I have read about children who have been breastfed 10 years. Are there children who have nursed longer?

Question

How long is the longest period a mother has breastfed her child? I have read about children who have still nursed when they are 10 years old. But are there children who have been breastfed even longer?

Answer 1

Kathryn Dettwyler is a noted anthropologist who studies this topic. I have seen her speak a few times and 9 years old is the oldest nursling I have heard her talk about. According to Dettwyler's research, the natural age of human weaning should fall between 2.5 and 7 years of age.

EDITED TO ADD:
mommyof4 -
You're right....breastmilk does contain the same nutrients as whole milk. PLUS about 100+ ingredients that are NOT in whole milk, including immunities. COW'S milk is for COWS and human milk is for babies and young children.

Answer 2

A nursing ten-year-old? Good heavens, I hope not! That's just appalling.

I'm all for nursing a child instead of bottle-feeding but there is no benefit whatsoever to nursing an older child, IMO.

Personally, I would not breastfeed any child over the age of two for sure, and I would be most likely to stop within six months after the first birthday. If there isn't any benefit to the child at a certain point to nurse, then there isn't any reason to do so. I'm OK with "child-led weaning", but there is a point at which it drags out too long and the process may need some encouragement. If a child feels like they want to nurse at the age of eight or ten... they may have some psychological issues. But that's my own opinion.

Answer 3

Yes, probably in some underdeveloped countries where there is not enough food but, really, 10 years old is almost a teenager and in this modern world that is way too old for nursing. I think after the child is around 3 years old, you get into some psychological issues that most Mom's would rather not face.

Answer 4

I am just weening my daughter off (she is a year old) and I feel already that it is enough. She is more interessted in regular food anyway.
I think those moms that keep nursing their children for such a long time (until 10!!!) do have a serious mental problem. I am not saying this to be mean, just that it does not seem normal. Mothers have to learn to let go, let their children go and grow, but with nursing for so long they try to keep and make them small and depending. Those moms need to get help.

Answer 5

I have never heard of till 10. Where did you get this number? The worldwide average weaning age is between 4 and 5 years.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I think in third world countries they nurse for as long as they can as food supply is low. Other than that, nursing past a year is unnecessary as breast milk contains the same nutrients as whole milk. I hate watching toddlers running up to their mommy, and undoing their bra to have a snack. Talk about psychological damage to those children.

Answer 8

that is just plain sick!!!!! but thanks 4 informing me though!! i had never heard that!!