Why people think breastfeeding my 3yr old is weird?

Lilliana - posted on 06/29/2011

Yes, I'm so totally with you!! My 3 year old son is breastfeeding and showing no signs of weaning! I'm happy with this, he is healthy, I am healthy! Yet my own friends have talked to me about it using words like "gross" and "wrong" my husband and I agree that as long as we are both happy, why stop?? Sometimes I feel like I'm supposed to hide when nursing not wanting to offend anyone!

Nicole - posted on 02/18/2010

I have been so pleased to see how supportive everyone has been on this thread and yet, I am saddened that you are not receiving the same support in your personal life. You are doing such a great thing for both you and your child. Congrats to you!

I said this on another thread about extended breastfeeding:
We are so brainwashed in our society to believing that babies need to be independent by a certain time and they need to know how to comfort themselves by just a few months and they need to do "this" at a certain time and "that" at a certain time. So much so that sometimes we are missing out on our babies just being babies, our toddlers just being toddlers and our children just being children. If I nurse my baby until he is 2, or even 3, I realize that is such a short time in the length of his lifetime. A lifetime in which he will ALWAYS be discovering his independence. (Not to mention that our brains are not fully developed until in our twenties.) He will eventually lose the interest to suck for comfort (long before he is even out of childhood), like he is supposed to and I will rejoice the day I have MY breasts back! But, until then, just like giving up my body and watching what I put into it for 9 months to make a healthy baby, nursing my baby will be only a blink of time in the totality of my lifetime.

And about the sexualization of our breasts:
My husband and I get much enjoyment out my breasts, but have the information to know that is not their primary function. They are there to feed our children and we will sacrifice them for now for the benefit of our babies. He is even fine with public nursing. Look at it this way: Men find our breasts attractive, yes. But, we also give birth through the very place that gave them much arousal and pleasure nine months earlier. It is all part of the intimate process of procreation. If breastfeeding is sexual, why wouldn't having a baby come down our birth canal be sexual? I do not presume to try to change a whole civilization's misconstrued idea about my breasts, but I REFUSE for my baby or myself to be held hostage by it!

Lori - posted on 02/18/2010

My 3 and a half year old is "still nursing" and after reading Our Babies, Ourselves: How Biology and Culture Shape the Way We Parent, and attending some le leche league meetings where I got the reassurance this is perfectly normal and my son will be done when he's done, I relaxed. I ignore pressure and comments from dissapproving family and others because I know what's best for my baby. you go girl! wow, 93 responses!

Anne - posted on 02/18/2010

I think its great that u are still feeding i know how u feel people ask me when i finish feeding my son and i say im still feeding some people are just amazed another think im crazy. But i dont worry about them i just do what right for me and my son so u need not to worry about other say and do what feels right for u and ur daughter

Tiffany - posted on 02/17/2010

Personally, I don't think a child should be breastfed that long. I say child, because they're no longer a baby. Once they're walking, talking and interacting with other children I just find it odd to keep breastfeeding. I don't necessarily think it's harming a child to do so, I just think maybe it can become confusing to the child. Also I would imagine they would have an attachment problem. To each his/her own though. If it's what you feel is right for your child, then don't worry about what other people say. You know what's best for you child.

Victoria - posted on 02/16/2010

well i know how u feel pple would get mad cause i was feeding my baby in the store asd sometimes id get the boot witch made me so mad. but i bf my oldest one till he was 4 1/2 and he is 5 now he still tries to get a little taste every now and then. my other son is bf now and dosent like that when my 5 yr old wonts to wet his wistle to lol..if i didnt have another baby my oldest would probly still be nursing.

Anne - posted on 02/16/2010

I am a happy breastfeeding mom of a 19 month old and intend to breastfeed as long as my daughter wants. I also am a pediatrician and very busy- so our cuddle time breastfeeding and reading books at the end of the day is very precious to both of us. Breastfeeding a precocious 3 or 4 year old may seem "funny" or awkward but really is a perfectly natural thing. I was blessed to have a mother who breastfed me and my sister until we were 4 and 3 respectively and we both turned out fine- and to reassure everyone, I don't remember breastfeeding myself- though I was 4 when I weaned. Children wean themselves when they are ready and as long as it is still a positive and healthy experience for both of you, no need to cut it off due to society norms. Good luck to all of you great moms out there.

