When do you think you should quit breastfeeding?

Danielle - posted on 09/15/2010

I think you'll know when it's time. I tried to stop feeding my son when he was 3 days old but persevered until he was 15 months old. I think it was a good time to stop, for both of us. With my oldest son, we stopped when he was 3 months old. You really have to do what works best for you. I've never heard of any issues with breastfeeding and teeth.

Tashina - posted on 09/15/2010

my plan is to bf until he is 18 mnths or so ive told his peds and they didnt seem to have a problem with it. it may be more her opinion than anything. check out Dr sears and a few others and see what is recommended

Jody - posted on 09/15/2010

i believe nursing is a personal decision between you and your child, my youngest is 12 mos and nursing strong, she is very attached to nursing. I wish I would have nursed my first two longer but I was younger and not as knowledgeable and they were easy to wean. I didn't have anyone say you need to stop at 1 yr or encourage me to nurse. Babies were designed to nurse, I don't believe that it will harm any part of a child to continue to nurse. Good luck with your decision, do what feels right to you.

Kylee - posted on 09/15/2010

My son will be 10 months old on the 19th of September. We are trying to break the breastfeeding habit. not having much luck. I am puming currently minus his nightly feedings so he gets his nutrition still and putting it in sippies for when he wants it. That was we are doing 2 things. Getting him off the breast and not biting me and also protecting his teeth because its coming from a sippie cup

Amanda - posted on 09/15/2010

Nurse as long as it is good for both of you and find a new dentist. An article posted on the American Dental Association finds no association between cavities and nursing!
http://www.ada.org/3143.aspx

Kirstin - posted on 09/15/2010

Since nursing is very healthy for babies, both physically & emotionally, I would continue, if I were you. I was told by mothers with experience that their babies eventually stopped showing interest in nursing, which is how they knew to stop. I kind of thought my son (now 18 months) would never lose interest, but indeed he has, so I stopped nursing 4 days ago without a struggle. Now that your son is 11 months old, you might try weaning him off of night feedings (slowly) and that would help with the potential tooth issue. Nurse him during the day (and get some well deserved sleep at night) & slowly reduce the number of feedings per day until you're at one a day (usually either morning or night). When we put our son down at night, we read him a few bedtime stories, and he recently got so interested in the books that he stopped "asking" to be nursed, so I'd skip it and put him in bed. In the morning, he became so excited about playing with his toys that he would only nurse for a couple minutes and then run out to the living room to play. Four days ago, he ran directly out into the living room, and I haven't nursed him since. He has snuggled up to me & reached into my shirt as if longing for the breast, but he hasn't requested or demanded to nurse.
One last thing: When reducing the number of feedings per day, my son would occasionally "ask" to nurse, and I found that when I acknowledged his request but denied it, he would let it go easily. If I shrugged off his request, he seemed to think I didn't understand him, and got very frustrated, so I would tell him "no, we're not going to nurse right now," and he understood and simply tried again later (I had to do this, as my son is one of those who nursed every 5-15 minutes; which is okay for the first 6 months, but not forever).
Hope this helps & I wish you the best!!!

Amanda - posted on 09/15/2010

When they can undo your bra on their own. It varies by child.

Shelly - posted on 09/15/2010

I nursed my daughter to almost 3 and my current little one is 24 months and still nursing. He is nursing morning and night during the week and maybe a little more on the weekends when I am with him all day. None of my children had "teeth issues." My dentist has never told me that breast feeding was harmful to my children's teeth. Good luck.

Mandi - posted on 09/15/2010

Just to add to what I said above the World Health Organization specifically outlines many reasons why breastfeeding until a min. of 2 years of age is ideal I reccomment the read to everyone. It is free off their site doing a general search.

Tianna - posted on 09/15/2010

My opinion is, whatever works for you, I have a cousin who was breast fed until she was two and she is an awesome girl who's teeth were fine. Good bad who really is to say, our genetics make us all very different people. All we can do is enjoy the special times we have. If it happens that you dry up or notice your child is into solids more than the breast then so be it, but if you guys are both happy and healthy breast feeding then go as long as you can.

