my daughter is 14 months old when do i wean ???

Bernadette - posted on 12/03/2009

if you don't like it, stop it, if it doesn't bother you just keep going. I breastfed the first till 2 and 1/2 after with a another baby. Second baby was fed till 18 months. Third baby was fed till 12 months. Next baby comes in Feb 2010. I do notice you get your energback when you stop. I heard a professional doctor speak who says this is comfort for mother and child but there is really no need beyond 9 months. So it is all up to you.

Tracy - posted on 12/03/2009

Just a note, here.... There are studies that have shown that if you nurse for 24 months or more, you reduce your chances of breast cancer. It does not have to be 24 months continuous, just 24 months total from what I understand. So if you are seeking some kind of comfort in continuing to nurse your 14 month old... there is one! There is also the fact that the longer you nurse your baby/toddler, the more health benefits. Like now, if you quit nursing, she'll have added immunities for the next 14 months. Nurse to 18 months and the benefits extend another 18 months.

A funny story... One of my MILs once asked me when my daughter wasn't even 6 months old ... in a very condescending tone ... "How long do you think you're going to nurse her?" For her stupid question and nastiness, I replied "I'll at least stop the daytime feedings when she starts Kindegarten.". That shut her up for awhile until my daughter cut her first tooth and she was snickering that she hoped the baby bit me. The nerve and stupidity of people is amazing, isn't it!?!!?

But I have a very healthy 9 yr old with beautiful teeth, bones and brain :) And thankfully that woman does not add any negativity to mine or my daughter's life!

Kerri - posted on 12/03/2009

Hi! I'm a mother of four and breastfed all of mine. I transitioned them at 14 months. It just seemed like the right time. I think if your daughter is 14m and you are asking advice, you may be feeling it's time as well. Do it slowly . . . I would get to breastfeeding just once a day . . . before bed. And then at about 16 months I went to a bottle at night. But if you want to go longer you can as well. (We have one friend whose mom breastfed him until he was 7 years old . . . I would strongly urge against THAT!!) You're going to know with your daughter what feels right more than anyone else. Congrats on b-feeding 14 months!!

Minnie - posted on 12/03/2009

Quoting Vivian:

Quoting Lisa:

I'm happily nursing my 13 month old and intend to for as long as she wants it.

The benefits of nursing do not just end at 12 months. Consdering that as a species we're designed to breastfeed for several years.

Sorry if I offended anyone....I never said the benefits of nursing ended at 12 months nor did I say that she has to wean. It is entirely up to mother and her child. 12 months was enough for me, I was already 4 months pregnant with baby no2 and it was time to let go.

I actually didn't read any of the previous posts.  This was just what was on my mind, and I brought up the 12 month subject because th e OP's child is only just over a year, and many think that there is no purpose to breastfeeding past 12 months.  It had nothing to do with anything you said at all.

Lea - posted on 12/03/2009

Stop letting other people make you self-conscious!!! I'm telling you, learn this now or you will second-guess yourself forever because people will continue to criticize you no matter what you do. YOU know what works for your child. Why not let your daughter decide when to stop breastfeeding? I have heard of people doing it up to age 4, 14 months is not weird at all.

Melissa - posted on 12/03/2009

I think you should breastfeed as long as both you and baby are happy. I breastfed my daughter for 2.5 years. She enjoyed it and so did I. It's a closeness thing and super comforting!

Tracy - posted on 12/03/2009

My first nursed until 23 months when I cut her off cold turkey. She wasn't nursing for nourishment at this point and it was more of a comfort thing after not seeing me all day (she was at daycare). She nursed at bedtime but it wasn't long -- just for comfort. My second nursed until about 15 months when she basically weaned herself. I was pregnant with my third and was close to 7 months pregnant at the time. I am sure it was more because of my milk changing. My third nursed til about 14-15 months. She was ready to wean as she was losing interest in nursing. With two older sisters running around, she was easily distracted and wanted to play more.

Do what feels right for you and your baby. If you enjoy the cuddle time, stick with it! I've known people to nurse babies til 3 and 4. That's not for me, but it may be for you.

Holly - posted on 12/02/2009

I breast fed my son till he was 18 months old. You should do it until you are both ready to give it up. My son threw a couple fits when I first told him no, but he got over it very quickly. I've known several moms who have breastfed till their babies were over three years old!

Alison - posted on 12/02/2009

When you are both ready...

Suzi - posted on 12/02/2009

I think people should be allowed to BF for as long as they like. my sisters BF their daughters until they self weaned around 18 months..only giving them a night and a morning feed until then, my nephew had to be weaned at 14 months because the little buddah was taking everything and leaving her with no energy, I agree that it helps settle them, I always feed my baby to sleep (she is only 4.5 months though) and I hope to do it for as long as my sisters but I don't think my body will be able to cope.

