I'm still breastfeeding

Baeyah - posted on 10/26/2010

she will stop if she wants it to stop. i'm still breastfeeding my 19-month-old girl and i seriously believe that the day she rejects my milk, that will be one the saddest days in my life. :)

Maria - posted on 08/30/2009

i breastfed my son til he was 20 months...my expiration date on this was going to be no longer than 2 years..so by 20 months it was mutual. i don't think anyone can tell another when to stop, it's when it's right for you and your child! breastmilk is best---period! my daughter is 14 months and we're both not ready to give it up!

Debbie - posted on 08/30/2009

Hi Penny,

I breast fed both of my girls until they were 3 and 3 1/2 years old. The reason being, they had ' immune deficiency disease '. I also got comments and opinions I didn't even ask for. They get really old too. Your reason is different than mine, but, I loved breast feeding them knowing that it was so good for them. The closeness and bond will never be broken that we made. It's a special time for both mom and baby. A sweet bond that some people may never understand. Don't let their opinion keep you from doing what you and your baby enjoy. If the two of you are happy with this, who are others to tell you you should stop? I was breast feeding them 24/7, not just at bed time. But, I never minded. I loved every minute of it.

The doctors "Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition specialists" in (Atlanta, Ga.) at the Nation's well known hospital and clinics, Emory's Children's Center, formerly known as Egelston, stated that it was indeed very nourishing for the baby, as long as the mother has good milk. I did! This is the only nourishment that my girls, ( 14 & 10 years old now), had for the first 3 years of their lives. The option to feed anything else was off the table for us. Doctor's orders. They also had severe reflux and still do today.

But they are healthy and happy, going to school, playing with friends... My oldest, now captain of the Jr. Varsity cheer team in the 9th grade.

Wow! Keep up the breast feeding if you enjoy it. It's your decision. No one elses. Unless she refuses it or you decide you're ready to stop, enjoy... They grow up way too fast.

I loved the babies I had, but I also love the little people they have become. I'm sure I'll love the young ladies they are becoming just as well.

Don't rush things with your daughter. All your children are their own little person. They develop at different stages, have their own personalities and will make some decisions themselves. Give her the option to spend that special time with her mama. I'm sure she will sleep better and be a happier baby with your milk.

Good luck and enjoy being a mom.

Debbie

Megan - posted on 08/30/2009

Tell other people to mind their own business!! There IS nutritional value in breastmilk! They are recieving anti-bodies and a perfectly formulated foor for them that they can recieve REAL benefits from. Would people rather you feed them cow's milk that is formulated for a large animal with a chambered stomach! You are doing great! Keep up the great work and realize that you are giving your baby an amazing start in life!

Katie - posted on 08/29/2009

my son is 16 months also and im still breastfeeding him, only for naptime and bedtime, dont let anyone tell you that you should stop breastfeeding, they still get extra vitamins from it, so if anything its actually helping them. only you should decide when to stop, or your baby if she weans herself. breastfeeding is 100% the best thing a mother can do for her child, plus who wants to pay all that money for formula!? keep up the good work, your baby benefits from it!

Rachel - posted on 08/29/2009

Its amazing how many doctors/nurses/random people think breastmilk turns to water after a certain age :p They encourage us to give our children cow's milk which is made for cows but they discourage us from giving our children breastmilk which is made for our child :p

I let my son decide when he was done. He weaned himself at 27 months and until then he was still getting fat, vitamins, antibodies, comfort, etc from me. Plenty of nutritional and emotional benefits!

Shakira - posted on 08/29/2009

I breastfed my now 5 year old until she was 2 years old. Her pediatrician and lactation consultant said the longer the better, and to continue until neither of us wants to do it anymore. I say keep it up until she doesn't want it anymore.

Jessica - posted on 08/29/2009

I love Dr. Sears and his attachment parenting philosophy. Here's what he has to say about extended breastfeeding (past 1 yr) -



http://www.parenting.com/article/Baby/Fe...



quoted:



Science is on your side. I have read many medical journals with articles proving the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding. The incidence of many illnesses, both childhood and adult, are lowered by breastfeeding -- diabetes, heart disease, and central nervous system degenerative disorders (such as multiple sclerosis) to name a few. The most fascinating studies show that the longer and more frequently a mom nurses her baby, the smarter her child is likely to become. The brain grows more during the first two years of life than any other time, nearly tripling in size from birth to two years of age. It's clearly a crucial time for brain development, and the intellectual advantage breastfed babies enjoy is attributed to the "smart fats" unique to mom's breast milk (namely, omega-3 fatty acid, also known as DHA). From head to toe, babies who breastfeed for extended periods of time are healthier overall. They tend to have leaner bodies with less risk of obesity. They also have improved vision, since the eye is similar to the brain in regards to nervous tissue. They have better hearing due to a lower incidence of ear infections. Their dental health is generally good, since the natural sucking action of the breastfed infant helps incoming teeth align properly. Intestinal health is also much better than those of non-breastfed babies, as breast milk is easier to digest, reducing spit-up, reflux, and constipation. A toddler's immune system functions much better since breastmilk contains an immunoglobulin (IGA) which coats the lining of the intestines, which helps prevent germs from penetrating through. Even the skin of these babies is smoother and more supple.