Jeannine - posted on 02/15/2010

There is no rule. All kids are different, all parents are different and all situations are different. Do what feels right to you. Even if there are negative consequences from your decision, you can just deal with those in the future. No big deal. The benefits of your decision will probably outweight the costs anyway.

What's sad to me is that the source of most people's discomfort with this issue is because of the EXTREME sexualization of the female body. Some people just can't cancel out what they've been taught by our culture about female breasts, and see their true function as providing food for offspring. That's a bummer.

Personally, my first child I weaned gradually and smoothly from 12 months to 18 months. Currently my second child is 13 months, and I'm beginning to very gently wean him. I plane to be totally done at 18 months, 2 years max. I just would like to have my body back to myself, and I believe that it's best for him and his development. I have no judgement of what others choose to do. Good for all of you doing the best you can for your kids! You all rock!

Rebecca - posted on 02/14/2010

I understand completely... I'm getting flack from some friends/family and my baby is only 18mos old. Good for you MaMa- let your little one wean when she's ready!

Becky - posted on 02/13/2010

Chelsey - I would have something to say about a 4 or 5 year old who still used a bottle! That's just wrong!
Jodi - I have actually heard of moms who went to school to breastfeed their 6 or 7 year olds! While I think to each her own on how long you nurse for, I think going to the child's school to do it is over the top! Think about how much that child is going to get teased! If you really want your child to drink nothing but breastmilk, send it in a thermos for them so no one will know the difference!
I have no problem with extended breastfeeding, although I'm not sure whether breastfeeding a 3 year old would be for me. I weaned my oldest at 14 months because I was pregnant and just couldn't keep going - and didn't want to tandem nurse - and I'm still going strong with my 5 month old. I want to let him wean himself, but I also want one more child in the not too distant future, so we'll see. When my first was born, my husband thought it was weird to nurse past 12 months (although he was 100% supportive of me nursing up to then), but now he's said, it's okay until he's 2.
Kudos to you who are still nursing older toddlers!
I will say though, if I did nurse past 2, I don't think I'd ever do it in public. And 2 is probably where I'd draw the line on nursing in the middle of the night too!

Kim - posted on 02/13/2010

I had my daughter at 26wks. I pumped every 2 hours while she was in the hospital and then exclusively breastfed her once she was home and i continued to breastfeed until she was 8months old and i had to start working again. I personally feel that the breast milk was a great help with her quick growth/short stay in the hospital at birth(she was only in for 8wks and was 14wks early) but I cant say that breastfeeding a child for years on end is necessarily what makes them smarter...she's a above her grade level(shes almost 6 now) and i only breastfed for 8months and my friend had a baby not much younger and breastfed until she was 3 and is not up to her age group, she couldnt even start kindergarten when she was suppose to....there for I say, breastfeed as long as you feel necessary but although it has its benefits (for health) it may not have as much benefits on them mentally/developmentally...i think it really has more to do with the childs genes more than the amount of months/years you breastfeed....i couldnt imagine breastfeeding my daughter at her age now but i am breastfeeding my son whos 6mths old and will contine until he's around a year...every woman for her own i guess....just dont let people tell you that you cant...you do what you feel is best your the mother....im not here to step on toes just making the statement that it might not always go the way you planned.....good luck to you all!

Jacquelyn - posted on 02/13/2010

Breanna, it doesn't always hurt when they get teeth so you might try it, pumping is much more work! if it does hurt it will not be for long :)

Jewel - posted on 02/13/2010

Wow! Very interesting read. I can't believe people are so negative about something so natural and wonderful. My son is 15 months and he is still BF as well. My husband says it's time to stop and my family said that awhile ago. (Because Isaiah is so big for his age). I just want my nights back but I'm not ready to let go of that closeness that we have. And, he sure is not ready, so until "we're" ready, I guess I'll be Zay's human pacifer. LOL. Thanks ladies. You were quite inspiring.