Stephanie - posted on 12/02/2009

It is completely you and your daughters' decision. I breastfeed both of my sons well past a year. My oldest self-weaned himself at 15 months, and my youngest did at 14. The only times that they nursed after 12 months of age was nap and bed time. And truly is a comfort for them. The only time I put my foot down was that I no longer breastfeed in public. I did not like the looks people would give. If you are happy and comfortable with breastfeeding go as long as you want.

Erin - posted on 12/02/2009

I breast fed my daughter until she was 2. It really is a personal choice. You know your baby better than anybody else. Trust your instincts and do what YOU believe is best for your baby and yourself.

Ruby - posted on 12/02/2009

i know! i'm at 12 months but i cant say no to her when she cries! she's usually feeds when she needs to sleep or nap! idk what to do!

Jessie - posted on 12/02/2009

It's more than just a comfort thing! There are big advantages for both you and the baby to continue breastfeeding. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding at least until the age of 2! If you and your baby are happy with it, don't let other people pressure you into stopping.
Here are some links with information on the benefits:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/eb...
http://www.googobits.com/articles/1652-t...

I'm VERY happily still nursing my sweet 16-mo-old. :)

Tamara - posted on 12/02/2009

Hey Zoe!
I am currently still nursing my almost 12-month-old. I only feed her when she wakes in the AM and before she goes to sleep in the PM. I am certain that she gets all or most of her nutrients from her solid foods and occasional formula I give her in a sippy cup during the day. I suppose, she'll get even more nutrients when I begin to feed her milk.

It is my choice to continue doing this or not. She hasn't bitten me with her sharp teeth, nor does the 2 times I do nurse her bother me (the nursing I give her in the PM does NOT put her to sleep/she falls asleep on her own). I guess one day she'll forget about it or grow tired of it, or I will. It may become bothersome or an inconvenience at one point for me?? Especially at bedtime; I may want to change up her routine so that I have more time interacting with reading and singing.

It is your call. You'll do what is best. IF it becomes a hassle or an inconvenience, then think about phasing it out. Mommy needs to be happy and relaxed. That would be a blessing for your little one.

Take care...and have fun, whatever you decide!

Tamara

Rolanda - posted on 12/02/2009

my daughters stopped nursing at about a year old but my son nursed until he was 2. I think it really depends on the child. I talked to a doctor that told me his wife kept their kids on breast milk until they were five because it was so good for their brain development so the longer you can do it the better!

Kelly - posted on 12/02/2009

I nurses for 18 months. I breastfed my daughter when she woke up and before she went to bed. To wean her completely I would make sure we were busy or her dad was around to take over. It worked well.

Saesha - posted on 12/02/2009

Quoting Zoe:

my daughter is 14 months old when do i wean ???

My daughter is nearly 14 months old and still has one to two breast feeds a day. She eats solids and drinks cows milk, juice, water etc. I'm just wondering if anyone else still feeds or has fed their baby this long or longer.
I've aked a few people and i get varying answer's, I've been told that it's just a comfort thing but she seems to settle better on a full belly of breastmilk... I'm not really sure what to do...

I breastfed my son until he was 16 months and was very sad when he weaned himself. It was our quiet time together before bed and I enjoyed it. If you are comfortable there is no time limit and continue breastfeeding your baby as long as both of you enjoy it.

ILANA - posted on 12/01/2009

It makes sense that she settles better on the breastmilk, as human milk is perfect for human children! It certainly is up to you, many studies have shown that breastfed children have a better chance, against diabetes, heart disease, more intelligent, develop beautifully and all those wonderful antibodies. It's a shame that in Australia our culture sees breasts mainly for men to oggle, rather than to nourish and do their real job - make milk! So many people judge mothers that breastfeed beyond the baby year, yet there are so many worse things I can think of such as smoking, alcoholism, and to be fair formula is MacDonalds for babies - sugar and cows milk. I'm still breastfeeding my son at 8 months, and looking forward to a long relationship. All the best, Ilana

Hilda - posted on 12/01/2009

well i cut my son off at 14 months old he still trys to nurse every now and then. my mom was tellin me to nurse till he cuts himself off cause its easier on the baby but i just cut him off cause i was working way to much and i was drying out anyways.

Cherie - posted on 12/01/2009

Yes a lot of people feed longer than this - my own view (as a grandmother!) is that if she is still enjoying the experience and so are you then keep going - you can't nutritional point of view better her diet - breast milk is still healthy and good for her. Keep aware of the time that she herself chooses to wean and use that window of opportunity to wean her. She will begin to cut down herself again (as she already has!) and sooner rather than later you will find her just having the one feed to sleep and then even that will go. At 14 mths it is not a biggy as decisions go! follow your own heart - and if you feel ready to wean then feel guilt free and do so - you have done so well feeding for so long. Cherie

Mon-Sherrie - posted on 12/01/2009

Quoting Zoe:

my daughter is 14 months old when do i wean ???