World opinion is on your side. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recommends mothers breastfeed until three years of age. (Yes, you did read that right!) Even the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mothers should breastfeed "at least until one year of age and then as long as baby and mother mutually want to."



It's better for your health. Extended breastfeeding reduces the risk of uterine, ovarian, and breast cancers. Breastfeeding women also have a lower incidence of osteoporosis later in life.



It's better for your toddler's behavior. We have many extended breastfeeders in our pediatric practice, and I have noticed that breastfed toddlers are easier to discipline. Breastfeeding is also an exercise in baby reading, which enables a mother to more easily read her baby's cues and intervene before a discipline situation gets out of hand. Nursing is a wonderful calming tool on days when Mom needs to relax and to stave off an impending toddler tantrum.



Blame it on your doctor. I have noticed that one of the easiest ways to silence critics is the phrase: "My doctor advised me to." You can go on to explain that your doctor told you about all the recent research extolling the benefits of extended breastfeeding.



Let your child silence the critics. Once your friends and relatives see the benefits of your breastfeeding bond, your growth as a mother, and the emotional, intellectual and physical health of your child, they will serve as convincing testimonies to the value of extended breastfeeding.

Catherine - posted on 08/29/2009

The benefits don't stop because the child is older.Infact,my doctor just told me that.
I think it's funny when people imply I should stop breastfeeding,put my baby on formula,or ask "how long are you going to do this for?") As if it is a dreadful,unheard of act.Those are the people who should read up on the benefits.
If your happy, & baby's happy.........What's the harm?

Samantha - posted on 08/29/2009

Kudos to you! I made it to about 11 months, but then my daughter kept biting and I couldn't do it anymore. she is going to be one in a week, so she is now on cow's milk. I think you should do what you think is right...she is your daughter, not everyone elses who feel the need to comment on your personal decisions.

Ana - posted on 08/29/2009

Keep on doin' it, your baby will tell you when you should stop. As long as she is happy, what you're doing is right.

Crystal - posted on 08/29/2009

Do what you feel is right. You and your child will know when it is time to stop. My son did not stop breast feeding until he was 22 months and he only did night time feedings also. I had all kinds of opinions coming my way some good and some not so good. So from a mother who knows as long as you are ok with breast feeding do not worry what other people think. You and you daughter will know when it is her time to stop. Hope I was some help.

Tina - posted on 08/29/2009

Very Good that is the best thing for your child. I breastfeed all 3 of my kids and they are healthy and great kids.

Renee - posted on 08/29/2009

Good on you..... just keep doing what you feel is natural and those health people are terrible they had my sister in law so confused and distressed when she had her son she was in tears constantly and with me they have been nothing but rude and funnily enough both that I have seen didn't have any children. I have to return to work when my daughter is 10 months but I intend on still b/feeding her before child care and at night.

Tina - posted on 08/29/2009

Doctor said same thing to me when my Ist child was almost two, second child weened at 14months and I"m feeding my third he's 7mnths (aiming for 2yrs). I think the antibodies they get from the milk is reason enough for me. You should feed for as long as it works for the both of you. The world health organisation suggests at least feeding into the child's second year of life. How can our breast milk have a expiry date??!!!

Julie - posted on 08/28/2009

The breastfeeding issue - it seems to be the issue that everyone decides to foist their own opinion on others as fact, doesn't it? I'll echo what others have said here - if you and your little girl are enjoying breastfeeding there is no reason to stop. Milk is milk. I wonder if the health visitor believes cow's milk has any nutritional value? If so (as I suspect he/she does, as most do), breastmilk will still have the nutrition value of milk, except it's tailored for specifically for growing humans instead of cows. Last I checked we're human... it seems ridiculous that a health care professional would try to dissuade a mother from feeding an a growing infant mother's milk but in the same breath stress the importance of getting enough protein and calcium from dairy foods...

Leslie - posted on 08/27/2009

even if alittle as long as she nurses and getting milk she is getting valued nutients and antibodies from you.

Debbie - posted on 08/27/2009

here is a great article on nursing toddlers.



http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_...

Robbyn - posted on 08/27/2009

There is *absolutely* plenty of nutritional value in your milk as long as you're producing it. A friend of mine's daughter had no interest in solids until she was 18 months old. She was chubby and healthy and certainly not hurting for nutrition.

Jessica - posted on 08/27/2009

Someone in the health field actually claimed there was no nutritional value in breastfeeding your child? I mean.... sure she's not nursing for the sake of calories anymore... but come on! You are providing comfort and security of habit for your child, and that is NEVER wrong. Kudos to you for child-led weaning, don't give in to the nay-sayers!