Romancia - posted on 09/15/2010

its up to you really, if you've never formula fed its going to be a bit difficult getting up to make bottles warm them up etc. I bf my daughter 12 months 3 weeks and then i stopped, she cried alot the 1st night but she eventrally got use to the formula, i think formula feedings is way harder than breastfeeding cause your breast alwasy there or the pump with formula feeding you have to boil the water cool it donw mix the formula and all that drama, but anyway its up to you when you feel the need to stop

Sue - posted on 09/15/2010

When you think it's more a habit than a need really.... I stopped at about 14-15months with my two. The first one because all of a sudden it was really really painful(probably because I happened to be pregnant with the second) - I had to stop suddenly and she wasn't really fazed about it at all so I guess she didn't really need it. Stopping suddenly not a good idea - I was sore for a good couple of weeks after and it was really uncomfortable. The second I stopped when he wasn't really drinking much so I just weaned him and he didn't really miss it at all and I wasn't sore either so it was perfect. As far as teeth go well if he hasn't bit you yet he may be ok - just watch with the teething - I just pulled them off when they bit and gave them a short break and started again - they soon got the message but ouch it did hurt.....- good luck ;)

Agnes - posted on 09/15/2010

and when it comes to taking care of the teeth: you need to brush them as soon as they have them, regardless of the food.
as for the weaning, I told her: tonight this breast, tomorrow morning that breast and bit by bit i got less production and she is fine with it. sometimes in a groggy sleep I let her suck but she quickly realises it is not worth it. the whole gently stopping process took about 1 month, I guess.

Agnes - posted on 09/15/2010

My daughter has started school and is 2,5 years. On top of that, I am 3 months pregnant. The combination of these factors have made it a natural transition time. She doesn't need it anymore, doesn't ask for it anymore and the production stops by itself. I have more of an attachment parenting style so I tend to do things when my child gives my signs she is ready, I don't apply theories that she should be able to do this or that because some dr said so. She has biten me in the past and I have pointed out that it was unacceptable and she stopped the biting.
She goes to bed in my bed at 7 pm and when I get to my bed, I put her in hers and when she wakes up at 7 or 8 am, she crawls back to mine. I just follow her rhythm and we don't have any problems at all. The best advice I can give you is not decide in advance but have your child and your body determine when it is time.

Grace - posted on 09/15/2010

my son is turning 2 in a couple of months, and i am still breastfeeding him. he has a lot of teeth, but he doesn't bite me willfully. sometimes, he just falls asleep and his teeth clamp on my nipple. it hurts, but i just gently pry his jaws open. i plan to stop when i get pregnant next year :)

Cira - posted on 09/14/2010

I have nursed all of my children and none of my kids had problems with their teeth. My daughter is 2 1/2 now and she is still nursing. I get a lot of negative remarks from some family members but I really don't care and enjoy nursing my daughter. It is totally up to you and your baby. I usually nurse until the child is ready to wean. Good luck with your decision.

Cynthia - posted on 09/14/2010

My Mom quit when I started talking and demanding to be breastfed in public, sometimes to the point of starting to unbutton her shirt because she wasn't feeding me fast enough. If you're not having troubles like that (and I was an unusual child, I will admit- slightly headstrong at times and VERY opinionated) I say keep going. You'll know when it's time for you to quit. It's different for each mom, and each baby. In the end, you know your body and your baby best, and since you're the mom your instincts are usually right!

Kirsty - posted on 09/14/2010

Breastfeeding is better for babies' teeth than bottle feeding. Breasts and babies' jaws are designed to fit together, and the jaw develops properly. Bottle fed babies are more likely to need braces later on.
Plus, if you like breastfeeding, and your baby does too, definitely stick with it for as long as you want.
P.S. i bottle feed expressed breastmilk, so i'm not exactly a hard core breast is best person, just giving you the facts .

Mandi - posted on 09/14/2010

I breastfeed till my guy was 2. I would stop when you feel ready. I would suggest to your pediatric dentist to read the benefits of breastfeeding outlined by the worldhealth organization (download free of charge from site) They point out that kids who breastfeed until the age of 2 are less likely to need dentalwork in the form of braces later on in life because the child ends up stretching his/her jaw muscles more... Tell your pediatric dentist to their homework and not work on personal opinion.

Patricia - posted on 09/14/2010

You will not have any issues with his teeth! That is a huge falsehood. I am still nursing my twin almost 3 yr olds, and they have no issue with their teeth. They get their teeth brushed b4 bed and have had a dental exam with no cavities.

It really is up to you and your son. As long as you are both happy in the nursing relationship it should continue. There are MANY MANY benefits to bf'ing beyond one year.

Dawnett - posted on 09/14/2010

CONGRATS for what you HAVE ALREADY DONE!! Remember it sounds awful, but the baby can't REALLY nurse and bite AT THE SAME TIME...so teeth aren't reallu much of an issue..( and I nursed mine to 18 and 29 months)...seek out a lactation consultant.

