Need some breastfeeding support... thinking about stopping...

Niki - posted on 09/17/2012

Congrats on making it 7 months and no, you are not alone. In the US, as babies approach their 1 year birthday, it seems more and more nursing moms "go underground" with nursing because unfortunately, in our culture, moms are worried they will be judged for nursing their older babies/toddlers/pre-schoolers. My son is 18 months old and still nursing, he enjoys it so much and it is the only time I can really get some snuggles with him since he's so busy the rest of the time! There are so many benefits to extended nursing for both moms and babies and as long as you want to continue and your little one wants to continue, don't let anyone deter you! Tell naysayers it's none of their business. How long you nurse your baby is your decision and it does not affect anyone else's life other than yours and your baby's, so in my opinion, everyone else can butt out. You will never regret nursing your baby for as long as you and he both want, you may regret stopping early because you feel you are alone or have no support. I have to say that nursing really became enjoyable for me once my little guy turned 1 because at that point I didn't have to pump anymore or worry about how much I was producing because it was merely a supplement at that point, so I could relax and just enjoy the time with him. As a labor & delivery nurse, I do notice that many teenagers seem ambivalent about breastfeeding, so I can understand how you feel you have no support, but there are lots of mamas out there nursing their older babies/toddlers etc., so even if you don't know them, I hope it helps to know you truly are not alone.

Celeste - posted on 09/11/2012

Congrats for nursing for 7 months! I think the best thing to do is education. I'm a bit older than you, and not many of my friends or family nursed. And I nursed my kids into toddlerhood. I think what helped me was just educating myself. I had medical fact versus their ignorant opinion, kwim?



Hang in there. Know you're doing the best thing for your child!

Kkrjrpleggett - posted on 09/21/2012

I do not understand all of the "taboo" surrounding breastfeeding these days! It completely blows my mind!!! Breastfeeding is the absolute most Natural, Healthy thing you can do for your baby! Breastfeeding is the ONLY way babies were fed for Thousands of years!!!! I am sorry that you do not have the support you should. I didn't either, I have 10 women in my family and None of them breastfed past a couple of months. CONGRATS to you for breastfeeding for 7!!!!! Please, if you are able to, keep it up!!!! Just educate yourself and try to remind others that A) it is the only way babies have been able to eat for Thousands of years, and B) it really isn't any of their business anyway! Those other women have no say in how you raise your baby! Good luck, and stick with me, we are all rooting for you!

Zoe - posted on 09/18/2012

Hey there, I was 24 when I had my son, and I nursed him for 3.5 years. People will always criticize cos they don't know any better. Keep doing what is right for you and you baby and get used to ignorance from others :) Keep it up - you are doing a wonderful thing for your son and for you!!!!!!!!

Bette - posted on 09/18/2012

First, I want to say that you are a great mom. Follow your heart with your baby and you will have less space for regrets. I, too have felt alone with breastfeeding. I am tandem nursing my 17 month old and my 3 year old. I am usually reluctant to talk about it because of the judgement I receive, mostly from other moms! My views on the matter are rather simple. I am their mother, it is my job to love, nurture, support and comfort my children. Since when is it okay for anyone else to tell mothers how long and what type of nurturing is acceptable? We wonder why society is going to poo, while we give our children artificial nipples with artificial food, artificially warmed and then propped up on a pillow. Children aren't being held, and cuddled. Who is going to do that when our society isn't focused on what is important? Formula companies have effectively minimized the importance of mothers, so we are told that we are bad mothers and not doing it right, when the exact opposite is true. NEVER let anyone belittle or minimize your importance to your children. What you feel, what you need, what you do is very important and your choice to BF in the face of adversity shows respect for yourself, your values and for your baby. I am proud of you and you should be proud of yourself. Keep following your heart and you will be just fine.

Julie - posted on 10/07/2012

You need to do what you feel is right for your baby. Not giving in to peer pressure is part of being an adult. I nursed my son til he was a year and stopped to get pregnant with my daughter whom I nursed til she was eighteen months when we were both ready. It is the best thing you can do for your baby.

[deleted account]

@Virginia - Mum's have breastfed while pregnant before with no difficulty. Try looking at this article before you decide that it's a problem:



http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/resou...



Good luck!