My daughter is nearly 14 months old and still has one to two breast feeds a day. She eats solids and drinks cows milk, juice, water etc. I'm just wondering if anyone else still feeds or has fed their baby this long or longer.
I've aked a few people and i get varying answer's, I've been told that it's just a comfort thing but she seems to settle better on a full belly of breastmilk... I'm not really sure what to do...

Hi Zoe,

I breast fead my daughter til almost 2 but I think you should start waening her especailly if shes eating solids. Shes still wants that bond & connection with her mother. I went through the same thing but you don't want her 2 yrs old & still wanting to breast feed. True she may fullup with your breast milk but its also the comfort & being next to you as well. It will be hard but I think you may need to start weaning your daughter....

Vivian - posted on 11/24/2009

Quoting Lisa:

I'm happily nursing my 13 month old and intend to for as long as she wants it.

The benefits of nursing do not just end at 12 months. Consdering that as a species we're designed to breastfeed for several years.

Sorry if I offended anyone....I never said the benefits of nursing ended at 12 months nor did I say that she has to wean. It is entirely up to mother and her child. 12 months was enough for me, I was already 4 months pregnant with baby no2 and it was time to let go.

Zoe - posted on 11/23/2009

Thanks everyone.
I'm happy to say that i've decided to do it for awhile longer :) I love the akira and mummy time we get... I know not everyone can breastfeed or do it for as long as i can so i know i'm really lucky.

Minnie - posted on 11/21/2009

I'm happily nursing my 13 month old and intend to for as long as she wants it.

The benefits of nursing do not just end at 12 months. Consdering that as a species we're designed to breastfeed for several years.

Roslyn - posted on 11/21/2009

I breastfed my twins until just after their 2nd birthday, and they were only on 2 feeds a day at the end. It's up to you when you stop, but if they still want it and you still want to feed them then dont worry what anyone else says, you do what is right for you. It probably is a comfort thing but I cant see anything wrong with that.

Michelle - posted on 11/21/2009

I am still breastfeeding my 14 month old son and get a mixture of reactions. Some people say he should be weaned where others say how brillant we have done still breastfeeding.
Personally I love it and also he still needs it at the moment. He eats solids really well but still comes to me and tells me he wants milk. We are going to continue until we both feel ready to stop. If others don't like it it is there problem.

Janine - posted on 11/21/2009

Hi Zoe, Its important that you do what is right for you. If you want to wean then do so, you have done a great job breastfeeding for 14 months. However if you still want to feed continue to do so. It is not just a comfort thing, breastmilk is highly nutritional and still has many benefits for Zoe at this age. However this also has to be weighed up against how you feel about. If you really dont want to continue then it may not be as benefical if you are feeling annoyed at still feeding. I feed my last child until 2 1/2 and know of many mothers who have feed for longer.

Aliska - posted on 11/20/2009

Wean when you or she wants, there is no set time. I breastfed my son to 14 mths and my daughter to 18 mths. If you feel it's time to give up go to one breast feed a day. I weaned mine by cutting out the day feeds one at a time then the first thing in the morning feed and last of all the going to bed feed. If she settles well at night with a breast feed keep it going for a while longer, if that's the only time you are feeding her, you are free from feeding during the day, which can certainly be convenient, and still have that precious time together at night. The right time is when either she no longer wants to breast feed or when you need your body back!

Amanda - posted on 11/20/2009

This is up to you. I nursed for 13 months.There are other moms out there that breast feed their children until they are 5. If you feel that you are tired of breast feeding try to pump and this will help her get a full stomach also. And I would agree about a comfort thing. I only stopped when my daughter bit me or I would have kept going.

Vivian - posted on 11/20/2009

I agree with the comfort thing, there is nothing like mums soft skin and warm milk to put a baby to sleep :) That being said, I have breastfed all 4 of my children (no formula at all) , the first 3 children up to 1 year and the 4th is still 9 months but I intend to do the same with him. Your daughter sounds like she is eating and drinking well. My opinion is that if you have gone to the effort to ask for advice about this, then you are probably ready to stop breasfeeding entirely and you have given this much thought. It might take a few days or nights being unsettled without your milk but she will get used to it...and so will you :) Good luck!!

Melissa - posted on 11/20/2009

I nursed my daughter until she was 14 months old as well. I knew it was time to quit when we went to my step daughter's choir concert, the lights dimmed, and my little one tried raising my shirt. ha

She was already eating everything else and just nursing one to two times a day. I weaned her according to the Farmer's Almanac. When she wanted to nurse, I would have her dad take her and I would go in another room. She usually went to sleep. After 2 days, she was fine. Hope this helps.

Vanessa - posted on 11/20/2009

I know a friend who breastfeed well past 14 months, it really is personal choice. Doctors are forever saying the breast is best so I don't see why you can't keep going if you are both comfortable with it however if you wanted to wean her maybe start by spreading out feeding times a little bit or just making it a certain number of feeds a day and see how you both go. Good luck.