When should I stop breastfeeding?

Joan - posted on 11/02/2010

you do what feels right for u and u will know when that is, never mind what others say you'll only regeat it if u do as others say,yes u could give her more solids and less breast but b guided by your heart and mind,, mum knows best. good luck

Samantha - posted on 08/18/2010

Its your decision but she does need to eat more solids it is good for development. You don't have to stop nursing just do it before meals and when needed. Like Alea said Quit when you two are ready there is no set time :)

Emily - posted on 08/18/2010

Time for a new pediatrician. They aren't the experts on you and your baby - remember that. We are powerful women who have raised countless generations well before the medical field was taken so seriously - and we will after people wake up and realize that doctors are just people with opinions. They have no secret knowledge - and definitely no direct line to g-d.

Sherree - posted on 04/20/2010

Hi Ashlee, Happy birthday to your little angel! Your child can happily eat solid food and still breastfeed. There is a great book called "feeding your child with love and good sense". A nice balance of introducing foods - one at a time - while allowing your sweet child the many benefits of continued nursing. You and your child will know when the right time to stop will be. ..and when it is, it is a gradual process. Good luck, and most important Ashlee is to follow your instincts. YOU are the mom, you know what is best for you and your little angel. I wish you much love and success ♥, Sherree

Melanie - posted on 04/17/2010

I have four children. My youngest is 9 months. I fed my first 2 until they were two years old. # 3 I tandem fed with her little sister until she was 2 1/2 years. I am still feeding my #4 & intend to until she is at least two. I offer solid food before breast except in the case of the morning feed because we like to snuggle in bed in the mornings before we get up for breakfast. I think you should do what feels right for you. As long as your bub is eating food & trying new tastes, I Believe that breastfeeding is of great benefit to you & your baby.

Gail - posted on 04/16/2010

I am shocked your doctor would feel he/she has the right to determine that.It is a personal choice. You will know when it is time, and sometimes your baby chooses for you. I did have to wean my baby - started at 24 mos and was done by 26 mos. As she got older, it was private time - morning/evening kind of thing, just because she needed to be cup drinking and such. She has always been healthy. My first daughter was unable to nurse, and I pumped for a year til my body stopped. Nursing my 2nd daughter was gift. You decide....

Misty - posted on 04/16/2010

I'm saying much the same things I have read thus far . . . when you and your baby are ready. My son nursed until he was 36 months. He was nursing upon waking/at bed time and when he wasn't well. For the few times he was sick, he continued to nurse so I didn't worried about dehydration. That was nice! I was ready to stop before he was. I became super sensitive to the sucking sensation and it was too much! He was old enough for me to explain that it had become uncomfortable for me and that we could snuggle at bedtime to be close. He accepted how I felt and the substitution. Hope this helps. Good luck!

Ashlee - posted on 04/16/2010

I appreciate everyones input. I got a lot of great suggestions and enjoyed reading all the responses. I ♥ Circle of Moms!!! I do have to comment that it hurts my heart to hear people imply that I'm some kind of creepy pervert for continuing to breastfeed my child over a year. I'm making an INFORMED decision about what's best for my daughter. It's not like there's no medical studies that support my decision. I think it's really sad that our society has sexualized breasts to the point that it's becoming taboo for women to use them for their biological purpose. I think we need a national day to support breastfeeding awareness!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks again everyone!

Juanita - posted on 04/14/2010

I also would like to know. My baby is 14 months now and at the moment I'm really struggling to take him of the breast. He knows exactly where to get it and I think it's going to get more difficult to take him off. Any advise on how to do that?

Kate - posted on 04/14/2010

i think the ? is do u want her to be 5 and still breastfeeding my opinion is when they get there irst tooth start w 3 squares a day with the baby food u could still pump and put it in a cup mixed w cows or goats milk but they need to learn how to eat more solid foods and dosent it hurt?