Kay - posted on 09/27/2012

I understand how you feel, all my friends did the same thing and I did feel like an outcast some what ashamed my son is 9 months old and I still breast feed him even though he bites. I remind myself that what others see as right may not be right for me and my son every parent is different no two are alike and it's a fantastic thing to breast feed as long as you feel necessary. The best thing to do is nod and smile say I appreciate your thoughts and concerns on the matter however it works for me and my baby. But thankyou for your point of view ;)



Best of luck

Kay - posted on 09/27/2012

@Virginia - one of the the problems is nursing makes your uterus contract and could cause you to have a miscarriage ; another is a nutrient deficiency - your body cannot feed a fetus, supply the milk and give you the nutrients you need too. You need to talk to your OB

Virginia - posted on 09/27/2012

Keep it up! It's the best thing for him and you! :)

Another question on this topic, if I may. I have a 22 month old that is still breastfeeding occassionally. I want to wean him by the time he's 2, but it's proving more difficult than I expected. We are currently expecting our 2nd child. How will continuing affect the milk for the new baby, if I can't get the first to wean? Any thoughts?

Kay - posted on 09/26/2012

Yay! I'm glad to see someone else who nursed until her kids were 4!

Jean - posted on 09/26/2012

Follow your heart, don't let others dictate how you parent!!!! I was 21 when I had my first and I stopped breastfeeding at 11.5 months because I was pregnant, intentionally, with baby number two and I was cramping....Dr.s told me I had sensitive uterus and might miscarry if I didn't stop . My second child through my 4th child all nursed 16 months. My youngest, number five. :). Just weaned two days ago at 22.5 months. I'm already suffering a slight depression from stopping. Its the only way you can give your baby the natural antibodies you have spent your entire life developing, and the breast milk has exactly what your little one needs in it!!!! My babies rarely even got runny noses while breastfeeding, and somehow baby and I would skip the stomach flu and nasty fevers everyone else got!!!! And the cuddle time can't be beaten!!! I have had friends, sibling, in laws and other relatives be very rude about it..... which makes it uncomfortable to breastfeed around them, but I did it anyway, and I'm so glad I did!!!! Good luck!!!!

Kay - posted on 09/26/2012

unfortunately America is weirded out by breast feeding which is the most natural thing in the world to do! It is great for you, wonderful for the baby and a personal decision. I'm PROUD of you!! Keep at it as long as YOU feel comfortable doing it. I comfort fed my son until he was 4. Yes 4 and I don't regret my decision for a minute nor do I care how others felt about it. I did choose to do it in the privacy of my home after he turned 2 because it wasn't a nutritional thing, it was comfort. He is a well adjusted child and I wouldn't change a single thing I did.



You are giving your child a wonderful gift!!!

Tricia - posted on 09/26/2012

I had a friend that asked me 'Are you still breastfeeding her" - my reply - 'Are you still bottle feeding her'. Her daughter was older and still taking a bottle! Keep breastfeeding and do not feel like you have to defend your decision, make them defend their decision to artificially feed their babies!

Mwrig133 - posted on 09/26/2012

I breastfeed both of my children until they were 18mths. My mother in law was the worst offender at asking when I was going to wean and even said, "There's nothing in your milk anymore anyway." I had to put aside my hurt feelings and look at the fact that she didn't understand the close feelings that breastfeeding created for me, nor the health benefits for baby and mother.



My advice to you would be to reflect on the closeness you have with your baby and firmly push worries about what others think of that bonding time you invest. Meditate on the fact that research has shown a significant link between extended breastfeeding and higher IQs, higher immunity and lower BMI for mother and babies. The other little gem which I shared with my mother in law is that the immunity properties in breastmilk actually increase over time, so the longer you can sustain breasfeeding the better.



Keep up the great work with your breastfeeding! It's pretty impressive that you've managed to continue without much peer or family support. Stick to your guns. You know you're doing the best thing by your baby and yourself. And as to your cousin, I'd be telling her to keep her nose out. What does she know about what's good for you and your baby!!!



Stay the path! Love and light to you Valeria.

Lianna - posted on 09/26/2012

First of all don't listen to anyone who cares to impose their beliefs on what you should or shouldn't be doing while nursing YOUR baby! You have made a wonderful choice to breastfeed, and for a teenager that is very respectable, you should be proud! You are the mother and it's your choice and your right to do as you feel is right. I personally agree that age 1 or 2 is the best age to wean a child, because breast milk has the best nutrients and has so many other benefits. It is worth it for your child! At age 7 months that is no where near where most professionals consider the right age to wean. You can even research some statistics on breastfeeding ages and tell them to anyone who may be giving you a hard time. Did you know that the World Health Organization recommends to nurse until age 3 for example?