Jodi - posted on 02/12/2010

I am still breastfeeding my healthy (almost) one year old! I plan on letting her self wean, be that in a month or 3 or 4 years! As for the momma's who wonder what kind of mom would run up to their child's school to breastfeed them...what?! These children eat "real" food too ya know! lmao at that! Mommy doesn't have to run up to the school to breastfeed because their child can eat lunch just like the rest of the children and then come home and get some nourishing, comforting breastmilk from mom!

Ileana, I say you go girl! Breast is best and your daughter will be so much better for what you're doing for her! I know there are some people in my circle of family and friends who think it's time to wean my daughter and I just ignore them. I had one friend who who laughingly said she was going to nurse 'til she left for college if I didn't "put an end to it" soon...my reply? "Can you imagine how smart she'd be if we did that?!" Needless to say, I've heard nothing similar from this friend since! Good for you on keepin' on keepin' on!

Breanna - posted on 02/12/2010

i wont kno untill i hit that road..currently breastfeeding a 1 1/2 mo. old but they say that its best for them up to 2 years of age and if it helps them later on to do it till they are done then to each his own..i still plan to pump from the time the teething starts till im dry..as bad as it hurt in the begining im not exactly willing(at this point) to get more pain lol

Faith - posted on 02/12/2010

my baby has seldom been sick, has NEVER caught the various viruses/bugs that every person in our family have come down with, she is soo friendly and incredibly intelligent. I give all the credit to extended breastfeeding. next to water, breast milk has to be the most pure, natural, nutritious, perfect liquid in existence! NOBODY can put you down for NOT DEPRIVING your precious child such an elixir of life & health!

Michelle - posted on 02/11/2010

Us women have to stay strong about what is best for our babies. I think breast feeding is the best thing we can do for our little ones. I have 6 children and breast feed everyone of them. I am currently breast feeding baby number 6 and she will be 2 the 23 of Feb. You guys are wonderful! And very encouraging.

Lauri - posted on 02/11/2010

So glad to see you have so much support on this thread. I'm nursing my 3rd child (my oldest is 18). I think Americans have such a hard time with it because the media/entertainment business has over-sexualized women's bodies.

At times it is a bit more convenient to nurse... no lunch bags to pack. But what gets lost in the debate is the fact that it takes a LOT of commitment and time to nurse.

Go you! For being willing to allow your child to wean in her own time.

Minnie - posted on 02/11/2010

Regarding the concerns over 'bottle mouth syndrome': it has been determined that breastmilk does not cause dental caries- it actually prevents them.



Dental caries are caused by the bacteria streptococcous mutans. This bacteria is transmitted from mother to baby by kissing and sharing foods and drinks. Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria releases acids as a product of its use of sugars found in the mouth.



Breastmilk contains enzymes that lyse (destroy) the bacteria. It contains lactoferrin, which prevents the bacteria from using iron that is necessary for their growth. it contains mucins which bind the bacteria and inhibit growth. It contains macrophage cells which consume and destroy the bacteria.



One can't compare breastfeeding and bottlefeeding. They aren't remotely similar. Milk pours continuously out of a bottle and pools in the baby's mouth. When a baby is latched onto a breast correctly the nipple is situated far back in the baby's mouth, where the soft palate begins. Any milk coming out bypasses the teeth and does not sit in the baby's mouth because the point at which it enters the baby's mouth causes the baby to immediately swallow it.



About 10% of nursing toddlers are found with dental caries. It is jumping to conclusions however, to assume that it is breastfeeding that is causing the caries. The toddlers found with dental caries actually have been found to harbor a particularly virile strain of s. mutans- one in which no matter how much brushing and care regarding a tooth-healthy diet- the child still ends up with dental caries. One must also understand that toddlers are not typically on a 100% breastmilk diet but receive foods throughout the day, some more than others, that are especially conducive to cavities.



Not too long ago an infected decayed tooth could have meant a death sentence. Since infants and toddlers have nursed to sleep and throughout the night since the dawn of humanity I hardly think that our species would have been so successful if breastfeeding was as dangerous as people make it out to be.



Like Dr. Newman has already said, breastfeeding is blamed for everything!

