Would like to know how long you are or plan on breastfeeding. Or how long you have BFed your baby.

Angel - posted on 03/11/2010

My son Domanic (dec.16, 2008) is still being breastfed a few times a day...usually first thing in the morning, before his nap and then right before bed. While he is playing he has a no-spill straw cup with choc. cows milk...kinda helps the transition between the two, not to mention my not having to pump or worry about when we are out. I plan on still providing breastmilk for quite a few months. It helps him to get all the nutrients he needs! I hope this was somewhat helpful...

Alberta - posted on 03/11/2010

#1 was BF for 14 months. #2 was BF for 18 months and #3 is 7 months old and still BFing! I have let my other 2 wean themselves and hope to do the same with this baby! Alberta

Erynne - posted on 03/11/2010

Well, both the WHO and the AAP recommend breastfeeding no less than two years... so that's our goal. Two years, and however long after he wants to continue (although we're planning on having baby#2 when he's 4, so he'll probably wean during pregnancy).

He's 11 months now, and he still gets about 98% of his daily nutritional intake from breastfeeding.

Katie - posted on 03/10/2010

Until baby's immuine system is full developed, age 2, there is a need for bfing. That's why it is recommended to go to at LEAST 2 by the world health organization. Children never stop benefiting from breastmilk especially for immunine function and brain development. Many suppliments and cow's milk designed for preschool kids boast of having nutriants "found in breastmilk" No, a 2 yr old does nothave the same need for breastmilk as an infant but their health, physical and emotional, continues to benefit as long as they remain interested.

Felicia - posted on 03/10/2010

pregnancy doesn't automatically mean you have to stop. my milk stayed in strong until I was 8 months pregnant, it still didn't dry up, and my daughter didn't mind it so much, then when my son was born, my milk rushed in -- and very nutritious-- my daughter gained a pound in 2 weeks after my son was born due to my milk. She is 2 and 24 pounds so no worries on the gain for sure. My son was also a hefty 2 pounds heavier than my daughter at birth, strong, healthy, and not early at all :)

Felicia - posted on 03/10/2010

I truly don't agree with the medical professions opinion. My daughter who is now 2 years and 2 months-- still sees the immune benefits, nutrition benefits, and socioemotional benefits, not to mention the tandem nursing with her 2 month old brother has given our whole family an amazing bond. I use my milk to squirt on any cuts we get in our family, and we see very quick healing with no scars (even my husband)!

Felicia - posted on 03/10/2010

My daughter is 2 years and 2 months old nurses nearly every time her 2 month old brother does during the day (no night feedings for her though) I will let her self wean. I am hoping she continues until she is 3 1/2 at the very least. I will not cut her off unless she hits 7 and is doing it unhealthily, to avoid things, etc.

Katie - posted on 03/10/2010

My son is just over 2yrs and goes 2-4xs per day. I plan on letting him self wean. I did some night weaning and tried to cut back durning the day but only when he was really receptive to alternatives. I tried a couple times when he wasn't ready but he just ended up nursing more at other times of the day.

Rosalba - posted on 03/09/2010

I read all the advises and the all really good I nurse my baby girl intil she was 12 months and star eating more solids, it was a great expirience and if I have more babies I would do it again, all i can said is that it is a personal thing when to stop but my opinion is that it bacames more of an adicction to the tolder ( not longer a baby) and the mother because is not much of feeding but more of the conection and time we spend toguther with the baby. Make your decition and be happy

HEATHER - posted on 03/09/2010

HELLO! I am currently BF my 5 month old daughter. My goal is a year but I have a feeling she may go longer. I guess we will see! I also BF my son who is now 4. My goal was a year with him as well. By 15 months he voluntarily gave up nursing. I literally asked him if he wanted to nurse and he said no and never did again! Don't worry about how long you do it. Enjoy it!

Damaris - posted on 03/09/2010

Oh yeah it wasnt easy for me or my kids, them giving up ther yummy kikies (what they both like to call it) or myself because if u think about it you are forced to take the time out with them,....I really miss the time out on the bed with them or in the rocking chair!

Damaris - posted on 03/09/2010

I nursed both my kids till they were 2. That bond you get with them is so special. I stpped as soon as they said "mmmm yummie kikies" and they were already drinking regular milk. I remember there doctor saying when ever they are ready to give it up or if you feel its time to stop. It can be a matter of opinion, do what feels right to you and your little one!

