How long did you nurse your baby for??

Allison - posted on 04/17/2009

My daughter nursed until age 3 and my son is currently 2 and still nursing. I am due in 3 weeks with another son and am planning on tandem nursing. I believe in child-led weaning.

The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends nursing until *at least* 1 year, and the World Health Organization recommends nursing until *at least* 2 years. Unfortunately, in the western world, breastfeeding is looked down upon and often mis-understood. But, honestly, extended breastfeeding is very important for moms and children - there are long-term and short-term health benefits as well as benefits to the parent-child relationship. As far as nursing a toddler goes, it's also helpful to be able to nurse after he/she gets hurt and nursing often helps reduce the frequency and intensity of tantrums, which is a huge help as a mom!

Nurse as long as it is working for you and baby. Remember the nursing relationship changes a lot after age 1, so it's not like nursing a newborn forever. And don't worry about what other people think or say. Breastfeeding does not harm children, even when they chose to wean later than 1 year.

Depressedemoprincess - posted on 12/07/2013

My son will be 11 months old on the 15th of this month. I am still nursing strong, I am in school but I will nurse him at lunch, and before we drop be off and pretty much as soon as I get home (he will not accept breastmilk from anything but me). I have breastfed him from the day he was born. I plan on exclusively nursing, at like bed times or naptimes in the afternoon, until he is 2, then I am going to pump and give it to him in cups until at least his third birthday. When I tell people that they can not believe I would do that to him, like that's wrong that I want to go that long. I could not care less about how they felt about my nursing. But I just wanted to tell anyone who had reservations about doing it, especially in public. Go You! If you can nurse then that is the best way to go, nutritiously I mean. Do whatever you want! It's your baby! If you can not and formula feed your baby or give them breastmilk in a cup, Go You Too! Just do what you think is best for your baby! WOOOOH! You moms are awesome! Keep kickin ass!

Sarah - posted on 12/07/2013

You rock mama!!
Keep it up!!
My dd is just three months and my mom said to me "you know, you should really start giving her cereal in a bottle. She seems hungry all the time" i dont like the unsolicited advice (which has taught me a great lesson about giving advice) i dont put dd on any schedule and i care enough to pay attention to what my dd needs. That type of compassion for your child is not understood too well by some people. Keep bf until baby weans, this is important evolutionary request. Listen to your insticts.

[deleted account]

4 years and still going. please continue until child does not want too.

Katrina - posted on 11/10/2013

4 years. Self weened.

Amanda - posted on 11/07/2013

My daughter will be 3 in February and is still going. I nursed my son until almost 5 and he only weaned due to my milk disappearing for a while.

Ambur - posted on 11/07/2013

My little one recently turned 1. I've had people ask a lot how long I'm planning to breastfeed. I have had comments about saggy boobs that tribal women get from nursing forever. I don't care. I get irritated with people and society sometimes. And I don't care if my boobs sag to the floor. They are still awesome.

Debra - posted on 11/05/2013

2.5 years for both my kids.

Sally - posted on 11/02/2013

My oldest weaned herself at about 3 1/2, but didn't admit it until a couple weeks after her 4th birthday. My younger has been down to 1-2 times per week since about 3 1/2, just celebrated her 4th birthday and told me she thinks she'll fully wean at 5 or 8 or 10.
Human beings are biologically designed to nurse for 6-8 years. Why wouldn't I give my children every advantage--especially with something that requires so little effort for so much good.

Melynda - posted on 10/31/2013

My first child i was un able to nurse due to the medication i was on, but by the time my daughter was born i was good to go and nursed her till she was 3 yrs old the only reason we stopped was because my second daughter was on her way and my big belly was making it difficult to gain access to boobies. Now my 2nd daughter is 1 yr old and I plan to breast feed till she's at least 2 yr. Its tuff to wean for mom and baby. I want it to be a easy transition.

Noele - posted on 10/30/2013

Nicole - posted on 03/17/2010

I can tell you this, my first born (3 months breastfed) gets much more sick and more often sick than my second born (1 year breastfed). I stand by the one year time frame. Anything after that would have been SUPER weird FOR ME.