Brandi - posted on 04/14/2010

I just was checking this site out, and came across your post. My opinion is breast feed untill you and your baby are ready to stop!! I have 4 kids and have nursed them all and each one I stopped when we were ready, my last and longest was untill a year and a half. I think it is a personal decision that ONLY you can make. Enjoy the experiance!

Jaswinder - posted on 04/14/2010

My son was only 7 months when he stopped drinking from bottle and he was not keen on solids so his weight was falling down. He was happy with breast feeding so I kept doing it, when he turned 1 yrs I tried all sorts of milk cows,goats, soya so and so on, tried cup, beaker everything on health visitors and people's suggestion but he did not take any. Slowly slowly he was showing his interest in solids and less on breast milk.He is 2.5 now but still having my milk when he want to sleep and sometime for comfort. His weight is fine and he is very happy and healthy boy.sometime people ask me"r u still feeding? as I'm doing somekind of crime. My mother fed my brother untill the age of 5 and he is very healthy sporty person. He is judo sporsts officer.So dont worry what the people and doctors says.If you and your baby is happy do it, they never going to be baby again.Soon they will be growing up.

Kristina - posted on 04/13/2010

I breastfed my last son til 18-months. Honestly, it was a little too long for me personally, but it's ur choice, ur decision.

Nina - posted on 04/13/2010

When you are ready. I breastfed for over a year and I don't regret it!!! Mother's milk is always the best.

Michele - posted on 04/13/2010

I breastfeed my oldest till he was a little of 2 he was the one that stoped it. I say if you decide to keep breastfeeding it should be your choose.

Rashidah - posted on 04/13/2010

The national breastfeeding age is 4 I breastfed both of my children until they were three go girl your baby will stop when they are ready

Reeta - posted on 04/13/2010

You can breastfeeding so long you and your baby like to do that!

Rebecca - posted on 04/12/2010

Well, when my baby was smaller I would fed him where ever I went. I agree it's your right as a mother to feed in public. I did it the other day in fact. But I don't like being stared at in public and my son doesn't like being covered up. He is over 1 now and he doesn't need feeding when we go out. I like to pack snacks and if I forget snacks I'll buy a banana from a smoothie bar or something suitable. I only fed him last time because there was no other alternative. Most places in Australia have feeding rooms and I'll look for one in the area I'm in but if there isn't one and he can't wait till we get to the car at least, I'll sit in the shoe section of Kmart or Big W and use the stools there.



I always feed at friends houses though!

Linda - posted on 04/12/2010

To the girls that says you don't feed in public. You should totally feed in public. It's a natural thing!!!! If my baby is hungry and I am in walmart with my other kids. I will feed him walking. I am not going to make the other kids wait and get restless while I go hide in the bathroom and feed him. I would never want to eat in the bathroom so why would I make my baby eat in the bathroom. If you are uncomfortable about it you should by a hooter hider.

Linda - posted on 04/12/2010

Well, I would agree that she should eat more solids if she doesn't eat much. I always nursed for 1 year or tried to anyhow. I think there is really no reason to nurse until 2 unless you are in a third world country and that is the only nutrition. If you nurse a little beyond one, it's not so bad. I nursed one until she was 14 or 15 months and she was much harder to wean then the ones I weaned at 1 year and under. If you haven't introduced her to a sippie cup yet, it will help if you do. Just put some water in it to start. I hope this helps.

Rebecca - posted on 04/12/2010

There are so many posts on this thread so I not going to read any before posting. My Sister in law is still breast feeding her 2 1/2 y/o. and I am still feeding my 13 m/o. I think they will give it up when they want to. My son only has it 2 - 3 times a day. He is slowly weaning himself with the more he eats. He eats what ever I eat and he was almost only breast fed till he was 12 months. He is a healthy weight and still doesn't have regular solid feeds. If you choose to feed longer than the doctors recommendation then keep in mind that you are preventing your child from developing any food allergies that some babies develop just because they are given solids too soon.