Kelly - posted on 03/09/2010

I weaned both of mine at 10 months in preparation for my return to work.

Hazel - posted on 03/09/2010

Had BF my 2nd child for 3 years plus. Had to stop only because I'm expecting my 3rd child. It was not difficult. In fact, it was a straightforward job, my son was very cooperative.

Jodie - posted on 03/09/2010

it is very reassuring to know that i am not alone in still nursing my son who is 2 - just turned. He took very easily to the breast, so i found it an easy and relaxing thing to do. he still demands 'mammy milk' when he is tired and wants a nap, and as i find it relaxing, i give it to him.
however i know alot of people that do not have the same views of breastfeeding, and alot shun it. i have had a lot of pressure from certain people to give up breastfeeding my son, and it is very hurtful! you do feel that the more people nag and go on at you, that you are not doing a good job at raising your child. and i can say this has caused alot of problems for me emotionally.
i have not given up though, and hope that my son will wean himself . . . . . . . . we will see =) x

Jamie - posted on 03/08/2010

My son was seriously ill as a newborn and breastfeeding just never "took" with him. With my daughter, she took immediately to the breast after birth and was strictly breastfed til shortly after her 2nd birthday when she chose to wean herself. She was also very aggressive and possessive about them as HERS.

A funny moment was shortly after she self-weaned. She decided she wanted to nurse at bedtime and when she couldn't get anything out, she informed me my boobies are broken.

Emma - posted on 03/08/2010

I've been BF for 8 1/2 months. Haven't decided when I am going to wean, but in a little over a month he goes into daycare and we will be nursing only in the evening and at night, but he will get cups of milk when I am gone. My favorite memory, if I can only pick one, is shortly after he was born. He wouldn't latch on as I had an infection, and after 2 days of constantly trying he just turned to me and latched. I remember my excitement and we had to call a nurse in so we could make sure he was latching correctly but it was 11:30pm and I was being discharged the next morning. My other favorite moment was just recently. He was sick, with a nasty cold, and wasn't nursing too much. Finally after a couple of days, he latched on a sighed. Made my heart soar.

Angelica - posted on 03/08/2010

My son is going to be 2 years old in June and he's not going to be done breastfeeding anytime soon. He's still very actively breastfed. He's feeding 23-30 times a day. I'm going to let him wean himself, no matter how long it takes, whether he's 2 years or 3 years. I figure when he's ready he'll stop.
My favourite memory of nursing my son is when we were at the mall near our house. He was feeding under a blanket and I was trying to be discreet. But he came out from under the blanket, belched like a grown man and smiled and giggled like he was drunk of the milk. He makes me laugh so hard.

Anne - posted on 03/08/2010

Breastfeeding was always difficult for me. She used to struggle to get away as soon as she had latched on. I would be tied to the couch all day long as she was hungry all the time but would never feed for long enough. Perhaps it was because we used bottles at night or perhaps it was because she had colic - I don't know. Anyway we struggled on until she was 6 or 7 months old but by that time I was only nursing her once or twice a day and the rest were expressed milk bottle-feeds. This was because we were staying with people who were uncomfortable with breastfeeding and I had nowhere private to go. Since then she has been having expressed milk only and she is now 1 year old. We plan to continue until she is 2 years but the expression is a bind. Washing and sterilizing equipment and expressing 4 times a day takes a lot of time and it isn't time I'm spending with my baby. It also limits where we can go. Can't go on long journeys because I need to express on time and put the milk in the fridge. It is also uncomfortable and you often end up very sore. I wish we had been able to exclusively breastfeed but she is happier now she's not constantly hungry and battling me and at least I'm not tied to the couch anymore.

Sarah - posted on 03/08/2010

I have breast fed both my children and expect that I will breastfeed the one I am currently expecting. My son only fed for a couple of months before he became impossible to hold while feeding and unfortunately we moved to formula. My daughter is 14mnths and still feeds a couple of times a day. In between she drinks water froma sippy cup and eats with the rest of the family at normal meal times very well. I did have a momment with her when I became pregnant this time when she started to be funny with me and I wondered if she would carry on but that was 71/2 months ago and she has fed well since then. My most momorable thing with breast feeding was my son crawling his way across my chest to feed only minutes after he was born. He definately knew what he wanted form his mummy ( He's 5 now and full of beans).