Leah - posted on 03/16/2010

I know this is an old forum - but wanted to say thanks to everyone! I am currently a single mom, still nursing my 1 year old who shows no signs of wanting to stop. I have 6 kids altogether, and everyone was self led on when to stop nursing, (except for the 2nd baby who was found lactose intolerant at age 5 mos and developed a serious, severe and rare allergy to my breast milk - something to do with blood type incompatiblity?) I can't remember, he's 20 now :) for the most part, everyone else just weaned away to their sippy cups by age 1ish and I was concerned that my LAST baby doesn't seem so interested in giving it up. She drinks well from a cup, we have given her whole milk and it sits fine with her - but she still wants mommy milk a few times a day. I am used to the stares in public and don't care - we cloth diaper too so I get interesting comments from people about how nursing isn't "natural" beyond a specific age and cloth diapering isn't "sanitary" - cracks me up how some people dare to tell others what is best. Kudo's to you mom's who nursed to your hearts content - I have to go to work soon, but will still nurse when I can - and I feel good knowing that she can and WILL drink from a sippy and be content with it, so long as she's being held by someone other than me. Great topic!

Karen - posted on 04/22/2009

Someone on another thread posted that when people asked her when she'd wean she said "when she asks for the car keys". I liked this answer cause it's funny while at the same time telling the person to back off. I plan to use before my currently 5 month old decides to wean herself - whenever that might be.

Kristin - posted on 04/22/2009

I am currently tandem nursing my 2 and 1/2 year old and my 8 mo old. While I'll admit that I am seriously thinking of actively weaning my 2 and 1/2 year old this summer as he approaches 3, I feel pretty strongly about allowing my children to be apart of the weaning decision. My need to completely wean my older child is due to the emotional strain I have been feeling of late. And I think it's important to not only pay attention to my child's needs but my own. It can be hard when everyone is asking questions. I found that as my son got older we just didn't nurse in public as often, nap time and bed time excluded. This limited the questions and most people just assume he's weaned. Others have sited some great sources for telling noise people off. Just remind others that the average world wide age to wean is around age 3 (I think, it may actually be as high as four. I can't remember where I heard this, but it may have been in the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. Which is a great resource if you haven't read it.)

Sara - posted on 04/22/2009

I had my family dr asking me how long I was going to breastfeed for. I told him my goal is one more day. It's been 14 months and it's going strong!@

Ashley - posted on 04/22/2009

I think when we get the discouraging words from family, the easiest thing to say is that the World health Organization suggests all children be breastfed for 2 years and beyond. If they say so, you can't really argue it's worth!!

[deleted account]

before i had my daughter (now 2) i thought nursing for a year was strange, they seemed so big. until i had her and realized they are still babies. But i could have never went past a year. i'm a little uncomfortable with my child asking for the "boobies" i know a few women that have done it till age 2. I can't imagine still nursing my daughter right now, she just seems to much of a big kid to me now that I have a 5 month old. I personally think that a year is good. i love the closeness i have with my child. But a year was enough for us both. i started to feel like i wasn't my own person anymore. But obviously each women is different, you just have to do what you feel is right and what is comfortable.

Jyotika - posted on 04/21/2009

best to nurse a baby menemam 1year to 22manths

Chris - posted on 04/21/2009

Nurse, however long feels right to you. I have nursed 4: the first for 8 months, the second for 13 months, the third for 15 months and the last for 17 months. I would have kept nursing with each of them but I had to stop for various reasons. Stop when you are ready.

Demetria - posted on 04/21/2009

Well my son is going to be 2 next month and everyone is still on me about weaning him...and they have all kind of things to say...but i simply tell them these are my breasts and he's my child and we'll stop when we choose to ....obviously we're not ready for that bond to go...when we're ready we'll stop.....kids grow up so fast so why rush them ...enjoy every moment you have doing things with your babies...My motto is if it feels right as a mother go with your instinct

Jyotika - posted on 04/21/2009

Quoting Erinn:

How long did you nurse your baby for??

I was just curious how long everyone nursed their children?? How long is too long? I nursed my son for about a year and a half (he's 3 now), I feel very strongly about nursing... its in my blood, and I love it!! Before my son was even a year old I had people asking me how much longer I was planning on nursing him, like they couldn't believe I was actually still nursing him, and it pissed me off. I didn't have an answer and I really didn't see what the big deal was!! I don't want that to happen again, with my daughter (shes 5 months old). What do you suggest I do if that happens again?? It's really irritating. I thought it was a GOOD thing that I hung in there as long as I did!! Am I wrong?

HI ,  i nurse my 2 boys arud 20 to21 manths so can go to 2years it 's good for baby and for u to.