Ilaria - posted on 02/11/2010

Hi, im a mother of 2, my youngest child has just turned 3 yesterday and she is still bf. I cant seem for her to let go of it. She fine when we go out or she goes to childcare and that's when she doesn't think about it...but as soon as we walk in the door at home bang she on to it....My husband thinks its embarrasing and all that. i think im not harming her if she's the one that wants it its also bonding me so strongly with her. So to all those people out there that think bf is wrong at 3 yrs or any age then i suggest you all mind your own business as mother knows best.

Barb - posted on 02/10/2010

My 3yr old still nurses, about once a day or so. She is not ready to give it up. I have to say though, a few months ago she had a bad case of the coxsackie virus, along with the stomach virus. If it weren't for breastfeeding, she would've ended up in the hospital on iv fluids. Good for you for going this long!!!!

Renee - posted on 02/10/2010

My girl is at 10mo & I intend to let her self-wean, which seems to be between 3-6yrs from what I've read/heard. I've been to 2 doctors (due to moving towns) and both think this is great and will result in better health. This is in Australia, mind you. Literature I've read from north American doctors doesn't seem as breastfeeding-friendly. Neither doctor was pushy about heavy vaccination schedules either. Perhaps I've just stumbled on 2 very open-minded docs! Breastfeeding is kind and nourishing. The only thing perverse is people seeing breasts as primarily sexual objects rather than as nourishment for children. I don't intend to hide feeding my hungry child away when she needs it! It's love. It's nothing to be ashamed of. It shouldn't be hidden because other people have Issues. They can look somewhere else. It's their problem, no mine or my childs.

Lynn - posted on 02/10/2010

About bottle mouth syndrome, if the teeth have food particles on them breastmilk will make them decay faster..... If they are particle free then breastmilk has the same effect as water.

Lynn - posted on 02/10/2010

My daughter is only 15 months but it looks like she could be nursing for a long time yet. I read Mothering Your Nursing Toddler....it helped a lot. It would also help you with things to tell people who disagree.

Cori - posted on 02/10/2010

dont let anyone tell you how to raise your kids, your the mother, you will do and know whats right and best for them.

the only people i listen to when it comes to my son is my self and his ped. thats all the input i need!

Carmen - posted on 02/10/2010

hello iileana, i am a fourty year old mother of a 2 1/2 year old daughter. I still breast feed her at night. fortunately for me my pressure only comes from my husband. But for medical reason that i have recently found out is why i am attempting to wean her. have your ever heard of bottle mouth syndrome. it is when milk begans to decay the teeth of a baby while they are sleeping. i didnt know a breast fed child could have this issue. apparently due to lack of being informed many children in the area i live have been diagnosed including my daughter. the option is to attempt to save her teeth or pull them all in order to ensure her adult teeth are healthy. i wish someone would have told me then i probably would have taken preventative measures. other than that, i have no regrets about breast feeding her, she still nurses i just make sure her teeth are clean before bed and she drinks water afterwards, she also uses mouthwash made for children as well as flouride toothpaste for children to protect her teeth that have not been affected. Also the dental bill for this treatment has been estimated between three and four thousand dollars for her. Just a precautious warning to you. take care

Teresa - posted on 02/10/2010

A comment for Tiffany Patterson, No, I don't pump. Never have. :) My 25 pound almost 2 year old curls up in my lap to nurse just like he did as a baby (though he's certainly bigger, LONGER, and more wiggly now). I'm just under 4'11" and around 95 pounds and it works just fine for us. :)

Chelsey - posted on 02/10/2010

I just have one thing to say what about the kids that still use bottles till they are 4-5 yrs old no one says anything about that. It is the same thing breast or bottle. And the people saying negative things about it are just uncomfortable with it. Get over yourselves and let nature run it course. It is a natural thing I breast fed my 2 oldest till they were 14 months and they stopped. I am currently breast feeding my 2 month old baby and I hate the stares people give you when you are out and breast feeding.