I agree also that sometimes a mom does feel like they don't want to continue nursing, it can be demanding physically and emotionally, but for me those moments always passed and I'm so glad that I stuck with it. My baby is now 15 months and I am beyond glad that we have stuck with it this long. A baby is only young for a short time in their lives...so I think that it is something to work through and it is worth the time and effort!

Kate - posted on 09/25/2012

I think that if we are honest, any one who has ever breastfed a baby has wanted to stop at some point. The cause might be different; people making comments, not being able to do anything with out having baby along or pumping, wanting to have your body back, the reason is different for everyone but everyone feels that way at some point.



Don't let someone else tell you what's right for YOUR baby. You are giving him/her the best start possible (and as a slight perk your boobs are huge LoL). If you choose to stop because it's no longer best for you and baby then you have every right to make that choice and you have given him/her the best for the most important time. Do what you think is right. You aren't the only person breastfeeding. Look in to breastfeeding support groups in your community. Your local hospital may have one, or at least they will know where to send you. You can also talk with your ped.



Good luck!!

Laura - posted on 09/25/2012

I nursed my twins until they were 4. Do what feels right to you. The longer you nurse the better for your child and for you.

Jessica - posted on 09/25/2012

You are his mommy you know best! I nursed both my kids until about 18 months it's only to unhealthy when they can walk up and ask for a drink :-)

Brandy - posted on 09/25/2012

I BF my 1st for 21 months and 2nd for 15 months. Great job for keeping up this long. Let your baby guide you how long and don't let someone else tell you what's good for your baby! Only you know when your baby is ready to wean.

Mary - posted on 09/25/2012

Oh, good grief! I nursed five kids....8mo, 10mo, 13mo, 31/2 yrs (not daily), and 3yrs. (again not daily). I had La Leche League support, and lots of smart, savvy, women friends who were doing likewise. I dumped the pediatricians who were not on board with me and found some who were. I am now 71, and only wish I had been smarter with the first three! You go, girl!

Suzie - posted on 09/25/2012

sweet heart i am a mother of two and you are not alone even as a 31 year old people wpould give me a hard time you are doing the best you can for your baby just keep up the good work.

Jennifer - posted on 09/25/2012

how about a compromise and just pump milk for your little one. He/she gets the nutrition of breast milk but without the stress of nursing. I'm an older mom and have to say that the best thing about getting older is to be able to field out negativity from those around you. You know what is right, just ignore others.

Angie - posted on 09/25/2012

... Oh, and you can get some great funny little t-shirts online. My ones had one with 'I'm fed on mummy's milk, not just milk from any old cow'... 'I'm a boob man'... 'Breastmilk, it's never been recalled'... 'Don't give my mom dumb advice, as you can see she's doing just fine'.... 'Yes, we're still breastfeeding!' Etc. I had a few 'mummy ones' too, it soon shuts people up before they open their mouths! :)

Angie - posted on 09/25/2012

Hi honey,

I am a mum of 5, I breastfed all of them. I had my eldest 2 sons in my teens and I quit at 6 months with 1st (pressure from others) and was determined to breastfeed my other children until they decided to wean.

My youngest is 2 and she weaned at 13 months but my 4th went the longest (25 months)

You just carry on giving him this amazing gift for as long as you feel comfortable, it's no-one elses business how you feed your little one. Why do we feel pressure to do the opposite to what comes naturally.

You've done brilliantly so far, however long you last from here, you've already boosted his immune system, given him nutrients, comfort, and a bond that no-one could break.well done you. X

Shannon - posted on 09/25/2012

First of let me say I'm so proud of you for making an intelligent responsible and very smart decision to give your baby the very best!!!! I am also a young mom breastfeeding my 11month old, and I plan to stop around 2 as well. I'm not going to lie it gets hard at times with work, wanting to run errands and other things but it is so worth it!!! My baby has never been sick, had colic and she is teething with no fussiness. Not to mention all the internal benifits from this wonderful milk. Keep going!!!! Your little ones face should be the only thing you care about. Screw what anyone else says they are most likely ignorant and uneducated on the benifits of breastfeeding or just JEALOUS that they couldn't!!!