Emma - posted on 04/21/2009

just a thought but why to we start to loose the ability to breastfeed at around eight years, if we were only supposed to breastfeed a few months??????

Emma - posted on 04/21/2009

just a thought but why to we start to loose the ability to breastfeed at around eight years, if we were only supposed to breastfeed a few months??????

Emma - posted on 04/21/2009

i stopped my son at 6 month (being youg and naive was scared when he got his first tooth), my daughter is now 11 months and i hoped for at least 2 years, but if it continue for longer ill be over the moon.



we NATURALLY produce milk to NATURALLY feed our babys

why should any 1 tell to do otherwise

Ilze - posted on 04/21/2009

Hi There;

My son is turning 2 next week and I am still nursing him - I think 22 months is a good age to stop before their own little will sets in - To stop now is a bit of a problem cos he wants his nammie....but shat the heck he's had a great healthy start to his life!

Joanne - posted on 04/20/2009

Nursed my son for 11 months. His little sister is 29 months old and doesn't want to stop - only nights and weekends, but I can't convince her that she's a big girl yet....she'spretty much in charge although I'd really like to give it up about now.

[deleted account]

I completely weaned my twin girls at 15 months. I am currently nursing my almost 13 month old son. I have no plan on stopping anytime soon. No one's ever said anything to me about it.

Erica - posted on 04/18/2009

My daughter is 4.5 and she's still nursing. When I gave birth to her sister prematurely (her sister died), and my milk came in- she told me that she left her all this yummy milk since she had to go to heaven, and wanted to nurse around the clock... I never thought we'd make it past 1 year- and here we are!

Rhianna - posted on 04/18/2009

I think breastfeeding is a wonderful thing. Do it as long as you can. Pay no attention to other people, a lot of times it is out of jealousy because they gave up too quickly or say they couldn't which is just an excuse. My daughter was 3 1/2 when she stopped and my son is 2 1/2 and still nursing. I get a lot of grief, and what I tell people is, I love to nurse and so does my baby so mind your business. Is it your breast? Your life? You want to hold on to your precious babies as long as you can. They will stop when they are ready. Hang in there. Do what your heart tells you.

Melissa - posted on 04/18/2009

Quoting Allison:

Remember the nursing relationship changes a lot after age 1, so it's not like nursing a newborn forever.

Hi Allison,

I was wondering if you could explain what changes after age 1. Just so I know what to expect.

My son just turned 1, and I had always aimed to breastfeed until 12 months. Now that he is 12 months and he has shown no signs of wanting to wean, I don't see why I should stop.

Thanks

Liz - posted on 04/17/2009

Way to go Mom! I nursed my first until he was 14 months, I cried daily while I weaned him, he took it better than I did, haha. Giving up that one on one time, that bond, that closeness is hard...nursing is so easy and convenient! I now have a 7 month old son and I'm still nursing him. I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep it up for as long as I did with my first I hope to make it to a year, but he's already a biter without his teeth...can't imagine carrying on once the teeth come in!



I actually had a lady walk up to me in a restaurant while I was nursing my first son and ask me if I would mind "taking care of that" in the washroom. I was shocked that she had the nerve to even suggest something like that. I was completely covered up, some other women's shirts covered less than my receiving blanket! I advised her that I would mind and asked her if she would mind eating her lunch in the washroom....I think she got the point. Everyone is entitled to their own decision of whether of not they nurse, but I don't believe that it is anyones business but your own as to how long you choose to nurse your child. I do believe that people are products of their environment and to some breastfeeding is still very taboo, which is very sad and hopefully something that will change. Good luck with everything :)

Sabrina - posted on 04/17/2009

Thanks for the motivation girls! My son just turned one last Saturday and I have also been getting..."when are you going to stop?" and "oh, is there any milk left in there?" I don't feel like I am ready to stop and neither is my baby. He is drinking whole milk now and basically only breastfeeds when going to take a nap or going to bed. You are right...they will wean themselves when they are ready. I never thought I would make it this far and I am pretty proud of myself. It is such a special bond. He is such a happy and confident little guy.

Jennifer - posted on 04/17/2009

My son is eighteen months at the end of the month and I'm starting to get flack from my in-laws about it still nursing him. I just tell them that they are my breasts and he will ween when he's ready.