Heather - posted on 02/10/2010

i think theres nothing wrong with it i still breast feed my daughter shes only 9months tho but im trying to get her off cus she has 6 teeth and she lovesssss to pull n bite me and it makes me bleed but i pump and give her that she is difficult now cus shes never ever taken bottle and doesnt like to so wen i bathe her or wearing a tank top shell grab my boob and try to put it in her mouth so i got lil hickees all over lol.. but hopefully one day shell completely stop wanting my boob and just take abottle

Marialice - posted on 02/10/2010

i took my son (who turned 1 yesterday!!!) to the dr yesterday to get 1 yr shots and my pediatrician told me the only reason he is still nursing is to use it as a pacifier and he didn't need it anymore!! The pediatrician!! My husband was there and he's been pressuring me to wean already so dr didn't help any! Personally I think it is mine and my baby's decision alone when we are through!! Ethan hasn't been sick at all...the only reason he's been to dr is for shots....I plan to keep on without the support of my husband until my baby decides when enough is enough. POWER to the MOMMIES!! There is a reason women are child bearers ans rearers and not MEN! By the way our pediatrician is a MAN....

Candice - posted on 02/10/2010

i just wanna give you props for sure, i breast fed my baby for 6 months and i wanted to continue but she kept biting me! so bad that i would bleed so i decided it was time to stop. so your lucky to get past that... but ?? if your daughter is 3 when are you going to ween her off becuase when she is 4 wont she go to school? and wouldnt kids and her feel wierd that sh eis the only one that needs her mom to feed her? but i do know opeople that do still give there ids breat milk at 4 years old in bottles?

JESSICA - posted on 02/10/2010

HEY! MY NAME IS JESSICA AND I SAY YO GO GIRL. THE STRONGEST BOND A MOM CAN HAVE AND THE ONLY BOND THAT NO ONE ELSE CAN AND BETTER HAVE WITH YOUR CHILD IS BF. I HAVE 2 KIDS AND IF I WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTN A BREAST INFECTION I WOULD STILL B BF THEM BOTH. MY SON IS 2 AND MY GIRL IS 11 MONTHS, MY HUSBAND WAS LIKE UR FAM HE SAID THAT BF WAS PERVERSE AND HE DIDNT WNT ME DOIN IT. BUT I DID NEWAYS. AND NOW HE IS THANKFUL MY KIDS DIDNT GET SICK OR EARINFECTIONS OR NETHING UNTIL I STOPPED AND MY DAUGHTER IS A FAT BALL OF LOVE AND MY SON IS HEALTHY TO AND HE IS HAPPY I DIDNT LISTEN TO HIM. AND AS FOR THE PPL MAKING U FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE U JUST TELL THEM TO COMPARE UR KIDS HEALT BC UR CHILD HAS URS AND THEIR SYSTEMS PROTECTING THEM AND NOW N DAYS THERE R SO MANY HARSH PRODUCTS IN EVERYTHNG WE EAT AND DRINK. U NO WHAT IS BEST FOR UR CHILD AND IF U HAVE ANOTHER I HOPE U DO THE EXACT SAME WITH IT BC I NO I AM GONNA WEN I DO. I ONLY GOT TO FOR 2 MONTHJS EACH I HOPE IT LAST LONGER AND HERE IN OZARK I KNOW A COUPLE OF PPL STILL DOIN IT AND THEIR KIDS ARE IN THE 6TH GRADE BUT THEY PUMP IT INTO CUPS NOW. SO U DO WHAT U WNT GIRL I PRAISE U!!!!!

Nikkia - posted on 02/10/2010

cause it is .... im stoping when my kira turns two

Andrea - posted on 02/10/2010

My kids are now 18 and 16. I breastfed the eldest until he was 4 and the youngest until he was nearly 6. I did what was right for my individual kids. They both had issues that made extended nursing a good thing for them. I also tended to site the statistics of the world-wide average age for weaning was 6 (at the time) and that we were not all that unusual (except here in the states). What is also important for people to understand is that children who nurse past infancy are not nursing like an infant, they nurse a few times a day; it's not their main source of food. This is a great opportunity for teaching others about the benefits of nursing, both for the child and the mother. Nursing is no longer a choice of convenience, it's a health choice.

I guess I'm preaching to the choir here so I'll finish up. Look upon the questions and stares as an opportunity to lovingly teach. Some people don't want to learn but most are willing to hear the benefits. Good luck with this, I'm sure you will be fine!