Norma - posted on 09/25/2012

I'm so glad so many moms are posting replies to reassure you! I was 21 with my first son and I swear I didn't know a single person breast feeding. I felt alone and it was a big overwhelming. Now I'm 32 w my third baby and I see so much support available thru La Leche League! It's wonderful! I hope you are able to find a local meeting group... It's so helpful to find other breast feeding moms and to be able to speak to them about your experience. If you can't find a group, hang in there! You have already accomplished 7 months and I'm sure you can do more if that's what your heart tells you :) ~~ you can always add me on FB and I can chat with you for support too :D ~~ look me up! Facebook.com/princessnorm (Norma Hess) and I'd be happy to provide support whenever you need it :)

Rachael - posted on 09/25/2012

You just need to do what is best for you & your baby. I know its hard when everyone is telling you you're wrong, but you're his momma & know what's best for the both of you. Just stand your ground & remember,you are not alone. And look for a La Leche group in your area where you can meet other breastfeeding moms!

[deleted account]

I was 29 when I had my first, but I still had the comments. I breastfed my first until he stopped at 17 months. The second went longer, but that was her choice. It's hard, especially when even my husband and mother tell me they should have been weened long ago. Funnily enough, my dad was the one who suppported me the most after he saw that the health benefits carry on even after two years. He was convinced by the science. If you want to keep feeding and your child is happy to do so, stand your ground. You are doing nothing wrong. Best of luck.

Carlatta - posted on 09/24/2012

Keep up the good work. I'm a 33 y/o mother of 4; the oldest being 17 & the youngest being an EBF 8 week old; & even though I don't have the greatest support system, I managed to breastfeed my older 3 children for 12-15 months each & plan to do so with the newest baby. I feel the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the opinions of the uneducated. So, again, Congrats on breastfeeding for 7 mos

Angela - posted on 09/24/2012

As you have already heard you are not alone. It is great to see so many mom's out there willing to come to this young lady and be there to support her.

You are obviously not alone as you see but that does not make it easier. What you have to do is realize as you have seen in some of these posts that you are now a mom that has to make the right decision for your baby and no matter what others say, 'You are the Mom!' This will not be the first time you hear questioning of why you are doing what you are for YOUR child. But you are not raising this baby for them. You are raising this child to create the best child the world could ever have.

I have had 7 children now and have breast fed all of them. It is worth the questions and weird feelings that you get for the couple of years out of their lives. It makes them healthier. I would rather spend those first couple years of my child's life feeling uncomfortable than to be needing medication and doctors all the time. Listen to the ladies here. Research as they said. Once you know in your heart the benefits and why you want to breastfeed. No one else will be able to make you feel uncomfortable again. Because you KNOW and they do not.

You have already shown that you are a strong lady so I am sure you will be able to stay strong through the rest of your child's life, making the decisions that are best for the child.

April - posted on 09/24/2012

Don't be discouraged! You are doing the best and right thing for your child. Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice and such a wonderful bond for you and your child. Those who say anything bad about it are either ignorant or just plain stupid! Continue for as long as you want, the average age worldwide for nursing is 3.5 years! Only in our country do we associate breasts as simply sexual things and not for their true purpose- feeding our babies! Great job and you should feel so proud of yourself! I have bf all 3 of mine and I promise you will never regret it:)

Angie - posted on 09/24/2012

Although I'm in my 30's now, I had my son when I was only 19 years old, and I, like you chose to breastfeed my son because I knew it was the healthiest thing for my son. People used to tell me the same thing, that he was huge, how could I do it ect. I pretty much just ignored them, explained to them it was the healthiest thing for my son, and of course it saves money! Just know that you are doing what's best for your child, and just because you are young doesn't mean you can't be a great mom!

Janice - posted on 09/24/2012

Hi there! I think you are amazing for nursing as long as you have! I nursed my older daughter up until 6 months and I am now starting the process of weening my almost 8 month old. I didn't have a lot of support with my first daughter and let all the talking in my ear get to me. Now I regret a little of "not making my own decision " on when to stop. I am now stopping because it is my decision to. But I think if you can push through and know that you are not alone and that you ate doing what is the very best for your baby! In my opinion you need to do what is best for you. If your not happy your baby will know that! If you can make it until at least a year ( only a few more months and it will fly by!) Good luck to you! You are an amazing mother and young woman! Be proud of yourself! Xo

Elizabeth - posted on 09/24/2012

Good for you for breastfeeding and seeking some help when you feel a struggle. Standing up for your children and what is best for them is part of the job. Unfortunately, sometimes that means standing alone. I'm sorry you can't share with friends, but please don't feel alone. Hopefully the positive feedback here is getting to you. You might be alone there, but you aren't the only one. There are others somewhere and while I'm not breastfeeding anymore and haven't even met you, I support your stand. Hopefully, knowing that you do have the best interests for your son will help you keep a foothold on this.