It _is_ good that you hung in there as long as you did, and please don't let other peoples' perceptions of something that is really none of their business deter you from doing what you feel is right for your child.

Rachel - posted on 04/17/2009

At 27 months my son announced he was a "big boy" and didn't nurse anymore. So that's when we stopped.



Today we met the first ped since we moved here who didn't look at us like we were crazy when my husband mentioned how long we'd nursed :p The one we were seeing left the practice so we saw a different doc for the first time and his reaction was pure pleasure--all of his kids were extended breastfeeders and he was happy to find a parent who also went that route :p

Tiffany - posted on 04/17/2009

thats is exactly what is happening to me my daughter turned one on march 28th and she still gets breastfeed. My aunt along with others are like you really need to start weaning her and she should be on milk by now. it bothers me also because i see nothing wrong with it. i tried a few times to give her milk warm,cold,with strawberry in a sippy and she just doesnt want it she wants to nurse so i am going to nurse her till i think she is ready to come off.

Tamika - posted on 04/17/2009

My daughter is 13 months, and still nursing. I plan on continuing to nurse, until she self-weans. I have had a few people ask me when i'm going to stop, its a bit annoying. Its awesome to hear that you breastfed as long as you did, YOU did a great job. In the future if people ask you that question, just say you are going to do it until one of you doesn't feel comfortable anymore. Don't doubt yourself for giving your kids an awesome gift, for longer than most women would. I also don't believe there is a "too long" when it comes to nursing, its all up the mother and child.

Ashley - posted on 04/17/2009

TODDLER BREASTFEEDING - WHY ON EARTH? By Dr Jack Newman

Just give this to 'them'.. It is written by one of North America's leading lactation specialists and Jack is also a pediatrician. You can't really argue with the most up to date evidence based medicine!!

http://www.nbcionline.org/index.php?opti...

Ashley - posted on 04/17/2009

my daughter is 22 months, and my youngest is 7 months and both are still nursing all day long. my son was 23 months when he decided that i was too pregnant to sit on anymore!! i'm all about child-led weaning, and can tell you that it will happen when they are ready! as long as it is a mutually happy relationship, why stop ;)

as for other people, well... who are you responsible to? the well being of your child, or the well being of other grown adults? this is my attitude in general. only you kow what is right for you and your baby... other people have their own needs and unfortunately that sometimes means making us feel weird about doing something for what is truly not even enough time!!! you're the momma, it's not your problem that they haven't learned as much as you have about your child's needs.

Morag - posted on 04/17/2009

I can't imagine not nursing my little girl. It really takes some spirit to breastfeed a toddler though. Its a whole different ball game to baby feeding. People keep telling me to stop, parents, in laws, doctors... and yer I've had to suffer a lot of pain with my arthritis and such because I can't take the right drugs, but its been worth it. Over Easter, my older daughter (9) me, my husband and my parents all came down with a stomach flu. It was awful. The only one who came out unscathed was my little daughter. She's not fully vaccinated (we couldn't afford the rotavirus vaccine as its not covered by our health care, and I was unemployed) so technically she should have been the worst affected, but nope... nothing. Her only difference is that she is breastfed and I honestly believe that saved her. :) If I am ever lucky enough to be blessed with another little child, I will certainly be breastfeeding all the way again :)

Heather - posted on 04/17/2009

My son is 13 months and still breastfeeding. I don't plan on thinking about weaning until he's 18 months, but I'd like to make it to his second birthday. The American Pediatric Association recommends nursing until age 2, and even after that if mom and child are happy with it, and that's generally what I tell people when they say I've nursed for "too long." I also tell them that since I don't interfere with what they feed their children, they shouldn't interfere with what I feed mine (I try to be nice, but some people are uninformed where breastfeeding is concerned). Bottom line, if it's still enjoyable for you and baby, there's no need to stop until you're both ready.

Angela - posted on 04/17/2009

I think breastfeeding is a very personal decision and the length of time varies by mother. Before I was a mom, I also wondered how mothers could nurse for so long, but after nursing my son, I could see how addicting it was. The closeness, the bond, the inexpensiveness, the health benefits, etc.



I slowed breastfeeding around 6 months and we were done by 7 or 8 months. For me I had to go back to work and once I slowed the feedings, my milk slowed too. I was also ready to be done. I enjoyed it while it lasted, and am looking forward to nursing any other children I have.



Don't let others make decisions for you. Nurse as long as you are comfortable with it.