Allison - posted on 03/08/2010

I'm tandem nursing my 3 year old and 10 month old. I will let them self-wean. My oldest weaned at 3 when I was 5 months pregnant.

Pamela - posted on 03/08/2010

I have 6 children and all of my birth children which there are 5 of them have all been breastfed between 2 yrs 4 months and 2 1/2 yrs.

Laura - posted on 03/08/2010

I know that medical professional suggest it doesn't have any real benefits past the age of 2, and that breast milk is actually quite sweet so it doesn't do their teeth much good. I'm optimistic at the moment personally, my daughter is only 3 months old, i'm thinking about cutting down her feeds at 6 months but i may change my mind when we get there, i'm just taking it as it comes really, when I've had enough i'll stop. When I joined this community for breastfeeding i was a little surprised that it said it doesn't encourage weaning before 12 months, i guess i expected it to be a little more liberal. I think it's actually quite personal as to whether you breastfeed and how long you do it for, and i don't think we should judge anyone for this. You all know as breastfeeding mothers, it's not easy and sometimes it feels draining mentally. I think it also depends on whether or not your used to breastfeeding in your family, for me it wasn't really an option; I was breastfed and so were my brother and sister and all of my other family so to me is quite a normal thing, when i was asked by my midwife how i was planning to feed my baby i was like 'what do you mean?', but other people don't feel that way. I think that first moment when my daughter was born, she latched on straight away and it was just one of those moments you will always remember. Anyway I know you didn't ask about the choice to breastfeed but i guess what i'm trying to say regardless of how i personally feel about breastfeeding that it's individual to everyone as to how long you decide to do it for, and some women it just doesn't feel so natural to because there not accustomed to it. I'm saying I have an idea but don't really know yet cause it's too early to tell, you do it when you and your child is ready. Goodluck :)

Andrea - posted on 03/08/2010

I have 3 boys and have breastfed all of them, the first one Luis (now 8) BF for a little over a year, my second one Leo (2 1/2) BF for almost 2 years, and now I'm breastfeeding my little one Luke (4 months old)... I'm a working mom so he is also bottlefeeding, but I can tell he enjoys his 'mommy and me' time because of all the smiles and giggles and all the attention that he pays to his surrounding while in my arms, I completely recommended not only for the nutritional values, but for the bonding and aknowledgement that you receive as a mom!

Ileana - posted on 03/07/2010

I might sound the weirdest on this conversation, but my baby will turn three at the end of this month. i do not put any restrictions on her for bf, anyways she doesn't ask for it that much during the day.... if she's going to sleep, she asks for it ... she drinks water, juices, and eats normally during the day, so i have no major complications, except of the fact she's with me most of the time. since i'm staying at home, i let her enjoy her time and her bond with me. i plan to let her wean herself, i know that will happen soon. she's a bright , independent girl. when time comes, i will get back where i left in life. this time belongs to her.

Avi - posted on 03/07/2010

My boy is 15 months. I limit his breastfeed to only twice a day. Because he wakes up at 5:30am, (sometimes earlier), I am happy to feed him so I can bring him into our bed and I can keep lying down and close my eyes until around 6am-6:30. I also feed him again after dinner time. Sometimes he asks for it as soon as I sit down in our breastfeeding cushion on the couch, but I say no, and don't give in. We have tried cows milk but he isn't really interested. He'll have water throughout the day, only little sips though. I have no idea how long we will keep going, although I have previously though a child that can ask for it with words are really too old for breastfeed. Anyway, will see how we go.

Shannon - posted on 03/07/2010

I breastfed my son, who is now 8 yrs. old, until he got teeth on top & bottom which was about 8 months old. I used formula until he started regular milk in a cup at one year. he did not really use a bottle but a sippy cup instead. I now have a 6 month old daughter. I tried to supplement formula along with breastfeeding while I worked but she had an allergic reaction to it. Now I nurse her at night and give her breast milk in a bottle during the day. I plan on continuing this but moving to a sippy cup in the next couple of months.

Heather - posted on 03/07/2010

Hi my daughter Olivia nursed until she was 22 months and 3 days. I think the only reason she quit nursing was because I was a couple of weeks pregnant and my milk had changed tastes.
I am currently nursing my other daughter who was born on Feb 25, 2010, and I hope to nurse her until she is 2.

