Who is still breastfeeding?

Sarah Jane - posted on 03/21/2012

I have been breastfeeding for 4 years. I tandem fed my girls for awhile. My eldest who is now 4 self weaned at around 30 months and miss 22 months is stll going strong. I have never given either of them a bottle. I will feed miss 22 months untill she is ready to stop!!! Keep feeding as long as you can. It is so good for you and it is the best thing you can do for Bubs!!!!

Sarah - posted on 03/20/2012

I'm still breastfeeding my daughter and she is now over 3. What can I say? She likes the boob. LOL

Sandra - posted on 03/06/2012

I'm not nursing my fourth child but my three older children were not completely done by her age. And anybody who complains about an infant (9 months is a BABY!) eating in public is the one with a problem -- NOT YOU! AAP recommends a minimum of 12 months, WHO recommends a minimum of 24. You stand tall and know you're doing RIGHT by your baby.

Dannyelle - posted on 03/17/2011

Good for you! People are always so surprised because them themselves gave up on breastfeeding way too early and to make themselves feel better try to pass the guilt on to you! Don't listen to them and if it bothers you, don't discuss it with them. I breastfed my first until she was 2.5 and I'd say around 1 is when I started getting attitude from friends and family so I would only breastfeed in the privacy of my own home. Have you tasted formula...??? No wonder your daughter hates it!

Marie - posted on 10/21/2009

I just want to start by saying that every woman has a right to breastfeed, and if people don't like it then they don't need to look! Breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your child. A baby knows when they're ready to ween and they do it on their schedule. Nothing wrong with it! My daughter is 11 months, almost 12 months, and I have people ask me all the time when I'm gonna quit. I look at my daughter then back at them and say, "She'll let me know." :) I think everybody who's breastfed even for a short while should be PROUD!

Andrea - posted on 10/20/2009

that's a good point i hadn't thought of! i guess my son has a bit longer before i attempt to take away his favorite thing.

Moondance - posted on 10/20/2009

I know this is old, just checking in for the first time really--but I thought I'd let you know that I'm still breastfeeding and my pediatrition said with all the flu going around--it's a really good idea to breastfeed thru the winter--even it it's a little bit. Are you still breastfeeding?

Christina - posted on 10/19/2009

I still breastfeed my 11 month old daughter, Satori. I plan on going to atleast a year depending... She has four teeth so far including her two top front teeth and just this week I've given her food pieces to chew on her own. She's bitten me a few times but I will go until we both lose interest. I have a hard time keeping up with it but it will be a significant change when we stop. Then it will be a whole new ball game! I love the convenience...

Andrea - posted on 10/18/2009

i am, twice a day on average though every once in awhile i can get away with just in the morning (tomorrow i am going to attempt not at all!) because my son eats so many other foods and he usually just wants it for comfort.

Maegan - posted on 10/18/2009

We're still nursing at 11 months. Didn't think I was going to make it this long - he was jaundice and dehydrated within the first week so I had to feed him from a bottle so that the doctor could measure his intake. Then we found out he was tongue tied and thats why I was getting blood blisters. Seems like so long ago! =) Our local hospital has an awesome breastfeeding support group, though. We went every day for a while until we got the hang of nursing. I thought I was going to wean him at 1, but now I don't think I'm going to be ready to. Plus he loves to nurse. He eats 3 regular solid meals, but still nurses with each meal, for snacks and at night. Definitely think I'm going to decrease the frequency soon, but I don't know if we're ready to completely give it up. I'm a stay at home mom, so we have the luxury of being flexible with these decisions. The only problem is that he still nurses in the middle of the night. Even if I get him back to sleep, he's restless until he nurses. I've tried cosleeping to keep him settled, but he squirms and kicks until he gets to nurse. I'm starting to go a little batty!

Jill - posted on 10/15/2009

My son weened himself at 6 moths. Just did not have time to stop and nurse. There was a world out there that he needed to go see and looking at me was not what he wanted to do. My mom said that I was the same way. I'm all about breastfeeding and as long as it's needed between the two of you. I really miss it and it took several months later to stop co-sleeping. We just took each occasion as it came. He had a harder time with sleeping in his crib. For the first couple of weeks he'd start out in there and then when he woke up out of routine to nurse I'd go get him and bring him to our room. But he'd never wanted to nurse just sleep with me. So starting at about 9 months he'd sleep through the night to about 7:00 or once in a while he'd wake up at 5am and come in our bed.