Blessings,
Andrea

Daye - posted on 02/10/2010

I just had to add my voice to the other STRONG and SMART mamas who understand that it is wonderful to breast feed your baby as long as you both feel comfortable. Even though this thread is full of mamas who are not judgmental about breast feeding the majority of folks in America are not so enlightened unfortunately. So I just wanted to say kudos to all of you mamas who know that your babies needs (both emotional and otherwise) are WAY more important than what others think!

And already there are studies that show breast feeding longer than a year is beneficial. for instance breast feeding until at least two significantly lowers the chances of diabetes.
Also the opinion that after a year you are just breast feeding for you and not your baby is asinine. Can you make a baby breast feed that doesn't want to? Of course not.
I consider weaning now and again, and my toddler has made it clear that she is NOT ready.

Breast feed for as long as you both are comfortable with it! And stay strong with your decision.

Geralyn - posted on 02/09/2010

I totally support what you are doing, and I am proud of you that despite the comments and pressure, you are doing what you believe is right for your daughter. To the poster that said that there is no benefit after age 1, I definitely do not agree with you. The benefits continue for as long as breastfeeding continues.

Kathleen - posted on 02/09/2010

In response to Katherine, Breastfeeding, according to statistics available ( see http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au as I believe they have some good links to studies done) actually decreases risks of obesity because the child will only drink as much as they need. In comparison, unless carefully monitored, bottle feeding can lead to overfeeding. As well, due to the differing protein/ fat ratios ( and types of protiens) in breastmilk, it actually leads to leaner babies, as the milk is more tailored for brain growth over body growth.
I believe there has also been a longitudinal study done in Spain on breastfeeding / not breatfeeding and it's effects on child development. I believe that for children who were breatfed for over 1 year ( and again for over 2 years) there was actually a statistical difference in the children's IQ's once all other factors were taken out (ie socio-economic status, smoking/nonsmoking environment etc) which indicated a 5 point increase in intelligence on avearge for children who had been breastfed for an extended length of time. Sorry I don't have the link for that one at hand.

Misty - posted on 02/09/2010

I don't see a problem with exteneded breastfeeding to 3yo possibly 4yo. but once they are in school I think it's time to stop, are you going to go up to their school and breastfeed them? that would be like letting your 5yo go to school sucking on a pacifier. I think that would cause a major embarassment issue for them. if you are truly doing it just for nutritional benefits at 5 years old then pump and put it in a glass because they are big boys and girls and can drink out of glasses at that age. if you continue once they are in school at 5yo then when do you draw the line? 6,7,8? at some point it does need to stop. at the extreme could you seriously imagine breastfeeding a 3rd grader or older? that would not be healthy mentally.
On another note how do you know when your child is ready to wean? do they just refuse the breast? and how can you tell if it just a breastfeeding strike or weaning? my daughter is 9mos and she is confusing me. she wants to nurse more often like every 2-3hrs (the doctor made me start supplementing her on high calorie formula to help her gain weight but i think she is at a very healthy weight now) but now only like 5min on each breast as opposed to 10-20min on each breast every 4-5hrs like she used to. i think that has totally changed her nursing habits and idk if my milk supply is getting lower or if it's just cuz she feeds more often cuz i never get that superfull feeling like i used to when she fed less often

Lynelle - posted on 02/09/2010

good on u ladies!! breast is best & a very long time ago this is how it was ALWAYS done.. some mothers these days are just slack.. i BFed both my girls up till 1.. they let u know wen there ready... & if we lived in countries with a little 'culture' no-one would have a problem.. look at african women etc.. teaching good strong values starts at birth & its a beautiful gift to give ur child & i realy feel soo sorry 4 women that CANT feed, & the 1s who COOSE not too are a little selfish.. & thats my opinion.. KEEP IT UP LADIES!!! xo

Jaime - posted on 02/09/2010

I am all for it! Although there may not be significant nutritional reasoning behind breastfeeding your child past 1(according to some), or 2(according to others), it seems to be a trend that breastfed kids are MUCH healthier. This refers to the amount of illnesses the child endures. So if the kids are getting sick less----- why is breastfeeding not better??? Just a matter of perspective. I will take a healthy boy over a sick boy any day, and if all I have to do is breastfeed--- it is a no brainer!!!

