2006-07-19 02:00:48 · 29 answers · asked by Sonia V 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
You should nurse as long as both you and your baby want to. There is no set age for weaning and the longer the better. The WHO and Unicef recommed 2 years at least. The worldwide average is 4.2 years. You and your baby will continue to reap the many benefits of breastfeeding for as long as you like. Good luck and congrats on breastfeeding.
2006-07-19 04:28:37 · answer #1 · answered by all_my_armour_falling_down 4 · 6⤊ 1⤋
You can continue to nurse your baby as long as you both wish to do so! The World Health Organization recommends nursing for AT LEAST two years, adding table foods to the baby's diet about the middle of the first year.
Studies have shown that the benefits from human milk are *dose related.* This means that the longer you nurse, the more protection against many diseases, for both mother and baby.
As an example, the longer you nurse, the lower your risk of breast cancer. This is also a good way to raise your child's IQ rates!
Toddlers continue to get immunity factors from their mothers even if they are only nursing a couple of time a day, because they concentrate in the milk. When you think about the things that toddlers can get into, this is definately a good thing!
Do enjoy this special time in your baby's life - he will grow up all too fast!
2006-07-19 03:18:55 · answer #2 · answered by granny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should breastfeed as long as you feel comfortable. I breastfed my daughter until she was 12 months. I am currently breastfeeding my son who is 9 months. It's a personal decision. The people that are telling you to stop when they have teeth don't know what they're talking about. You probably already know that it is very easy to teach a breastfeeding child not to bite you. When they bite, you take the breast away and say no. They like the milk so they stop biting. If you are comfortable continuing breastfeeding your child, you should do it. There's no medical reason to stop before two. I stopped because I wanted to be able to go away overnight without my child. Good luck with your decision. Do what is right for you and your child.
2006-07-19 02:10:11 · answer #3 · answered by Momof2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should continue until *at least* 2 years old--longer if you and he are still happy with it. That is the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Personally, I can't imagine raising a toddler who *doesn't* nurse!! It's so convenient when the baby has a temper tantrum or falls while learning how to walk. Although it's amazing how many people here believe that you have bottles hanging off your chest!! And how many more seem to know more than the world's topmost health organization!!!
2006-07-19 02:12:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
gosh, i didn't realise that there were still people out there that believe breastfeeding comes to an end when the baby gets teeth.
there is no right or wrong length of time to breastfeed. it is entirely up to you. if you and the baby are enjoying it, then by all means carry on for as long as you like. it is highly beneficial to baby. just remember that by one year of age your baby should also be eating a variety of solid food and should also be encouraged to drink tea, water or juice from a sippy cup.
all the best to you and your baby.
2006-07-19 02:21:36 · answer #5 · answered by Mic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ween him off and start giving him bottles instead. Then gradually switch him to sippy cups. Mine were all able to have a bottle of milk before bed until they were two, they used sippy cups during the day unless it was nap time.
I once saw a woman breastfeeding a boy that looked 2 or a little older, I personally found it a little troublesome.
Good luck.
2006-07-19 02:50:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can continue if you would like, but the longer you keep him on breastfeeding the harder it will be for him to switch over. My niece is almost 2 and is drinking out of regular cups. Some mothers continue because it is heathly for the baby and you, but personally I wouldn't want to walk in a store and hear a 1 year old tell his mom he is thirsty to lift up her shirt.
2006-07-19 02:06:01 · answer #7 · answered by Kandice 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's up to you really. I found it convenient to start to limit breast feeding to just a night time and morning feeding at this age because there's just too much to do during the day! My youngest would have breast fed till 2 or 3 but at 18 months I just had had enough of it and started to just cuddle him and give him a cup. But some mothers like to go longer. They will naturally give it up eventually.
2006-07-19 02:08:49 · answer #8 · answered by psycho-cook 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You continue to nurse your child for as long as you feel it is right (although some say not to go beyond two years). I was only able to nurse for the most a year. Then I started weaning my youngest. My older two stopped at much younger ages - but then they liked to have bottles.
2006-07-19 02:04:43 · answer #9 · answered by mom of girls 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for as long as he wants. I nursed my son until he wanted to stop at the age of 2 1/2 years. It is good for them. So enjoy.
2006-07-19 04:51:46 · answer #10 · answered by LITTLE 1 :o) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