Amber - posted on 09/14/2010

Im still nursing my month old and plan to go for as long as possible

Catherine - posted on 09/14/2010

I just had a conversation with a midwife about this this morning. I am still feeding my 15 month old twice a day but if she is really unsettled or is teething and won't eat anything I give her an extra feed or 2 and I was worried that this would play havoc with my supply or whatever. I was told that the latest medical studies have said there are benefits to both mum and bub to breastfeed up to 2 years of age and beyond and that there is nothing wrong with feeding my 15 month old an extra feed or 2 when she needs it - particularly when she isn't feeling well and is off her food - it will help boost her immunity, soothe her and make sure she is still getting nourishment while she is off her solid food. My daughter now has 9 teeth and although she has bitten me a couple of times, they soon learn how to feed wiithout their teeth getting in the way. The whole what to do and what not to do is just so confusing so I think you should just do what feels right with you - that's what I am going to do. It doesn't feel wrong to still be feeding her so I am going to continue for the moment.

A - posted on 09/14/2010

Parenting has been so much easier since my son was able to communicate he wanted to nurse. He will point or pull at my shirt. This didn't happen until around 12 months of age. I was so happy because before I would have to guess as to what he wanted (with nursing or in general). It made me so happy to know he wanted to nurse, and be able to make him happy by giving it to him. I remember thinking at the time "Wow, a lot of people are weaning their babies at this age and probably never get to experience this!" Also, the day he was able to do this, I always knew when to feed him and his thumb sucking stopped that same day and he hasn't done it since. I think I should have offered more in the past, but I can't go back now. But I'm so happy to comply to his requests now :)

Lisa - posted on 09/14/2010

my baby definitely communicates with me, especially about breastfeeding. from her gaze, to her touch, to her ability to go to sleep easily. and it doesn't stop there. she knows the sign for milk and uses it often, including when she needs to be soothed, not just nutritionally satisfied. i would never say a mom should continue breastfeeding if it's detrimental to her health. but that's her personal decision, and wasn't mentioned in the original post. just more food for thought.

A - posted on 09/14/2010

Just food for thought...How can it be between both parties involved if the child isnt old enough to communicate their side? Should we use this line of thinking in all forms of parenting as in "I'll change your poopy diaper when *I'm* ready...."

IMO, we need to put our children's well being ahead of our own. And sometimes weaning is in the best interest of the child but I think thats more the exception than the norm. For example, you cant take a certain medicine because your breastfeeding, but without it you cant take care of your child, go ahead and wean....)

Margaret - posted on 09/14/2010

A woman should stop breast feeding when SHE is ready to stop or when her child is ready to stop... whichever comes first! No other opinions play into this highly personal and intimate decision! It's between the 2 parties involved.

A - posted on 09/14/2010

Don't forget the AAP ALSO states that a child weaned before 2 years is at an increased risk of illness. :)

Joette - posted on 09/14/2010

Breastfeed as long as you can and want to! I breastfed my daughter til she was 3 yrs. and 2 mos. I wish i would have breastfed longer actually and am now breastfeeding my second daughter and will do the same. My 5 yr. old did in fact nurse all night long and ended up with cavities in her front teeth as breast milk is full of sugar. That is one thing i will do different w the second. My daughters dentist was very displeased w my choice to continue to breastfeed but the benefits far outway the negative .

Harmony - posted on 09/14/2010

When your child weens themself naturally. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggest mothers should try to nurse for at least 1 year, while the World Health Organizations suggests at least 2 years. Children naturally wean themsleves without parent intervention between the ages of 1 to 8 years, yes years.

I would be looking for another more informed dentist.

Joanne - posted on 09/14/2010

I nursed my daughter until she was 3 years old, and she didn't have problems with her teeth. Just be sure to clean his teeth between feedings. Plus, pediatricians actually increased the recommendation to 2 years of breastfeeding for the best benefit to your child(and I'm a maternity nurse).

Marsha - posted on 09/14/2010

oops I wrote 2 years is about max, but what I meant that if you choose, up to two years is really good for the child, more than that is a bonus...etc.

Lisa - posted on 09/14/2010

you should quit when you and your child are ready! if it's bad for teeth, maybe that's why nature *naturally* makes kids lose them. :-D

Lisa - posted on 09/14/2010

As you can see, there is no harm in breast feeding for an extended time, in truth is is healthier. Many women feel the 12 month benchmark is their goal, but babies don't read calendars. They all develop at their own pace. If there is a need to wean then do it. I didn't have to return to work (though you could still express if youi did) so I let my son continue till the birth of our second child. He was 2 years 3 months when he willingly gave it up for his sister. He was old enough to understand that the baby needed the milk. He ate an apple while she nursed in the hospital, quite proudly. She is a different person and seems more independant, less clingy and I am quite sure she will self wean earlier. I don't need the extra emotional drama of drawing a line and fighting over it. Do you?

