I have practiced "Attachment Parenting" and believe in extended breastfeeding. My daughter is about to turn 2, and I am starting to sense that *I* am ready to leave the nursing stage, but I'm not sure if she is. Sometimes it seems she is less interested, but other times she is nursing up a storm. I am thinking of cutting back the nursing opportunities and replacing them with other forms of bonding, but want to feel sure she is ready for this. How did you know when your child was ready to be weaned? (Please no debates on breastfeeding! Thanks!)
2006-07-09 18:24:07 · 9 answers · asked by aj 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
In response to some of the points made by all of you... Yes, she is very capable of eating solids and has been drinking from cups for many months. I think it is just a comfort thing for her to want to nurse. And yes, all her teeth are in, but that hasn't really bothered me.. Thanks for all your responses!
2006-07-09 19:31:32 · update #1
I also believe in extended nursing. I nursed my son until he was 2 1/2 . I weaned him myself cold turkey one day. I regret it terribley. He's now five, and has been biting his nails since the day that I weaned him. I had intended to let him wean himself. The natural age for a child to wean on their own is around 3 or even a little later. There's a great book called "Mothering your nusrsing toddler" You may find it at the library. I found it very informative. God Bless
2006-07-09 20:31:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I've always been told that the cutoff is 2 years.. at 2 years, they no longer are getting all the nutrition they need from breastmilk, they need actual solid foods.. There is no longer any benefits to nursing beyond the 2 year mark either... If you dont begin to wean her, your going to end up like my aunt, nursing a 7 year old.. and you'll be surprised how easy it is to cut your baby cold turkey from the breast.. i nursed til my daughter was 2, stopped on her 2 year bday, and she never looked back.
2006-07-09 18:29:03 · answer #2 · answered by babyvett 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I nursed my daughter until she was about three(for comfort and sleep only), She went to a small home daycare a few days a week while I finished college...and eventually she just stopped wanting it. I looked at it casually, never pushing the issue and she just lost interest. Now that she isn't nursing, I miss it, but the connection is still there. I am still attachment parenting...but we do have 'seperate lives.'
Congratulations for choosing such a compassionate and beneficial way to parent!
2006-07-10 00:19:36 · answer #3 · answered by Becca 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every parent has to make their own choices that is right for them, but most pediatricians and psychologists will tell you after the age of 2 you are nursing for your benefit not hers. She should be self sufficient enough to feed herself and drink from a sippy cup if not from a open cup and able to take all required nourishment in that way. Very few children will all of a sudden just give up nursing of any kind (bottle or breast) and they are all different. If you are ready and she is capable of nourishing herself, its time to stop. If she cannot get all of her nourishment from food and cup alone you should see your pediatrician.
Good Luck! Its a tough step! I cried for a week when I stopped nursing my son! It wasn't my choice to stop breastfeeding him, He was a large baby and had a healthy appetite. I tried to suppliment but eventually wasn't able to keep up. I did have a timeframe setup for myself that by 18 months he would be on his own. I felt there were other ways to bond closely with my child and it was necessary for him to learn to drink from a cup and nourish himself, but like I said, to each his own! Again, good luck!
2006-07-09 18:49:40 · answer #4 · answered by Mel 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I personally thought that at the age of one was the cut off because they can eat real food by then. Plus once they start getting teeth OUCHIES. I don't want something chomping on my breasts I would be like here is real food have that instead. I know when my niece, whom I watch a lot almost like a second mommy to her really, was round 6 months she started to have like peas and stuff now she will eat almost anything.
2006-07-09 18:33:40 · answer #5 · answered by pinkbunnylol 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Mine gave up on their own at 10-11months.
They don't need breastfeeding at this age, it's just a comfort thing.....let em go till they are 15
2006-07-09 21:15:15 · answer #6 · answered by imadufus72 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
when you feel she is ready then go ahead and wheen. it is up to you and don't let biting stop you from giving your baby what is best. Patients is the only thing you need.
2006-07-10 04:53:39 · answer #7 · answered by Amber D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why would you be nursing a child at 2?? that is weird.
2006-07-10 21:54:17 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Babies will breast feed to be close to mommy as long as you will allow it. I think teeth would be a good indication that it's time to stop. Ouch!!!!!!!
2006-07-09 19:22:24 · answer #9 · answered by Kimmy K 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