What is the best age to stop breast feeding ?

Meg - posted on 07/07/2009

I'd say as late as possible. If you both want to continue, then you should do so. Because the breastmilk has long term benefits, and it has more benefits the longer you bf the child. That's based on solid scientific research.

Felicity - posted on 07/07/2009

i think taht the best time to stop is when ever your child is ready to, as long as you are both still happy to continue then yuo can feed for as long as you like.

Vicki - posted on 07/07/2009

Haha, I've been saying I'll be nursing my kid til college, too! :o)

But around 5 or 6 would be acceptable.

Tamara - posted on 07/06/2009

I figure when my kid goes off to college, its a good time.

In all seriousness though, I weaned my daughter at 18 months because I had to go inpatient. My next child I hope to nurse even longer.

Vanessa - posted on 07/06/2009

the best age to stop breastfeeding is when the child stops on their own terms.

i believe in child led weaning.

even if children are drinking other forms of milk from a cup does not mean they are ready to give up the breast........remember breastfeeding is also about much more than nutrition.

Nicole - posted on 07/06/2009

Oh and my son does the shirt lifting or pulling on and I tell him, no he's not to do that. If he wants to nurse he needs to ask. He use to say "wa" when he was little, and now he needs to say please. Pulling on mommy's shirt means no nursing in our world.

Nicole - posted on 07/06/2009

We're doing child-led weaning and my son 2.5yrs. is still going strong. He's a very smart, healthy (only been sick 4 times in his life), independent and confident. I do attribute some of this, a lot of this, to the breastfeeding and child-led weaning.

Some good links:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/how_w...
http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.ht...

Stina - posted on 07/05/2009

Quoting Lauryan:

I'd suggest trying to discourage her from wanting to feed everywhere though - in my experience people are generally not very encouraging for prolonged feeding. Perhaps explain to her that it's only for at home so that the two of you can enjoy the time together.

From 1 year of age she only needs two milk feeds a day, so the rest of the time she should be drinking water and/or juice anyways.

Best of luck!

If you are uncomfortable with her nursing everywhere, make it a morning thing or a pre nap or bed time thing... if you are fine with it though, I'd say not to worry about what other people think.  People aren't going to get used to mommies breastfeeding any aged child out in public if we are all hiding.  You could start teaching her to ask for what she wants.  There are signs you could teach her to use instead of just lifting your shirt. and helping herself.  I honestly don't know how that would work out though.  I think you are lucky- my first weaned himself completely about 3 days after he turned one and my second, we mutually weaned by her first birthday.  I had planned to nurse till 2 years of age. 

Best age to stop?  When your baby is ready or, and I know a lot of people will disagree here, when you are no longer comfortable nursing your toddler.  It's up to you. 

Teresa - posted on 07/05/2009

It's really your choice. I started weaning my twin girls at 13 months and we were completely done at 15 months. My 15 month old son still nurses on demand about 7-10 times every 24 hours. I nurse him just about anywhere and have never had anyone say anything about it. Apparently by reading some of the posts on here I am extremely lucky in that aspect.



I would not force whole milk on her. If you are interested in starting to wean at this point then you can start trying her out w/ some milk in her cup and discourage/distract her when she wants to nurse and you don't want to (like in public perhaps). If she doesn't seem ready then I personally would not push it yet, but that is totally up to you. :)



Good luck w/ whatever you decide!

Minnie - posted on 07/05/2009

I believe when the child chooses to end breastfeeding.

If you stop any sooner than child-led weaning you'll never know if your child gained what he or she needed to from the relationship.

Why would you force cows milk on her when you have a perfect whole milk for her right from the tap?



How about teaching her a word or a sign she can make when she wants to nurse so that she'll tend to not try to lift up your shirt in public herself?

Lauryan - posted on 07/05/2009

You can feed as long as you feel comfortable doing so. It differs for each mom and child. Some people say that there is a window of opportunity at about 12 - 14 months of age where it's easiest to wean, but others say that it's better to wait until both baby and mom are ready to wean. it's really your choice!



I'd suggest trying to discourage her from wanting to feed everywhere though - in my experience people are generally not very encouraging for prolonged feeding. Perhaps explain to her that it's only for at home so that the two of you can enjoy the time together.



From 1 year of age she only needs two milk feeds a day, so the rest of the time she should be drinking water and/or juice anyways.



Best of luck!