Marsha - posted on 09/14/2010

My daughter is 16 months old, and she still nurses, but only at night before bed. I like these times because it is me & her time - I have an older 4 year old daughter too. To me, it seems like they tend ot wean themselves. My husband being a herbalist says 2 years is about max...but you will know what you need and what you baby needs. Ped will have their advice, as will everyone. Just go with what feels right to you. I don't think there really is a right or wrong when it comes to this.

Keshia - posted on 09/14/2010

My denist was appalled that my son was still nursing at night at 9 MONTHS!! To which my ped said "psh ignore him!"(And I say time for a new dentist!) Anyway, my son is now almost 2 and still nursing :) I'm in the process of becoming an IBCLC and the sugars in breastmilk are different than in cows milk and juice. The are much less likely to cause tooth decay. Plus the breast does not put milk near the teeth like a cup or bottle. It goes more to the back of the mouth, not around the teeth. So yes it is possible, but not likely :) But like I said, I'm in the process of becoming an IBCLC; I don't have the credentials just yet. Feel free to get a more professional opinion ;)

Keila - posted on 09/14/2010

I nursed for 22 months. We stopped because my son only wanted "momma's milks" at 4:30am. If he wanted it at a reasonable hour, I would probably still be nursing (he's now 39ish months). there shoudl not be a problem with his teeth at all, unless he's biting you and then I think its more of a problem for you than for him. I read that and I was shocked, not only is breastfeeding better for the child immunities-wise, but its also a bond between the two of you. I've read that bottle nipples are detrimental to teeth after 12months, but I have never read or heard that breastfeeding is... I would go as long as you personally want to or until he doesn't want to anymore.

Andrea - posted on 09/14/2010

Personally, I let the baby decide when he/she is ready to wean. Personally I just find it easiest that way.

Jenny - posted on 09/14/2010

I am sorry he won't let you sleep thru the night. Breastfeed as long as you both want. My son is 14 months and still breastfeeding. It is your decision.

A - posted on 09/14/2010

Your dentist needs to do his/her homework. Chances are research has changed. Extended or full term breastfeeding doesn't cause damage to childrens teeth. In fact, most children who breastfeed have healthier teeth than formula fed babies. Even the Bible has references of breastfeeding for 3 years....around the world extended breastfeeding is the norm, not the exception like it is here in the States.

Formula fed babies are often confused with breastfed babies. Its NOT good for a formula fed baby to be taking a bottle after a year because it can mess up their teeth. But breastfeeding isn't the same. God/nature/etc Didn't design babies to wean at 1 year. Its perfectly safe to continue breastfeeding past a year, and still provides SPECIFIC immunity protection. People think you should wean at one year now- this only applies to formula fed babies. They aren't getting the immunity protection, and the nutrition isn't that great so it really doesn't matter. But breastfeeding is always a benefit except maybe in extreme cases when there are medical issues involved (and those do not include dental problems).

Look up "Extended breastfeeding" on www.kellymom.com. There is a lot of good info and RESEARCH on this type of stuff. DO your research and show it to the dentist if you need to.

I"m still nursing my 15 month old baby. He is14 teeth (only has 6 left to come in) and his teeth are perfectly healthy. Be sure to brush your babies teeth too :)

Catalina - posted on 09/14/2010

HI!
Congratulations for making it this far! So many women who wanted to breastfeed just don't make it for so many reasons that you should take a moment and say good job!
here's my advice, without any judgement attached. you can breastfeed as long as you want and you won't hear me tut-tutting, but if you don't happen to care for going in for the long haul I say quit right around or before the 18 month mark. After that the whole thing becomes very psychological and it is not so easy to wean when you want - after that the kid will have a very strong opinion and it might not be the one you want if you didn't bank on nursing until they were older.

I have three kids and the two older ones weaned very, very easily at right around 18 months. It was just don't offer don't refuse and what do you know it came to an end. No engorgement for me, no tears or or fuss from them. by then we were down to just a nursing here and there not even every day. However with my third child that's about where we were when he got his first severe cold and cough and I was nursing him like crazy when that magic window opened, and, CLOSED! He is more attached than ever and he is 27 mos old. I am not making it a capital issue. Some days I sorely wish it was over, other days I'm still sort of glad we're still going. I put my foot down about on demand. It is only at bedtime pretty much and special downtime. We don't nurse outside of the house, etcetc. I just got tired of feeling like my boobs weren't mine so I have placed restrictions.
This is just my personal experience. It seems to me there is a window in there when quitting is easy, but if you do go on, go on because you both want to and don't let people bug you about it!