My sister in law's little girl has just as many solid feeds as everyone else but she has a breast feed every now and then and I think it's really good for her health that she does. I'm sure she'll be weaned before she starts school. Not to mention that the longer they are breast fed the healthier their brain development will be.

Personally I wouldn't take the doctors advice and let your daughter feed until she is ready to stop. I just don't feed in public.

Sacha - posted on 04/12/2010

Don't stop. You are doing the right thing. Your baby needs it. Just feed her more food between breast feedings. My daughter is 14 months and I still breast feed and I have no thoughts of stopping anytime soon.

Carly - posted on 04/12/2010

I agree with Alea ... to a certain ppoint.

Once your toddler has teeth and is speaking, it may be time to wean.

He/She is no longer at the stage in life where all the nutrients necessary for developement come from you ...

And, it can be quite embarrassing when your shirt gets lifted up in front of a dozen strangers, and a child is screaming for boobies.

If you are trying to wean ... pump milk and use it in a sippy.

Then, slowly mix in your alternate source of milk.

It may also help to still hold your little one in the same nursing position with the sippy.

Good luck.

Melissa - posted on 04/12/2010

I believe solids are important for her growth and development. However ultimately it is your choice. Some people breastfeed well into the twos, then stop because the child will start preschool at the age of three. Might I suggest breast feeding and adding the baby food as extra nutrients?

Weening-give her less and less with each feeding. When you feel she is done feeding with breast milk give her formula to supplement. Babies will adjust to bottle quickly as it is easier for them. Then try solid foods when you think she is ready. Hope i helped.

Becky - posted on 04/12/2010

Doctors are dumb sometimes. Sorry, no offense to anyone on here who is a doctor. Many doctors do not know much about breastfeeding, or the information they have is from the stone ages. You're right about the WHO recommendations. Breastfeeding is still beneficial for a child beyond the age of 1. She should be eating solids as well at this age, but as long as you're not exclusively breastfeeding, wean when the 2 of you want to wean! If that's next week, fine. If it's when she's 4, that's fine too!

Jodi - posted on 04/12/2010

They are right about eating more solids, it fills the up more where the feedings are further in between. But still give her the breast milk as a way of having fluids, plus you can add your breast milk into the rice, oatmeal & barley cereals you give her. You do what is best for your child. Hope this helped!!! God Bless You

Amy - posted on 04/12/2010

I brestfed my daughter for 18 months and she was born with teeth, So it is really up to you, I was planning on feeding until she really hurt me but after she grew more teeth and stitches I still did it, I belive that once ur child is old enough to lift your shirt and latch and feed themselves lol they are probly done :P Doctors only suggest stopping breastfeeding when growth becomes an issue, Like if your angel was not growing and getting enough from you I could understand but try to ( only if u feelcomforatable) give her a bottle during the day and feed at night, this gives you both what you want in a way. You get the cuddly time, the bonding of feeding. and she gets the comfort of feeding befor bed. at that point it is not as hard to get her off thebreast either :D

Ashlie - posted on 04/11/2010

My daughter is 27 months and I'm just now weaning. She doesn't "need" the breast anymore but she does like to have it. I don't know how long it will take but im hoping the transition isn't hard for her. If she shows signs of not wanting to give it up, then we will continue getting "boobie" until she's ready not to.

Stephanie - posted on 04/11/2010

Most Doctors recommend BFing for up to 2 yrs. As long as it is going well and she is eating solids as well I wouldn't stop BFing until you are both ready. That is discouraging to hear that a Doctor would tell you to stop. Many of them are just not that informed...

Tamsin - posted on 04/11/2010

That is so wrong that a doctor would suggest that, my daughter naturally weaned at 15 months, wait till they are ready - don't be told

Emily - posted on 04/11/2010

I think your doctor is behind the times. You are right about the WHO recommendations. Only stop breastfeeding when both you and your baby are ready.