Dawn - posted on 08/27/2009

I am still nursing and my baby just turned two. Do what you want, no one can make you feel bad about a good thing. Maybe you need a new health visitor one who has had more education about breastfeeding. There are a lot of great books out there on toddler nursing. (for 1 year and up is concidered toddler) try William Sears. He is amazing his wife Martha also has a lot of books. Their son is a doctor on the new show Doctors. The only thing that should be said is stop when you or your child wants to. Not when everyone who is not in on your nursing bond wants you to. Keep up the good work. You have a lot of moms behind you.

Angel - posted on 08/27/2009

Also, its nice to know in today's crazy world I'm not alone. My doc's said don't be in a rush to quit at 12 mo, then at 15 were shocked I hadn't weened. I did it at 27 mo mostly due to peer pressure, but they boys are ok. I miss it though.

Stina - posted on 08/27/2009

Keep it up! I hope that I will be nursing my 4mo dd when she gets past a year. There is a lot more than nutritional benefit from breastfeeding... I doubt that there is no nutritional value to it either. I think it's more a matter of - there haven't been many studies to see what nutritional benefits breastmilk offers past one year. I'll bet you're still offering immune system bolstering goodness with every session among other things.

Angel - posted on 08/27/2009

Your fine. My doctor said the same thing. There's plenty of value in your milk. It will keep your child much healthier. Plus its cheeper than the store bought kind. Just be sure your kid gets a balanced diet. She is too old for just mommymilk.

Christina - posted on 08/27/2009

Its amazing that we can just stop producing any nutrition in our breastmilk once our kids reach a year isn't it???!!!? People really need to get educated before they speak about breastfeeding. There is still nutritional value in your milk and whether your doing one or ten feedings your child is getting all the nutritional, emotional, and psychological benefits of breastfeeding!! Do it as long as you like dear theres no reason to quit if you and the little one are happy! (I did both of mine a little over 2.5yrs each and we loved every second :))

Michelle - posted on 08/27/2009

I think it is very good that you are still breastfeeding your daughter! I am doing the same, my daughter is 15 months. I will let her wean naturally, which she has already started doing. She doesn't even get BF every day anymore (I guess she's just about done). But even with every-other day feedings, I definately still believe it has a great deal of nutritional value for her!

Lisa - posted on 08/27/2009

i stand corrected!! xx can i use 'it's late and i'm tired' as an excuse?!

Ashley - posted on 08/27/2009

There is ALWAYS nutritional value for the baby/toddler in it... the milk changes as the child grows to provide what the child needs from it. I am practicing child led weaning as I think the child knows best what it needs... my son is 22.5 months old and nursing with no end in sight... I will be tandem nursing come March if he hasn't weaned himself by then.

Whitney - posted on 08/27/2009

No nutritional value-WHAT!!!!!!?? Do they think our boobs stop working when our babies reach a year? That's crazy! Actually there's a LOT of research out there that shows the longer you bf the more nutrients, vitamins, antibodies, etc your child receives. The La Leche League supports this and I know a ton of Mom's still bfing at 24, 18, 22, etc months old. I highly suggest you visit their website www.llli.org

I'm planning on bfing as long as my son wants to. =)

Lisa - posted on 08/27/2009

at this age she is probably doing well and getting all her nutritional needs from solid food, so i expect your health visitor was probably partly right in what she said HOWEVER i firmly believe that there are many emotional and psycological(sp?) benefits for both of you. Why on earth would you not want to nurse a warm cuddly body to settle her before bed?!! I only made it to 14 mths with my daughter before she decided to stop, i would have carried on for as long as she wanted it. Well done on making it this far, you should be very proud of yourself xx

Jocelyn - posted on 08/27/2009

i breast fed my son until he was 21 months, and for the past few months leading up to him completely weaning, it was only one feed at night.
if you are happy, there is absolutely no harm in continuing :)

Sabrina - posted on 08/27/2009

My daughter is going to be 13 months soon and I decided that this time around I would BF past 1 year. My husband the other night was asking me when I would stop but I said I dont know. Things are going good and I dont have any reason t stop so why not. She enjoys it and so do I. With the other 5 there were things that came up that I had to stop. And with most of them I couldnt make it to 1 so the subject has never come up. But after we talked he said do whatever you want and makes you happy. And my family never interfers with how I raise my kids. They can give their opinion but thye know it is our decision on what happens. Remembe she is your daughter and your choice is what matters. They can talk but you always have a final say. Congrats and good luck.

Ann - posted on 08/27/2009

Trust your instincts (and those of your baby). She will let you know when she is ready to stop. There are too many people with too many oppinions who simply want you to do what they would do. There is no harm in nursing your child until she decides to stop and the full benefits of nursing into todlerhood are unknown. Too many people out there want you to do what they did (because it makes them feel that what they did was right). You simply need to do what is right and best for you and your baby. Hope this helped.