It doesn't matter how "huge" your son is. Weight isn't the reason to breastfeed. In a few months, your son's age group weight evens out and it doesn't matter who was breastfed and who was fed formula. Breastfeeding helps more with immune systems, lowers allergies, and promotes mental health. While I haven't done any reading lately, studies a few years ago mentioned that babies breastfed longer were smarter. (I haven't heard anything that would state otherwise. . . .) My boys are 6 and 3. They both seem to have benefited from being breastfed. I didn't start to wean them until around 18 months.

Perhaps you could say something about it being a great way to lose weight to help some of them back down from any blaming that they sound like they're doing (you mentioned your cousin in a way that seemed to be blaming you for something "wrong" in her eyes).

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. I've heard that many studies actually suggest 3 years old, but since our society wouldn't "like" it, they trimmed it down.

Good luck. I hope you can hold your ground for as long as you think is good for your son. Good wishes and thoughts sent to you from So. CA.

Kristin - posted on 09/24/2012

Great replies here! Keep bfing if you want to. I bf'd first daughter till 20 months, and found that it changed over time. Sometimes were a bit frustrating, like when she wanted to stand and bounce next to me. We gradually weaned, I think she cried once from not bfing. Its your choice, and you dont owe anyone an explaination. I thought the World Health Org said babies get a nutritional benefit up to age two? Good luck, do what feels right to you.

[deleted account]

Checking with La Leche League is a great idea, My local heath department also has a breastfeeding support group, maybe yours does too? I nursed my son until he was over 2 1/2, and I totally understand about feeling alone. Even my family acted like they supported me, but I know they thought it was weird.



It truly is the best thing you can do for your baby, so keep up the good work! Don't worry about what other people think. Just so you know, The whole time my son bf, he was only sick a couple times since he got antibodies from me. Now he is a very happy, well adjusted 3 yr old. Breastfeeding gave us so much close bonding time, we have a great relationship!



There is a site called Kelly Mom, this link is specifically about dealing with criticism about breastfeeding. http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/c... There is a lot of good information though, about the benefits of extended bf-ing and later when you're ready to wean there is good tips there too.

Zuzana - posted on 09/24/2012

well done. Keep in mind they are the silly and weak ones. You are doing the best for your baby, it is the most convenient way of feeding a baby (I had to stop nursing my first baby at 3 months, because she was allergic to my milk, currently breastfeeding my 5 months old son, so I know the difference). You don't have to plan for how long are you leaving the house, can go anywhere and have warm food for your baby - handy for the winter, isn't it? Plus it doesn't cost a penny.



Crossing my fingers for you and your baby, so you are strong enough to stop worrying what strangers think and keep in mind what is best for you and your little angel.

Janice - posted on 09/24/2012

i get the same exact response when i breast feed my 7 month old. and i reply with "well gorillas breast feed for up to 4 or 5 years, and since we evolved from them, i might as well nurse for that long" just to get them to shut up. I also have 3 kids. i nursed one until he was 2, the middle one until he was 1.5 and plan to nurse my third until he's well over a year old. There is NOTHING wrong with breast feeding as long as you see fit. do what you feel is right in your gut. Breast feed until your child is ready to fully eat ONLY food. do not switch to formula. breast milk is free, and generally the healthiest thing you can give your baby until he can eat a well balanced diet. it also contributes to the best brain development you can possibly imagine. i am a firm believer in breast feeding as long as possible (within reason).