I was encouraged to use the bottle so that others could feed him and then after trying to pump I'd just leave formula for him. and nursed him at home all the time. I rarely left him at someone's house but in May he just got weird and decided that it wasn't for him. I have him on a sippy cup but I try at least 3 times a week get him to use a cup. I put a towel on the Kitchen floor and set him on it and give him 1/4 full of water in little cups that I got at IKEA. he has fun and he's starting to master it as well. He's even getting better at eating off of a plate without throwing it off the table and just this week he started putting 2 and 2 together about silverware. He plays with a plastic fork that i got from IKEA too in the Childrens section. LOVE THEM!!! Plates, bowls, cups and plastic wear. Check them out the come in great colors and perfect for their size.

Ultimately you're doing the right thing and this is just the beginning of advisary that you are going to have to face out there in the world as you bring up your child. Trying to do the right thing sometimes isn't the popular thing or "the way did it when you were that age" but it's the way we do it now and it's only making you stronger for your journey of motherhood. We got your back sista!!

Darleza - posted on 10/15/2009

Hi All, great posts everyone! Thought I would share my experience as well. My daughter, Sophie, is turning 11 months in couple weeks and I am still breastfeeding her. Something I am glad of doing and the best decision I have ever made, which is to exclusively BF her till she turns 1 year old. But clock is ticking and I am going back to work next month. Sophie will be going to childcare soon and I would like to help her to take her milk from her bottle. I've been trying this for many weeks now but she is so reluctant and let out a cry or scream when bottle is given to her. Would like to her from other mothers' experiences and also if you have any tips or tricks for Sophie and I.

Stephanie - posted on 10/15/2009

Yes, I am still breastfeeding but I want to stop. She is 11 months old and I am slowing weaning her. So far, I still breastfeed for her to go to sleep at nap time and at night time and thru the night, still! I would like to sleep thru the night undisturbed for once! She gets formula, water, baby good and people food. She is a very good eater!

I think she likes to BF more for comfort, however, I think she is old enough to sleep all thru the night without waking up. (Yes, I have been co-sleeping with her since day one.) If she wakes up during the night and I don't breastfeed her, she fusses and cries until I do. Ughhh, not sure what to do. I am thinking about looking into the Pantley No Cry Sleep Solution, any suggestions?

Shelby - posted on 10/15/2009

I am still breastfeeding. My intention was to stop at a year, but I have been trying to start weaning(my son is 11 months) and he is not interested in it yet. I never thought I would do it this long, but my son got sick last week and I was glad that I was still doing it. People in other countries breast feed far longer than a year. Don't worry about what others say or do, if your instinct is to do it till your child is a year, then you do what you think is best for you. He has four teeth and sometimes it hurts, but not that often:)

Cori - posted on 10/10/2009

people tell me all the time "oh you gotta go get some similac and get him on the bottle... otherwise he is gonna want to nurse forever" and i just look at them and tell them that if he wants to nurse until he is 2 then thats our decision, i am just doing whats best for my son and they can mind their own business! breastfeeding is a great and beautiful thing and i wouldnt give it up for anything... and neither would my son!

Suzanne - posted on 10/10/2009

I am still breastfeeding and my son is almost 11 months. My goal is a year and after that, we'll see. I was also surprised when someone asked me, "How long are you gonna breastfeed him?" in a very strange tone when he was only 7 months old. I guess some people don't understand.