Regarding the dentist. Mine said that studies have shown breastfed children have better developed chins, orthodontists like a breastfed baby! The muscles of the jaw develop better and therefore the jawbone. Our dentist said to take away pacifiers NO LATER THAN age 4, until then things are soft and any changes that might have arisen will go back, after that the changes can be permanent.

hope this is useful to you, good luck!

Michelle - posted on 09/14/2010

On the 25th of this month my son will be 18 months old and he is still getting the breast ! i def wanna stop now but it is easier said than done !!! I def need help in that department !! and I just dont wanna see him cry so I keep on giving it to him :-(

Abbey - posted on 09/14/2010

Keep that mama milk flowing!~ I can't believe a dentist told you that, we have THREE dentists in my family. Breastmilk does not sit on the teeth like cows milk, formula, juice, etc...breastfeeding is good for their teeth because it forms the jaw. And it especially won't hurt their teeth after 12 months because babies would naturally wean at a much older age! So I would just take that advice and toss it aside :-)

Archana - posted on 09/14/2010

it is best to quit after his first bithday....if we continue nursing so long time means babies wont have interest in solid foods..according to me 1 to 1 1/2 year is enough for nursing

Renee - posted on 09/14/2010

Nurse as long as you both want! The bottle after 12 months will damage their teeth...breastfeeding will not hurt them in any way. The average age most kids self wean is 3 years. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until at least age two!

Valerie - posted on 09/14/2010

You've gotten some great advice already so I'll just confirm what most posters have said. First, get a new pediatric dentist. Then breastfeed as long as you and your little guy want to. There are so many health and emotional benefits for both you and your baby that this post would be ridiculously long to list them all. Main points... WHO recommends 2 years, baby gets immune support from you, not just nutrition, your milk is made especially for him and is best for brain development, drinking from the breast is the healthiest way for jaw and tooth formation because of how it conforms to the inside of you baby's mouth. I nursed my kids for 22 months, 26 months and currently I am nursing my 21 month old. We will stop when she is ready just like I did with my first two.

So, good for you! You are giving your baby the best start at life and don't let uninformed people or those who may have grown up in a different era (like my grandma who still swears that babies need to start cereal at 3 months because they won't get enough iron) make you feel unsure about your decision!

Leslie - posted on 09/14/2010

Hi, Zulma! I have a 27 month old, and am pregnant with my second. My son is very comforted by breastfeeding and we feel a special bond at every nursing session. One thing I can tell you that really helped me, is that the frequency of nursing goes down a lot as they grow and their reasons for nursing change (i.e. nurishment, sickness, comfort, etc.) The older they are, the less often they nurse. Believe me, nursing a toddler is completely different than nursing a baby. It is still extremely beneficial to nurse since the baby is still getting immunity boosters and nutrients from your milk (especially when they are picky eaters!) You will be able to nurse with your eyes closed and half asleep by then.... Don't fret. Stick through the hard times, and ignore what society tells you. As a mother, your gut instinct knows what's best for your child. If you have any questions along the way (such as teeth, etc.) there are several excellent breastfeeding books put out by the Le Leche League, Dr. Sears, etc. I would highly recommend owning some of these, because many people's "opinions" are incorrect. (You'll encounter that a lot along your breastfeeding journey. ;) ) Good luck to you and congratulations on your breastfeeding this long. You are doing an amazing thing for your baby!

Heather - posted on 09/14/2010

There is absolutely no need to take your child off the breast at 12mos. Breastmilk is best for your baby and until he decides he wants to move on to a cup. Even then you can pump or self express so he is still getting the nutrients. Don't stop because a dentist told you to. Stop when you and your child are ready. You will never get this time with him back.

Rebekah - posted on 09/14/2010

i nursed my daughter right up uintil i had my son and she was probably about 20 months...and i plan to nurse my son as long as i can/...i have never had an issue with her teeth either and i've been told that nursing as long as possible even until they are two is best.. :S so it's up to you...

Danielle - posted on 09/14/2010

I nursed my daughter until she was 22 months! I had no issues with teeth and no problems stopping. Breastfeeding is a bond between you and your little one. You will know when it's time to stop because you chilld will let you know when they are ready. I encourage you to keep going, don't let a pediatric dentist dictate your time for you :) Enjoy and take care.