when is right to stop breastfeeding?

Question

my son just turned seven and still is?

when is right to tell him nicely its time to stop?

he still eats regular food though. but its a habbit for him to want my breastmilk.

Answer 1

If he's old enough to talk about it, he's probably too old to be partaking of it. And yes, if he's 7 years and not 7 months, you may be looking at a child abuse investigation soon. You are aware that there are eight year old girls getting their periods and bras these days, right?
The oldest I would ever think even remotely acceptable would be to stop pre-kindergarten, around age 4-5 at latest.

Answer 2

It is recommended to breastfeed for at least 18 months as that is best for baby. In America most women stop breast feeding between the ages of 1-3 years

World wide the average age for weaning is 3 - 7 years of age, but that is taking into consideration the underdeveloped nations and 3rd world countries.

Perhaps you should try to turn it into a positive thing for him. Explain that now that he is 7 and such a big boy it's time for him to stop nursing. He probably enjoyed the closeness to you more than the actual act of breastfeeding at this point. So if perhaps you breastfed before bed continue to make this a special time, read a book with him each evening. You could even read a chapter book he picked out that is just beyond his own reading ability. Read a chapter each night and that way he will look forward to this time every night.

You could even tell him now that he is 7 your body isn't making any more milk because he is growing up....

Answer 3

I'm going to assume you mean 7 months and not 7 years, too, although my jaw dropped as I was reading your question.

I'm currently pregnant and my plan is to let the baby decide when enough is enough. I totally disagree with the other posters who say before a year old. The AAP - you know, that bunch of Dr's that decides what is best for kids - says there is no reason to stop before a year. Why switch them to formula if you could wait until they can drink cow's milk and never have to buy formula? (I'm not a proponant of milk, but that's another topic altogether)

My DH wants me to stop by 18 months, but I'd be comfortable going to near his third birthday. In some countries it is normal to breastfeed up until about 5 years of age. That's a bit much for me, but they are going by nature's call, not society's call. Only in the US is it considered "taboo" to breastfeed a baby or toddler.

Now if this kid is 7 years old, it's time to stop. He should be old enough to comfort himself without a boob in his face. That's most of what breastfeeding a toddler is all about, comfort. Sure they get excellant nourishment, but it's more about them learning to relax during stress and similar issues.

ETA: OK, I just saw your other question where it clearly states 7 years. You are a freaking troll and probably don't even have a child, much less one 7. But I'll leave my answer there in case someone who really needs the information happens by.

Answer 4

Almost all women will stop between 11 months and 18 months when the child is firmly on solid foods. Frankly I am surprised that your milk has gone on so long and does he tell his friends? That may get you into trouble if some sicko thinks you are a little too personal and turns you in.

Answer 5

Wow, there was a mother who had her child removed from the home for 6 months because the authorities charged her with child abuse for "nursing" her child until he was 8. You don't have milk anymore and he is basically using you as a human pacifier.

Answer 6

a yr old tops...if you wanna realy push it, 2 yrs old but 7?? if you're serious about your 7 yr old still breastfeeding, its quite disgusting to still be breastfeeding. He'll be a teenager in 5 yrs for God's sake

Answer 7

Um, I assume that is 7 months so I would say at about a year or so somtimes people nurse a child into their 2's but that is going a bit long.

Anything after 3 and you are setting the child up for psychological problems

Answer 8

I wouldn't breastffeed past a year but it depends on the parent

Answer 9

I don't know if you are serious or not, but children should stop breastfeeding at 1 year old or before. By then they are developing too many teeth and do not need nutrients from the milk anymore they need to start finger foods.
I've heard of a four year old being breastfed and even that is way too old!
It sounds like unhealthy attachment issues if this behaviour is continuing.

Answer 10

I'd take mine off as soon as they could hold a cup. That's just weird to still be breast feeding him at 7. He'll never be able to look at another set of boobs again.