Christina - posted on 10/10/2009

11 months and still going, it is nice hearing that others are still breastfeeding nearing a year

Ingy - posted on 10/10/2009

yes here too, in Europe, ppl r surprised that im still nursing my 11 month old daughter... It isnt so common i guess.. where i come from (ME) it is normal to nurse for 1 year and up to 2yrs even.. I am not planning to keep nusing for 2 yrs as I wish to have a 2nd child soon and nursing screw up z fertility hormones sometimes, making it harder to get pregnant wen ur nursing... atleast in my case, but i guess not b4 1.5 yrs or if my baby give it up by herself. So far she enjoys it, as well as i do. Ofcourse, now she starts to eat solids and formula, bf for her is just a snack she enjoys so much. Scientifically mother milk is still full of useful antibodies for a baby until its 1 yr old, the 2nd year is more of an emotional attachment. So keep it up for atleast 3 more months :))

Erin - posted on 10/09/2009

I think it's wonderful that you still nurse her! My little man weaned himself totally at 6 months, but I have nerve damage on one side from a surgery and didn't produce enough anyway. The bottle was easier for him so eventually he didn't want the boob anymore. The longer you nurse the better. Your little girl will have a great immune system and you bond each time you feed her. Don't listen to anyone that has problems with it. Some prople are still in the dark ages and think that it's gross or old timey to nurse. They are totally insane and obviously don't know anything about it!

Ruth - posted on 10/09/2009

We're still at it, although she's almost weaned herself--I'm mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack, and topping off before bed. I plan to start weaning her around her birthday, although I may keep up a little bit over the winter, to help with the immune boost she gets from me.

Brielle - posted on 10/09/2009

I just weaned my son at 11 months old and now he drinks cow's milk from a sippy cup. He never had to have a bottle or formula! I'm proud of myself.

Mirrhya - posted on 10/05/2009

Just tell them that the World Health Organization recommends 2 years. And where to stick it.

Dana - posted on 09/24/2009

My daughter will be 10 months on Monday and I'm still breastfeeding and working full time. I want to continue until she is 12 months for sure, and then after that we'll see how it goes. My goal is to not have to give her formula. I breastfed my son until he was 15 months (he's now 3 1/2).

Angelina - posted on 09/23/2009

I'm still breastfeeding my 10 month old daughter and plan to do it until she's at least 24 months. The WHO and many other countries health department recommend breastfeeding until at least 24 months. I think however long a woman can do it is great! It is so important that we provide our children with the best possible start and breastfeeding is the way to do it! Feeding our children another animals milk (cow) does not make any sense to me. Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed a child. Maybe it's my community but I don't have get questioned about breastfeeding too long. Too many these days are feeding their babies with artificial milk (formula) and I feel so sad for those babies who lack the nutrition and bonding that breastfeeding supplies. It was such a sad time in the world when we thought formula was the right way to feed our children. Breastfeeding is so natural and so right! Feed as long as you want to and enjoy every minute of it!

Ashli Faye - posted on 09/22/2009

i feed mine public or not use a blanket to cover urself she is 10 months old now i also feed her solids ur baby needs the texture to help her in other ways like talking give her food and brest milk

Sara - posted on 09/22/2009

I stopped at 8 1/2 mos she wasnt gaining anough weight, since we stopped she as gained 3 lbs if it were'nt for that and here latch on / off getting easily distracted i would still be nursing now. I didnt feed her much in public either.

Nina - posted on 09/21/2009

I'm still breastfeeding my 10 month old, and like you christina want to go until 12 months also. You are giving your baby the best start in life by breastfeeding. People shouldn't be judging your decision as you know whats right for you and your baby.

Jennifer - posted on 09/20/2009

I am still breastfeeding my almost 10 month old son. He feeds 4-5 times per day, and right now because he has a cold, he has been waking at night again for some milk. I am cherishing this time with him. It will pass by too quickly. I plan to wean him between 12 - 18 months. And I will feed him in public wherever and whenever. I really see it as a normal and natural way to care for your child.

Amber - posted on 09/20/2009

Im still nursing at 10 months now, and I seem to get a similar response from people. I too plan to nurse until she is 1. My daughter will not take a bottle, or formula, but she now drinks water from a sippy cup.

Tammy Lee - posted on 09/19/2009

Anyone who wants to judge you for continuing to breast feed should read the studies that document the health and emotion benefits. My daughter is 10 months old and I will breast feed her until at least her first birthday. I am a working mom so I pump during the day and then when I am home she nurses directly from me. DO NOT LET ANYONE STOP YOU. You are doing the best thing for your child

Christine - posted on 09/18/2009

I am still breastfeeding my almost 10 month old son and I am proud of it :)

Barbara - posted on 09/18/2009

I'm also still breastfeeding my 10 month son I'm waiting til he's a year old before I stop. I'm not working so there's no reason to formula feed.