Tito - posted on 09/23/2012

I came here to give you my support and I saw that everything I wante to say has already been said! Good job, Mums ;o)

Valeria, don't stop if you don't want to, I know what that kind of pressure can do to a BF mum, but you are no freak or anything like that for doing it, don't worry, you are wonderful mother, don't let anyone persuade you into thinking anything else ;o) Breastfeeding (alongside with pregnancy) was the best experience of my life and now I feel bonded with my children more than I would have been otherwise. There's nothing wrong in deciding that you won't breastfeed but that has to be your decision, no one else's! And as someone here already said it you'll see, later on your friends will come to you for an advice on breastfeeding. And it's definitely true that after one year or so it only becomes better, when your child doesn't really "need" your milk to survive, your moments together serve mostly for cuddling and bonding and all those magic moments together ;o) So keep it up strongly, resist all the critics who don't understand you and come here whenever you need support ;o) Good luck!

Valerie - posted on 09/23/2012

I totally understand what you are going through and just wanted to say that you shouldn't listen to your friends, cousins, or whomever about not nursing. I nursed my first for 2 years and would have gone longer, but got pregnant with number 2 and wasn't able to nurse more than a few months into my pregnancy. Babies are supposed to be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, and then food added to their diet. However, the majority of their diet should still be breast milk for the first year. And studies have shown that breastfed babies are healthier and smarter as well as more developed socially. Second, if your baby is huge, yeah for you!! The first year is all about calories, so let him chow down and be happy. Babies aren't fat or overweight, they need calories to develop. If you are feeling unsupported, then maybe you need a better support group. Have you tried your local La Leche Leauge? They offer support with nursing and are a great resource for anyone who is nursing. Also, did you know that the World Health Organization recommends nursing for the first 2 years!! And in many cultures, just not in the U.S., nursing happens much longer, as long as 9 years.



Bottom line, you need to do what works best for you. Nurse as long as you want. And realize that not everyone is going to support you and just because they have an opinion, doesn't make it right. American culture just doesn't support nursing mothers but there are plenty of people who nurse for a long time. Be confident in that what you are doing is the best thing for your child. Your kiddo won't have the health concerns that other kids might. You won't have the ear infections, colds, etc that nursing prevents. Hang in there and good luck!!

Matilda - posted on 09/23/2012

I have breast feed up to the baby stop wanting it or around 18 month as I love feeding and watch my baby grow from my milk. You stop when you or your baby is ready to stop don't let others tell you it wrong. With my 1st girl I had no surport off family and friend and they all tried to make bottle feed. But I was lucky and I had a great midwife and health visitor how help me to feed and put me in touch with breast feeding group, so ask them they should help. Xx

Anya - posted on 09/23/2012

Congratulations on sticking with it, despite feeling alone. It must be really hard not having other breastfeeding moms to talk with. If you can find a breastfeeding group or a new moms group (sometimes hospitals will offer things like that for the first year). It's so good for your baby, and as a mom, just keep doing what you feel is right. And if eventually you feel like it's causing too much stress, then it's okay to stop whenever YOU feel ready. A happy mom makes for a happy baby. Hang in there... you're a good mommy!!

Jacquelynn - posted on 09/23/2012

LOVE TO HEAR TEENAGERS BREASTFEEDING! I was 18 when I had my first child and I nursed him til he was about 20mths. I thank God I had a lot of support from family. My aunt was actually a breastfeeding consultant for WIC. My second child I nursed for 6mths because he had a milk allergy and I love milk! I regret that everyday because he had so many problems with his teeth and I feel that it's because of the formula. When I had my daughter she developed the same allergy but I gave up dairy for a month and she was fine. Nursed her til she was 18m and she has beautiful teeth! No matter what people say, at the end of the day you have the satisfaction of knowing you are doing whats best for you and YOUR child. Not their life



BTW: a lot if those friends that questioned me, now question me for advice on breastfeeding!

Keep it up you don't know who you are encouraging!

Mama - posted on 09/19/2012

I totally understand what you are saying. I am Canadian (living abroad in Spain) and I have noticed that many people do not breastfeed. Its like breastfeeding is promoted as the best option...but there aren't resources or support for it...just empty words "breast is best...but here is a bottle of formula just in case". Older generations don't seem to see the "value" in breastfeeding.



I've had family members question breastfeeding from the get go (concerned that my baby was not gaining enough weight...saying that it was strange for him to be eating so frequently...and that I should supplement with formula). Every time I've been faced with these "concerned" family members I've turned to my pediatrician who has told me that my baby is PERFECT...that he is fine and to keep doing what I am doing. (My little man likes to eat every 2 hours...he just turned 6 months old and is only now just starting to space out his feedings. We just started introducing fruit and cereal as well)...you would be surprised how many people have asked if I am still breastfeeding now that he is starting solids...seriously...its not like he is just going to stop milk cold turkey!!!



Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing and if you can do it great. Don't listen to the "comments" of others. Half the time they have no idea what they are talking about and they are just venting some sort of issue they have (maybe they couldn't breastfeed...maybe they just don't know any different).



I totally agree about responding with education and information. Rather than freaking out (like I used to)...I just explain what I am doing...not in a "defensive way"...but just a "factual" sort of way. That way it doesn't lead to a debate.



You are the mama...you get to make the decisions regarding how your baby is nourished. If you want to breastfeed until they are X years old...power to you. Be strong and don't let other people impose their opinions on you.

Melanie - posted on 09/18/2012

Great job Mama!!! Keep up the great work. It's hard work but if you can keep giving your baby the best- than, keep doing it. I am 39 years old and I have a 11 month old that I am still exclusively breastfeeding. Also, I have a 4 year old that I breastfeed until he was 12 months. My advice would be... if your little one wants to still breastfeed than do so!!!

Sally - posted on 09/18/2012

That's SO funny that you wrote that! I try and type while breastfeeding too and when I go back and re-read what I have just written, it looks like a two year old wrote it! LOL! :)

Jacqui - posted on 09/18/2012

sorry for bad typing... I am breastfeeding my 4 month old as I do this!

Jacqui - posted on 09/18/2012

You have done a great job. You ae doing what is right for you and your child - not anyone else. I feed my first one till 8 months and am hoping to do my second till at lea 12months. Its the same in Australia... people start askig when you going to stop at months. Its the most natural and best for your baby so keep going as long as you want. do they have breastfeeding groups in USA that u can join?



Good work Mum you are doi ng a great job no matter wat you decide

Sally - posted on 09/18/2012

Oh no. DON'T LISTEN TO THEM!!!! Your baby needs you and you are doing a fantastic job. :) Trust me, breastfeeding isn't easy and you can look at your accomplishments and the progress of your baby with sheer joy, pride and amazement. Just think...YOU did that. My mother in law kept insisting that my son was allergic to my milk, just because she had issues breastfeeding and stopped after a few weeks. I ended up just letting it go in one ear and out the other. Breastfeeding is, by far, one of the best ways to bond and get close to your baby...not to mention the nutrition aspects that cannot be matched using any other method.



Also, I would recommend finding a Le Leche' League consultant in your area (http://www.llli.org/) and spend some time with her. Tell her your feelings, show her your baby and let her be your source of encouragement. I have a LL consultant who I can call anytime, anywhere for advice or just someone to sound off on. It is amazing what connecting with someone like that can do for your emotions and well-being. Hope that helps and HANG IN THERE!!!

Sally - posted on 09/18/2012

Good for you. Sadly, most of the people with the strongest opinions of how you should raise your child are the most ignorant of what is best for a baby.

If you need in person support, go here http://www.lllusa.org/groups.php. It will help you find a local La Leche League group. That's an international organization that uses local groups to help and support breastfeeding mothers.

Good luck

Jessica - posted on 09/17/2012

WELL DONE VALERIA!

you are doing such a great job, breastfeeding is the most nutritional thing for your bub to have. dont give into peer pressure, you obviously know and want whats best for your bub.

just keep thinking about how smart your little guy will be from your breastmilk!

you should be SO proud of yourself for sticking with if for this long!

Deb - posted on 09/16/2012

you know its the best thing for your baby. you are a mom now, what your friends think or say mean nothing compared to that. if you want to stop, thats different. but if you dont want to stop and you and your baby are doing well, then keep doing what you're doing. sounds like you are doing a great job, and you only get this one chance to do this for this baby. i nursed all 3 of mine until about 1.5-2 years.... and i was an old fart compared to you and some people still had something to say. who cares what people say?? it certainly wont be the last time you let what people say roll off you and follow your own heart. im so glad i did it, i miss it terribly, and i know i did the best i could for my babies. stand strong, mama!

NSR - posted on 09/12/2012

i meant 17 months of course :)

NSR - posted on 09/12/2012

Dont stop.. dont listen to anybody else.. this is something you can do to your baby now and ONLY.. you cannot make it up for him if you missed it and after you are done it will leave you with a sense of satisfaction and a strong bond with your child that is priceless..hang in there..i breastfed my son until he was two and my daughter is now 17 and still breastfeeding, it is really worth it :)