the boob and ask for the keys to the car is a good time to start weaning. :0)

Mindy - posted on 03/09/2010

There is not really an age limit on when to stop breastfeeding, it is different for everyone. You do what you feel is right and what you feel comfortable with. Some people stop at 2 months and some dont stop until 3 years of age or older. It just depends on the person and what they believe.

Emily - posted on 03/09/2010

There is no set age that is "too old."

C - posted on 03/09/2010

I think it depends on you and your child. For me, I was done with each at about a year. They were using cups and didn't "need" me anymore. Plus, although I loved nursing I was also ready to have my body back and have a day without leaky boobs :o)



Not to mention I have tall moose kids who seemed gargantun to nurse. It was getting not so snuggly and more logistical...

Allison - posted on 03/09/2010

I believe in child-led weaning. My daughter was 3 when she stopped. My son is 3 and still nurses a couple to several times a day (about 2 minutes each time) and my littlest one is 10 months and nursing a lot :-)

Melissa - posted on 03/09/2010

I used to think that after a year was old enough but after reading lots of info it is best to nurse at least until the baby is 2 years old. I have also read a lot on self weaning and belive it is important to let the child decide when they need to stop nursing. I also don't think that a child over the age of 2 should be nursing all day either. Nursing in the morning and at night seems more reaonable at that age until they do wean. I guess it comes down to whatever mom feels comfortable doing.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 03/09/2010

I don't think there's an age that anyone MUST stop. It's up to mom and baby and what they feel comfortable with.

Cheryl - posted on 03/09/2010

i think thats still ok... good luck to you. mine didnt last that long. thanks

Andrea - posted on 03/09/2010

Well, we are still going strong at naptime and bedtime! My son is 18 mos. It's funny actually, while I was preggo I kept saying that as soon as a tooth comes he was done. But now he has 10 and he just won't stop! I think I may have a hard time really weaning him! Are you breastfeeding?