Amanda - posted on 03/07/2010

My son is only 3.5 months old. I plan on nursing him til he is 24 months! Im just hoping he will want to nurse that long, He wont take a bottle with expressed milk so im the only one who can feed him. I love nursing. It just fosters such a bond and i will be sad if jon self weans early.

Barbora Milena - posted on 03/07/2010

I have a daughter who is 16wks old n im fully bfeedin her n im so happy i can do so, hopin i will be able to do it as long as she will want to be nursed, n that she will not have to try formula but go straight to whole milk n food....

Laura - posted on 03/07/2010

I have been exclusively breastfeeding for 7 months and plan to continue until my son is 12-18 months. I would love to BF longer, but my husband and I would like to get pregnant again. The longer the better! Breastmilk actually offers more antibodies the longer you nurse and can offer a toddler a lot of emotional support during those "terrible 2s and 3s" so keep with it!

Angela - posted on 03/06/2010

My son is 6 months old and is still breastfeeding. I plan on letting him self-wean. I'm a stay at home mom so I am really enjoying nursing him because I wasn't able to nurse my 2-year-old son. Something that I like to do while nursing my son is hold his hand and kiss it. When I do that he always smiles while he is still latched on and looks at me from the corner of his eye. It's so adorable...then he just continues nursing. I love him! :)

Fallon - posted on 03/06/2010

My oldest bf'd til he was 19 months old...I was working full time for the last two months...my 2 year old nursed until the day his twin brother and sister were born at 20 months but would have made it two years at not...meanwhile..nursing twins 11 months and still going strong..if I can do it anyone can!!!

BobbiDee - posted on 03/06/2010

I intend to breast feed my son till he doesnt want it any more... i have known many women that breast fed till 4 years old and through other pregnancies.. and thats what i hope to do

Julie - posted on 03/06/2010

My little girl is 2 yrs and 3 mnths and i am still breastfeeding her...she won't give it up. tried giving her other milk but she refuses?

Ashley - posted on 03/06/2010

Well, my boys are 19 months old and still nursing often day and nite. They have just recently changed what they call it (we went from boobie to bobo, their choice not mine) and it is adorable to hear 'em ask for BOBOs. It makes me giggle. They get so giddy and smiley when we get up on the couch and they know they are getting their bobos. It makes me happy to know that I make them happy.

Denise - posted on 03/06/2010

My son just turned 3 and still nurses at least once a day. I got a lot of advice to keep going as long as possible and i'm really glad i did, especially when he gets hurt, sick or scared and wants to nurse.

Kathryn - posted on 03/06/2010

I b/f my eldest for 26 months and my youngest for 30 months. I was aiming at 2 years both times! DD1 was only feeding twice a day by 26 months, and only in the privacy of our own home (couldnt be bothered with the funny looks). DD2 was still feeding every 3ish hours at night at 24 months so I opted to stop the co-sleeping first and then initiate weaning. I cut down the daytime feedings first as they were easiest to distract her out of, then the night feedings and finally the bedtime feed. And a year on I still miss that closeness. DD1 "took a short course of death" when she fed - still, sleepy, snuggly - so UNLIKE the rest of the time - bliss! DD2, once past the newborn stage, was a wriggler and eventually a bungee jumper! Ouch - wincing at the memory! But I also remember discovering coming up to 2 that I could stop a toddler tantrum in it's tracks by distracting with a feed - it soothed all the frustration out of her and calmed her right down again. Wish I'd discovered that with DD1! Both mine were a lot less cuddly once I stopped feeding them, and as DD2 is a less cuddly child anyway, I REALLY miss those snuggly cuddles!
I found the book Mothering Your Nursing Toddler by Norma Jane Bumgarner a great source of information and encouragement in my extended b/f of DD2 (wish I'd found it earlier)! http://www.llli.org/NB/NBJulAug01p139.ht...

Michelle - posted on 03/06/2010

I am still breastfeeding my 18 month old son. He is very strong when he wants his milk. He will come up to me and shout mummy at me. I fed him on demand and will continue to until he is ready to stop, He mainly feds for comfort and I can't imagine taking that away from him. I love it when he falls asleep in my arms even though he is getting bigger. Won't change it for the world we love it.