Kristi - posted on 04/11/2010

I just have to mention to those who are "grossed out" or "think it is disrespectful to those around them" to breastfeed a toddler (or 4-5 year old), that the mothers I know who breastfeed their babies regardless of age or whoever happens to be standing around when their children become hungry or needy are the best moms I know! I say mind your own business and be glad the child is being well taken care of instead of misbehaving or being ignored. These are the children who will be great contributors to society because they know they matter. If it bugs you, leave. I personally give a warm friendly smile to those moms who have the gumption to put their children ahead of a misinformed public. If I'd listened to comments like that (which I frequently heard from my own mother) I'd never had breastfed my girls at all. Thank God I didn't listen to her.

Melanie - posted on 04/11/2010

Maybe she was just concerned that your baby wasn't eating enough food?? It does seem odd that she would tell you to stop nursing?? I would just cut back on the nursing to make sure she took in more solids. I actually read an article in a Parenting magazine there was an ingredient in cow's milk that benefits children that is not in breastmilk and for this reason it recommended to stop nursing after 1 yr old. (** Please note that this is something I read and I am not telling you to stop nursing your baby k.)

Denise - posted on 04/11/2010

At her age when weaning, I would go straight to the cup. Then you don't have to do it again with a bottle. Good luck, I think you'll know when it is time.

Miriam - posted on 04/11/2010

really the best is till they are two, but most people think it's odd or not appropriate. i nursed my son until he was 18mths old then i got pregnant and he stopped on his own. after the sixth month solids should only compliment breastfeeding, and as they get older that situation is inverted, solids are very important and breastfeeding should compliment or just be a moment where you 2 are connected. i hope that helped, if you have anymore questions let me know.

Roxanne - posted on 04/10/2010

Breastfeeding is one of the best choices you can make for your child so dont feel pressure to wean just because your dr says so, my doc said the came and was shocked when i said i wanted to continue feeding my son.He is 13 months now and i feed him once a day at nightime just before bed.i love it it is our time to bond and i dont want to give it up yet.give it up only when your ready though i think if the child is beyond 4 then maybe not such a good idea.dont quote me on that because im sure that they are some pple that have done this.but in saying that if you necide to wean the best way to do it is slowly.the way i did it was dropping a feed every couple of weeks so logan could propperly adjust, and my milk also.i replaced one of his feeds with a cup of milk and now make sure that he has plenty of calcium to compensate. i give him plenty of avocado,cheese yogurt,broccoli and once a week 2 eggs. i hope this advice helps.do what you think is right :-)

Maria - posted on 04/10/2010

Everything I read says 2 yrs is the best age but its up to the mother. I believe you should quit whe nyou Think both of you are ready! Maybe he just really wants you to get more solids into her diet. maybe call & ask them about giving her more solids & bf her for naps of something.

Alannah - posted on 04/10/2010

Your doctor is WRONG!!! It's definitely time to start experimenting with solids, offer solid food 4-5 times per day, and make it a variety of different foods. But your baby is the ONLY one who can tell you when she's ready to stop nursing. You should report your doctor for giving such BAD medical advice - babies SHOULD nurse for anywhere from 18-36 months, or even longer if both child and mum are happy with the arrangement! Good for you for nursing for a year, and enjoy the next one. Your breastfeeding journey with your "little angel" is precious and should not be ended prematurely! Enjoy this time with her!

Dee-dee - posted on 04/10/2010

breastfeeding is great but at a year she should and certainly can eat 3 meals a day of solids.

Firebird - posted on 04/10/2010

You can feed more solids without stopping breastfeeding. When you and your daughter are ready to stop, you'll know. Don't let any doctor try to bully you into it. I am very surprised that a doctor of all people would tell you it's time to stop, apparently they aren't well educated about breastfeeding.