Lori - posted on 09/17/2009

I'm still breastfeeding my almost 10 month old and plan to continue at least through his first birthday. It's what's recommended by doctors, and he doesn't like formula anyway.

Tina - posted on 09/16/2009

i still breastfeed my baby who is 10months 2weeks young. have to express everyday as i'm working. sometimes i go back home during lunchtime to breastfeed her. tried to mix with formula just incase of shortage but she refused. tried a few brands but still no luck. started feeding her with fruits and vegy at 6months, and other solids at 8months. anyway, i love to breastfeed her. the bonding is very much amazing and hopefully i can do this until she is two (this is encouraged in Islam. maximum 2years old). breastfeeding also helped reduce my illnesses (asma, sinus and such). I think breastfeeding is the best gift a mom can give to her child for his or her lifetime. keep it up moms!

Candice - posted on 09/16/2009

I still breastfeed once a day most likely until her 12th month. I slowly started to ween her once she started eating solids. I took one breastfeeding session away once a month until the 11th or 12th month she'll be done entirely.

Corinne - posted on 09/16/2009

We're coming up to 10 months now and I'm still breastfeeding my little man. He's been eating solids since he was 4 months old (stole my fruit, so it was truly baby-led) but he still loves to nurse. I'd always planned to keep going until he's a year, hoping he'd self wean but not sure it will happen. I have a feeling he'll keep going until he's about 18 months. It's not too bad as my brother's wife did all 4 of their kids for 18 months, and I have an excellent NHS/Sure Start breastfeeding support group in my local surgery.



The difficulty with this choice is that I will be returning to work at the end of the month, which may mean expressing...mostly for my comfort!

Kylie - posted on 09/16/2009

Thanks excellent Sarah..the female human body so incredible. All of you ladies are doing so well, it's wonderful. Breast feeding rocks!

Caroline Sarah - posted on 09/16/2009

I am, but my story is different. I started bf'ing Sam when he was 5months old so I've only been doing it for 5months now. Relactation is really hard but I stuck through it and am now thinking about doing it til he self-weans.

Kelly - posted on 09/16/2009

You are very blessed to be able to still nurse. I had to ween at 6mnths do to health problems I was having, but I would have liked to nurse longer. It's so much healthier for your child. If you need some encouragment, try finding a local La Leche League group. The website is www.llli.org. They may have a local chapter in your area.

Cori - posted on 09/14/2009

i am a breast feeder for life.. haha just kidding.. i know that we will make it to a year and i am even considering let him self ween (as long as it doesnt go past 18 months) i dont want to force him to give up something that he gets comfort from... and DONT be embarassed to feed your daughter in public, its natural and beautiful and if people are looking its usually out of curiosity, not disgust!

Trich - posted on 09/14/2009

i was breast feeding my little one he is 10 months, until about 2 weeks ago, i have many allergies to grasses and pollen, since Spring has hit i have not been well at all and have had to go back onto my medication for it (which i could not take breast feeding) i am very sad that i cannot breastfeed him anymore but all my friedns have been very encouging that i have done the best for him by feeding him for the first 10months of his life.

keep up the breast feeding while ever you can dont worry about what other people say, its one of the most natural things out there. and it provides a great bond between a mother and her child. i wish i was still able to feed.

Rebecca - posted on 09/13/2009

On the 17th my little one will be 10 months and I still breastfeed. Granted it dont seem quite as much as before he was starting on regular foods. As far as when Im out in public...I have this poncho type cover-up that covers him when he wants to eat and even though Im overly modest, I havent had any problems what-so-ever. I think alot of mothers now plan on at least a year. Which my little one has his first tooth which is bringing on a whole new set of issues, but dont worry about what other people say. They say that breastfed babies are normally healthier and tend to be smarter then babies never breastfed and I know I personally want to give my baby the best start that I can.

