
Erinn - posted on 04/17/2009 ( 42 moms have responded )
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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?
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Allison - posted on 04/17/2009
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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
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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!