ANGELA - posted on 04/10/2010

I nursed my now 2y.o til until 9 months only because he wasn't interested anymore he started walking and didn't want to sit still long enough to drain even one side. Sooo, I pumped to get him to a year old with breast milk, he never did get REALLY sick, but still got the normal sniffles and such. My child ended up being iron deficient close to the end of nursing, so i was adding formula to his breast milk, then putting the poly-vi-sol drops in his sippy cup of juice. That brought his iron up just fine. I am an advocate of child-led weaning from the breast, but i do think the breast milk doesn't have the amount of fat in it that is needed for their growing bodies and the DHA (which you can up with fish oil supplements)in your breast milk gets depleted and not forgetting the no iron either. I am nursing my 6 months old baby now and my 2 y.o. is now suddenly interested it wierds me out frankly, that he wants to put my boob anywhere near his mouth. i wont let it happen, it almost seems gross.

Beth - posted on 04/10/2010

Don't listen to your doctor! It sounds to me like she is just giving you her opion and not a very good one either. YOU and YOUR baby know when you are ready and NOBODY else matters.

Ellen - posted on 04/10/2010

I think WHO might have made that recommendation because they consider the WORLD, which would obviously include 3rd world countries where solid food, and access to it could be difficult. Here in the US, that is NOT an issue. HOWEVER, I'm with most of the people here. Stop breast feeding when YOU and YOUR BABY feel it is right.

Tammy - posted on 04/10/2010

I agree you should stop when you are ready.But I also think you can feed solids at the same time.I breast fed my boys until around 18 months.I started weaning them at 1 year.I just did one feeding at a time and increased their solids.I did it slow and gradual so it was easy for me and the baby. My boys are both very healthy.When your ready to stop I would say do it gradually.Then you don't get full and sore and your baby takes it well too. Night time feeding was the hardest to wean.Good luck.

Janet - posted on 04/10/2010

If you andyour baby are still enjoying breastfeeding,there is no reason to stop. Breastfeeding does not prevent your child from taking solids. Your child is getting breastmilk instead of cow's milk so this doesn't have anything to do with her intake of solids. She is just getting milk that is designed for humans instead of calves. My first child decided to wean himself at one year but my second one breastfed for almost two years. The only difference in their health is that my older child has a lot more allergies.

Tammy - posted on 04/10/2010

The AAP says AT LEAST one year. I also understand that your baby will let you know when she's ready to move on. Sooooo many benefits to breastmilk, I would continue for as long as you can. Just be careful who you take advice from. A lot of mothers who would not or could not nurse will try and have you believe that cows milk is just as good. Good Luck.

Cynthia - posted on 04/10/2010

when you and your baby are both ready and get a new Ped! Unless you are pg and are not healthy yourself, your baby can nurse fine for many more months. She wont nurse as much now that she is on solids, but good on you for nursing!

Beverly - posted on 04/10/2010

I say breastfeed as long as you and your child want. I breastfed my youngest until he was 3 years 4 months old. He is now a healthy 20 year old.

Melinda - posted on 04/10/2010

i would recommend looking for a new doctor!! my son is 16 months old and is still having breast morning and night. he has 3 meals and 2 cups of milk during the day, 1 for morning tea and the other at dinner, sometimes he drinks it all others he only sips but i know he is getting enough nutrients from the breast. i always planned on being guided by my feelings and my baby and he still loves to have that time with me and i with him. i think i would be a little heartbroken if he gave up early. i feel like some people are really shocked when they find out you're still breast feeding but i know that i am doing the best for my baby. a few of my friends couldn't breast feed and desperately wished they could so i think of it as a blessing. in my mind i am thinking around 2 if he hasn't stopped before then, or another 1 comes along. good luck, listen to your heart and your baby.

Cindy - posted on 04/10/2010

I have to add this comment to all the others. I do find it offensive when a child is trying to undress mom in public. My theory is that when a child is old enough to do this, it's time to stop. Having said that, if the child is properly trained to respect mom's modesty, then go for it. I have seen that some mom's who breastfeed this long are not concerned about modesty. I believe lack of modesty is not respectful of those around you. If you and the child are respectful, go for it.