Angie - posted on 03/06/2010

I breastfed all 3 of my kids. My oldest weaned himself at 6 months, I really wanted to go at least the 1 year. My middle would never latch on correctly so after many, many attempts and sore cracked nipples, I gave in to giving her the bottle at 4 weeks. My youngest weaned herself at 4 months. For some reason for her my milk supply was really low. I commend every mom that breastfeeds. I am not one to want to do it after the one year because I feel they need the nutrition from solids as well, but I am glad you take the stand and support your decisions.

Jaime - posted on 03/06/2010

I breastfed my oldest until he was 22mos (when I was 10wks pregnant with my youngest). I am currently nursing my youngest who is almost 6mos and will continue to nurse him until he is ready to stop. I am also a milk-mama to a beautiful little girl across the country from me.

Shelbi - posted on 03/06/2010

Go Mamas!

This is a really wonderful thread because I have a 3 month old whom I really want to nurse for the first year, at the very least.

Its really encouraging to know that there are moms out there who are breastfeeding well and sticking with it despite what others say.

Carissa - posted on 03/06/2010

i am tandem feeding my 3 year ld and 1 year old....my 3 year old only has one feed at night before bed...it is her special mummy time and she feeds for about 10 minutes :-) my younger daughter is nearly 14 months old and breastfeeds often aswell as eating lots of food and drinking water from a sippy cup....i had planned to breastfeed for 12 months when pregnant with my first daughter!! hahahaha but life shows you that nothing goes as planned...but i have done alot of research and am happy with the knowledge that i am giving my children the BEST start in life....World Health Org recommends breastfeeding only for the first 6 months then continuing until 2 years and beyond....do what is best for you and your baby....just make sure you have all the info....good luck :-)

Sabeena - posted on 03/05/2010

my son is 16 months..... i'm still BF. Now I want to wean him off atleast partially but its not happening because he is not ready it seems.......

Amanda - posted on 03/05/2010

I BF my first until she was 18 months she pretty much weaned herself. I really missed it afterward because like you said it was such a special time and I didn't want to give it up. It is nice knowing that you can provide what they need.

Ally - posted on 03/05/2010

My daughter turns 21 months old next week. She loves nursing more than anything else in the world. I am proud we have made it this far, have no plans to stop until she's ready... but some days are tough. You can't even say the word around her and she's climbing all over me to get them. We're having some success curbing her asking when other people or strangers are around, we talk about "privacy" and doing it at nap time. But if she bumps her head or gets hurt? It's the only thing that will do! Some days lately are driving me crazy. She nurses first thing in the morning. Then we get up, make the beds, brush teeth, etc. When I go to get dressed, she sees me take my shirt off and it's, "Boobahs! Boobahs!" all over again. We just did that! But she's so attached... Some mornings are rough. Lately I just keep repeating, "We do that at nap time," and try to distract her. Some days are more successful than others. Anyone have any experience with this one?

Alexis - posted on 03/05/2010

I nursed my oldest until he was 9 months - I got pregnant with my daughter when he was 6 months old, and I combo-fed him from pretty much the beginning (which I regret). My daughter I nursed until she was 30 months old - I never ever planned on nursing that long - my goal was to make it a year - I'm so proud of nursing her until she was ready to be done, and listening to her needs - despite the pressure I felt from those around me to wean. I have many special memories of that time with her - her little hand patting my back, nursing while she stood on her head (baby-acrobatics) etc.

Phyllis - posted on 03/05/2010

I breastfed my oldest until he was 11 months old and my youngest until he was a year. Both weaned themselves which made it easier for me, but left me kind of sad. I am expecting another boy in June and plan to breastfeed as long as he choses to.

Nic - posted on 03/05/2010

Im still nursing my daughter who is 17 months old and its such a special time, especially her afternoon feeding. I have taught her sign language and she knows about 30 signs. She often practices them while she is nursing and likes me to call our what she is signing. She also likes to gently touch different parts of my face (nose, eyes, eyelashes, jaw, cheek) while she is nursing and have me say what they are. I will definitely continue until she is 2, and probably longer....

Carla - posted on 03/05/2010

I BF my eldest until he was 2 years old...and am hoping to do the same with my 10 months old baby girl!