Amanda - posted on 02/09/2010

oh well in the oldest of days people only could bfeed for milk. lol

Rachel - posted on 02/09/2010

it is just something everyone has different opinions on. my mom breastfed 2 kids at once and my sister didnt wean until she was 3 almost 4

Rebeca - posted on 02/09/2010

Congrats to you for breastfeeding soo long!!!!!!!!!!! The most I've ever managed to breastfeed all my kids was 6 months and that was because by that time they had TEETH and boy did that ever hurt. Honestly I wanted to breastfeed longer but when those teeth jammed into my breasts that was enough for me. I thought they were gonna cut off my nipples. Very painful and they would do it on purpose too!!!!!! But honestly if I had the chance I would have breastfed them until one year of age. I'm currently breastfeeding my one month old. Hopefully all goes well!!!!!!!!!

Amanda - posted on 02/09/2010

my oldest thinks women are cows because we all feed from our breasts or whatever, we all have milk so we must b cows...lmao!

Danielle - posted on 02/09/2010

the only reason i find it odd is because doctors recommend a baby being off bottles and breast by the time that they are at the latest 3years old. A lot of children will end up replacing your breast with a bad habbit such as chewing on things or sucking on their thumb when not weaned at the right time. But hey if it suits you then all the more power to you!

Victoria - posted on 02/09/2010

i shouldve added earlier, but forgot...

its so strange for me to comfort, protect, feed my toddler from my own breast, but i should encourage him to drink another species' breastmilk? *gag*

Allie - posted on 02/09/2010

I breastfed my son, so I understand the benefits of it. But I chose to stop when my son could say "boobies" and pull down my shirt. I'm sorry people don't agree with you, but you are her mother and you would never make her breastfeed if she didn't want to. If people really have a big problem with it maybe just do it in the privacy of you house or something? Sorry I can't be helpful. Good Luck!

Katherine - posted on 02/09/2010

I have also heard from many pediatricians that there is no benefit (nutritionally speaking) to breastfeeding a child much beyond a year. It sounds like a lot of the moms here who continue breastfeeding beyond that are simply doing it because their child will cry for it otherwise. In my opinion, feeding your child to comfort him or her is a bad habit to teach them... just look at child obesity rates in America these days. If mom always runs to nurse whenever the child cries, the child will not learn any other comforts or how to self-soothe. I think what's better for your child at that point is to NOT give in, and be strong enough and patient enough to find something else that calms the child. It almost seems lazy - it's the easy way out, the simplest and fastest way to quiet the child. But simplest and fastest is not always the best.

Don't get me wrong, I support breastfeeding and I think it's great for babies, and I nursed my own kids (and plan to nurse the one that's one the way now, as well). But it has also been very important to me not to use breastfeeding to calm the child. I firmly believe that you can teach an infant a comfort, just as long as you are consistent with one thing. For example, if you want your child to calm down by reading a story to him or her, just read stories to them whenever they're crying. It can be tough at first, because they may not respond or calm down immediately in the beginning. But repetition is calming to any child, and the more you do one thing, the more your child will like it. You could sing, or pat their backs, or run your fingers through their hair - whatever you want. You simply have to make the choice to give them something else, and not just take the easy way out by nursing for extended periods of time. Go ahead and knock me down for saying it, but we all have a right to our opinions. Obviously it's the mom's decision, ultimately, I just wanted to offer up a different way to look at it. Good luck to you all!

Christa - posted on 02/09/2010

my son might not be 3 yet he still has a long way to that seeing as hes only 7 months but i have this problem too. i have been told to stop not to even start. i am going to let him decide when he wants to stop breastfeeding. so you know what you do what YOU feel is right, do let others bother you, just dont listen to it. but i understand what you mean. hope this helps, im here if you wanna talk.

Angela - posted on 02/09/2010

http://www.bobrow.net/kimberly/birth/ BFLanguage.htm
Many wonderful answers already! Here's a great article for you to read regarding the language we use in feeding. Some great arguments within it. Enjoy!