When should you stop breastfeeding?

Answer 1

You should breastfeed for at least a year. After that, breastmilk/formula isn't necessary.

You should stop breastfeeding whenever you feel it's the right time. I do think there is a time where breastfeeding is wrong though. I personally don't believe in breastfeeding a child after 2 yrs. I mean, at that point they're walking, learning numbers and shapes, and can even carry on a conversation. At that point, they aren't babies anymore and shouldn't be fed like one. It's what works for you though. Whatever you feel is right is what you should go with.

Answer 2

Stop when you and your baby are ready to stop, and not a minute sooner. The longer you can breastfeed your baby, the better. There is absolutely no reason to stop breastfeeding at a certain age, and there are multiple health benefits for mom and baby with breastfeeding, any pediatrician or doctor or teacher that tells you to stop at a certain age is full of... it. Find a good support group. I found a great group on www.meetup.com. www.kellymom.com is a good resource for breastfeeding, too.

Answer 3

Every single drop of breastmilk is a huge benefit to both mom and baby. The longer you are willing and able to nurse, the more benefits you both receive.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by the introduction of solid foods and the continuation of breastfeeding for at least the first year. The latest policy statement by the AAP says, "There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer."

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says, "Breastfeeding is the physiological norm for both mothers and their children. The AAFP recommends that all babies, with rare exceptions, be breastfed and/or receive expressed human milk exclusively for about the first six months of life. Breastfeeding should continue with the addition of complementary foods throughout the second half of the first year. Breastfeeding beyond the first year offers considerable benefits to both mother and child, and should continue as long as mutually desired. Family physicians should have the knowledge to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding. (1989) (2001)"


The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF both recommend nursing for at least 2 years.

The world-wide average age of weaning is 4.2 years.

According to reasearch by anthropologist Kathryn Dettwyler, the natural age of human weaning falls between 2.5 and 7 years of age.

Michael Jordan nursed until he was 3 years old. He turned out pretty good! :-)

There is also an interesting link below with benefits of nursing based on how long the child nursed.

ETA:
People know that Michael Jordan nursed that long because his mother is a big breastfeeding advocate and she has spoken about it in public a lot.

Answer 4

It is a personal decision and there are a lot of factors that can come into play. I would say try until the baby is 1. But do it as long as you can, even if it is only a few weeks or a few months. It is so beneficial to both of you! My first son quit at about 8 months when he starting teething and my second son just ate like a horse and I couldnt keep up after 6 months. I weaned my last son just days before his 1st birthday. I was ready to have my body back as my own!

Answer 5

Most doctors would suggest 6 months to a year because it provides the baby with everything they need and helps with brain function. However, you can breastfeed typically up to the age of 3. Most people stop after a year because the baby starts eating "table food". Like most of the responses thus far I would have to agree, you should decide on what time frame is best for you and your baby. When the time comes you will know! Good Luck

Answer 6

I usually stopped breastfeeding when my kids were 11 months to a year. By then I just wasn't producing enough milk, and they had to take formula in addition to their solid food diet.

As far as antibodies go, breastmilk should be given for at least six months to make sure you have a healthy baby, although doctors are now recommending that mothers continue nursing up to a year if possible.

Unless your baby has some medical condition for which the doctors suggest nursing longer, there's no medical reason I know of to continue nursing beyond a year. I did know a woman who was asked to nurse her son for 18 months, but that was because he needed reconstructive surgery, and the doctors felt it would help his recovery in some way.

Answer 7

I am breastfeeding a 3 month old right now. I think I am going to try and breastfeed him up until his first birthday. Of course, when he is 6 months old I will put him on some solids (like cereal, mashed banana's, ect.) and that will decrease the frequency of breastfeeding.

Some European countries breastfeed their babies until they're four-years-old (a little weird, I think)!!!

Answer 8

When you and the child feel ready, and not before this is one of the most precious bonds there is and to break it before you are both ready will only add upset and stress, you do not say how old your child is but if you feel uncomfortable breastfeeding try slowly going over to a bottle or cup.

Answer 9

It's really up to you. However, I would say that about 18mos is a good (late but good) time to stop in order to influence your child to start becoming independent and more social. I personally probably won't do it beyond 12 mos. I pumped with my daughter but I have a hectic work schedule and unfortunately I had to stop at 2.5 mos. :-( But I'm pregnant with my 2nd and I'm making a huge career change. SO, I'll do my best with the new stuff I've learned to make breastfeeding easier and a different schedule I'll have more control over. But I will probably stop between 6-12 mos with my second. We'll see. I might be so comfortable with it I won't want to stop. We'll see.

Answer 10

Breast milk is the best choice for infants with its perfect balance of nutrients. It is most easily digested, best tolerated, and is all most babies need to grow. Breast feeding has many benefits for both you and the baby. Babies may be protected from gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. They also have a lower incidence of allergic disease in comparison with formula-fed babies. Psychologically, the breast feeding experience enhances the bond between mother and baby. It gives a wonderful sense of security for the baby and can afford an emotional high for mothers.

Breast feeding is generally recommended for the first 12 months of life. The amount of breast milk taken each day may decrease once solids are introduced (usually around four to six months). Of course, you may stop breast feeding anytime you need and want to, as formulas are available that closely mimic the qualities of breast milk. But cow's milk from the carton just doesn't have the same benefits as breast milk or formula in the first year of life.