Sue - posted on 08/03/2009

Im still feeding my daughter she is 8mths she wont take a bottle or dummy.I am hopping she can feed as long as my middle daughter she was 2 . One day she just stopped herself... I cryed all day " she doesnt want me any more ...LOL" she is now 5...we have the best relationship...Sad to say but a lot closer than my older daughter. I put it down to breast feeding she was bottle feed and would go to any1...but the younger 2 are mummy girls dont like going to other people much..guess it can b a negative...No social life... but thats being a mum... Time goes so fast and then they r at school so enjoy it..

Regina - posted on 08/02/2009

We are still nursing too. He will be 9 months on the 11th. He nurses about three times a day and eats all the same meals we do. He loves all big people food. No baby food or bottles for him. He's on a sippy cup and loving that. We will nurse in public if he needs to be fed. Why not? We do have family and friends that say--your still nursing????? We ask them--your still eating???? He now has four teeth on top and three on the bottom and nursing like a champ. I will go for as long as he needs me too. ~I LOVE HIM~

Jenn - posted on 08/02/2009

I Am Happy To See All These Other Breastfeeding Mommies! I Love It! I Am Still Breastfeeding My Daughter Who Is Almost 9 Months (On The 10th) And We Love It. She Doesnt Breastfeed That Much Anymore Because She Is Getting More Meals During The Day But We Have 4 Feeds Or So Together Its Nice! We Love It. Some Times She Is To Crazy At Night To Eat But Im Sure Shes Not Hungry When She Goes To Bed.
I Have Also Breastfeed Anywhere In The Store, The Car, The Mall, The Park, The Zoo. I Just Dont Care. And If Someone Wants To Say Something To Me About It Go Right Ahead I Will Then Give You A Piece Of My Mind. I Dont Ask Them How They Feed Their Baby. So Whatever. But I Say Way To Go Keep Up The Good Work.
By The Way My Daughter Has 2 Teeth And She Has Only Bit Me Once And That Was Enough For Her. She Has Never Done It Again.

Way To Go Breastfeeding Moms! We Rock!

Kristi - posted on 08/02/2009

I am jealous of all the people that are still breastfeeding. I think it's awesome that you still are. Just great!! I had to give up breastfeeding when my son was 4.5 months old, as I had to go back on my medication for MS, which they tell you not to breastfeed while you are taking. Made me cry. Breastfeeding came so easy for me, and my son did so well with it ... we were both sad when it stopped. I am hoping with the next baby (if that happens), that I am able to breastfeed for longer.

Keep it up! I am sure you don't walk around saying "why are you bottle feeding your child" (and if you are, that's a whole other story), so people shouldn't be judging your decision. Good stuff!!!

Sarah - posted on 08/01/2009

My guy is my fourth (and last!) child and I hope to nurse him until he is ready to wean. (usually around 2-3 years) we nurse anywhere he asks, and that is usually every 2-3 hours. He likes to eat! Good job on nursing as long as you have!

Kylie - posted on 08/01/2009

Yep still breast feeding..i plan to let my baby boy self wean hopefully thats sometime before his 3rd birthday. Some people are so ignorant when it comes to breastfeeding the world standard is 2 years..more breastfeeding mums who are proud and not ashamed to do it in public the better i say!:)

Nicole - posted on 08/01/2009

everyone keeps asking me this as well... my daughter is nine month and people say werent you supose to be finished long time ago.. its kinda shocking since most people nurse there children to a year..

Hanna - posted on 07/30/2009

I am still nursing my 8 month old little girl, Sophia. She gets a bottle over the weekends when she is with her daddy, but with me, it's just breast! I'm really surprised that I've made it this long, as it was a tough go at the beginning. I'm planning on going until she has her teeth (and she's in the teething process right now), after which, we'll see how it goes. If she is fine and doesn't bite me, then I'll go to one year. Oddly enough, I'm not ready to stop breastfeeding her. It's a great bonding time, and I know that she loves it too. Since I'm on maternity leave still, I do most of the feeding at home, and a little bit in public, although very rarely. She's also eating solids for 3 meals a day, and nurses about 4-5 times. Keep going for it as long as you and your little one are up to it!