Extended breastfeeding: What is your opinion?

Question

I always planned on stopping breastfeeding at 12 months but now I have got that far I think why? There is no need to stop, it makes both of us happy.
I was just wondering what your views and experiences are on feeding past a year.

To those people who have told me to stop:
You have not given a reason. What harm can it do to a child to continue breastfeeding?
I understand that you want to teach babies to grow up and be independent, but shouldn't they beable to explore and go off at their own pace, whilst feeling secure that their mother hasn't suddenly rejected them by refusing to breastfeed anymore?

Answer 1

you know what. if you dont breastfeed, dont answer this question. its so easy to have an opinion when you're not doing it yourself.. before i had kids i only planned to breastfeed 6 mos or a year, i also thought it was a little "weird" to bf later than that.. THEN I ACTUALLY DID IT.. and ya know what. its not like you're breastfeeding a baby and one day you wake up and its suddenly "weird". it just doesnt work that way.. and 1 yos, even kids just around two are STILL BABIES. I breastfed my 1st daughter for 32 mos , second for 14 (she self weaned) and i'm currently breastfeeding my 20 month old son. I cant think of ONE reason that it is not good for them.

Answer 2

Breastfeeding is a huge way of bonding. The Bible speaks of Hannah nursing Samuel until he was old enough to go to the temple as a servant. I would assume this would be about 3 or 4. Now, I'm not saying breastfeed until your child he/she is four, but let this be a decision based on your needs and the needs of your child. It's certainly not going to hurt your child to continue. And don't worry about what some of the other people are saying. They probably are not as good of a mother as you if they feel breastfeeding should be stopped at an age that is acceptable for society. It's shows you are concerned with your bond with your child, and they are more concerned with what other people thing about them.

Answer 3

Continue for as long as you and your baby are comfortable. There is no recommended maximum age. 12 months is the recommended minimum in the US and in Canada and other parts of the world the recommended minimum is 24 months - with no max.

Don't worry about the notion that if you don't "stop" them that they will continue nursing forever. They will become less and less interested as they grow older. It's called weaning, and it's already started.

I planned on nursing just 6 mo for my son and weaned him at 14 months because of the 12 month pressure. I planned on nursing my daughter for 12 mo min and then for as long as it seemed like a good idea - one day at a time. She nursed for four and half years and then she decided she didn't need to nurse any longer.

There's no reason to stop, other than when either you or your baby want to now. Don't listen to anyone else - what they have to tell you is their preference only. You need to listen to you and your baby. Breastmilk is still good for your toddler, breastfeeding is still nurturing. That doesn't stop because of an arbitrary age.

Answer 4

Extended breastfeeding is a personal decision that only you and your baby can make. Personally, if my children had continued past 12 months, I wouldn't have had a problem (they self-weaned between 5 to 11 months). I did see an attachment parenting group at Legoland that had 4 and 5 year olds nursing and that was a little strange to see! All in all, do what your baby wants you to do.

Answer 5

I think a child should be allowed to breastfeed as long as they want to because of the many benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child. Also you might be interested to know that the worldwide average age for breastfeeding to end of age 4 years and that many health orgnainizations around the world advocate breastfeeding "until the age of two and beyond"

Answer 6

It's fine to continue past 12 months. The recommended age is until 12 months, and longer if both mom and baby want to. I stopped at 12 months because my daughter was no longer interested. As long as your child has a healthy diet, there is no harm in continuing breasfeeding. I personally think going past the age of 2 is too long.

Answer 7

I think your asking the wrong people! I think you need to evaluate you and your child! I personally breastfed mys on 26 months! Until he self weaned Ima strong believer of self weaning. The MINIMUM is 12 months according to the pediatric associating and as long as mutually desired after that! Most people who are telling you stop its disgusting have never experienced the beauty of breastfeeding! Do whats going to make you and your child happy and basically 4get everyone else!

Answer 8

I think there isn't really anything wrong with extending the time you breastfeed for. I've heard the longer you breast feed the better. People who have issues with it mainly just based their opinion on the fact that they think it's "weird". Talk with your doctor n find out the facts. You're the mom you'll make the best decision, i'm sure.

Answer 9

I agree with alot of the mothers in here. I c no problem y u shouldn't continue. I've had weird looks when ppl seen me breastfeed my daughter pass 8 months or so. I went on until she was 30 months. She is healthy..never been sick...

Answer 10

No worries. Dollars to doughnuts says that everyone responding in a negative light is from the States. Everywhere else on the planet it's considered normal well past 24 mos.