More on the extended breastfeeding topic..?

Question

For those of us who do intend to start the weaning process at one year, why are we villified? If you want to be an extended breastfeeder, then more power to you. But it seems as if something is missed here - the AAP says, as long as it is "mutually" enjoyed by both mother and child. If one member of the team would like to have out - for whatever reason - at that age, they can and the child we be just fine. In fact, I really don't see the correlation between breast milk and intelligence. Health benefits, yes..fewer ear infections being one of them. But my husband was formula fed and he went to UT-Austin (and not on an athletic scholarship), and I was breastfed for six months and I went to NYU. Point being, we both did well and it wasn't because of how we were fed. I am nursing my daughter because that's my choice and I think she is getting optimal nutrition. For those who formula feed, they are doing what they can. I consider myself a moderate, respectful of all.

I'll freely admit that I would like to start the weaning process at one or so for the following: my daughter can do fine on table food, I'd like to provide comfort and bonding without breasts because I am more than mammary glands, I'll be able to take medicines that might be too powerful for her, and I'd like to stop pumping..working and pumping with my type of job is a challenge :(

Answer 1

AMEN sister. The thing is, here on Yahoo answers you have SOME women who are self-righteous busy bodies with way too much time on their hands. They can't even state facts and yet they put others down for not nursing beyond a year. It is sad really.

You are right, there is no correlation between breast milk and intelligence. The AAP recently did a study and disproved that theory. Although they do say that smarter women breast feed.

I find it gross seeing a toddler/preschooler running up to a mother screaming "I want the boobie" lifting up her mother's shirt, undoing her bra for a snack. That to me is gross. These women are so proud of the fact that they do this yet they admit they would never breastfeed a preschooler in public. Sounds like they know it is wrong but don't want to quit. Some also say that they do it for comfort and to show love. There is just something very disturbing to me about that statement. I am thankful my kids know I love them with out having to stick a boob in their mouth.

I breast fed my kids until they self-weaned at 8 1/2 months. I would have cut them off by the age of one.

Answer 2

It's an emotional topic, and the fact is, no matter what you do, there are some people who will criticize you for either breastfeeding too long or not long enough.

I weaned my daughter at 13 months, and I know some people were really bothered by the idea of a child who could walk still nursing. I know my sister in law (who only breastfed for a few weeks and hated it) thought I was crazy. On the other hand, there are plenty of extended breastfeeding folks who would criticize my decision to wean at that age. I felt the same as you did, I was very happy I had breastfed my daughter, but I was ready to stop arranging work around the need to pump, ready to take a medication if I needed it, ready to allow my husband to be the one to get up at night with her sometimes.

Please do what you feel is right for you and your child, and don't worry about the opinions of a few fanatics who feel that their choice is the only valid one.

Answer 3

I don't have any problem with those who wean at 12 months. What I have a problem with are those that tell me that I SHOULD wean at 12 months. I think many confuse the two when I get defensive about my choice to continue breastfeeding my son who is now 2.5 years old. If you are taking crap from the extreme opinionators who are upset that you are weaning now - ignore them or defend your choices as you see fit - as I do when I'm told that I'm molesting my son by breastfeeding him at this age.
You've done a great job - many don't even stick with it for 12 months. At this point, if you are miserable it's not worth it.

Answer 4

I am breastfeeding my 16-month-old and don't plan on stopping until she self-weans. I think what you've done for your child is great and you sound like a wonderful mom. I say to each her own when it comes to weaning. I wish more people could be respectful of each other. I hear a lot of "wean now you sicko" type things. So I guess no matter what we do as mothers someone will always be there to criticize. Good luck and WTG for breastfeeding!!

Answer 5

I'm with you, if a mother wants to nurse her child longer than a year it's her choice, if at one year, or even less, they want to wean, it's their choice. From my understanding, most health benifits of breastmilk are negated by about 6 months, and all others by 1 year.

My two breast-fed babies self-weaned at about 10 months. I miss it sometimes, but I don't think it really matters.

Answer 6

You need not feel bad at all, in fact, you breast fed lots longer than the average person does. I personally think that extended breast feeding is more for the Mom than for the kid and think that when its goes too long its almost abusive as it doesnt allow the child to grow developementally as quickly as non breast fed children. It shows a mothers inability to allow the child to act his or her age. Im sure a lot of people are going to be angry at this but its how I feel. I breast fed all my children until 6 months only.

Answer 7

There is so much pressure out there in the way of feeding. Us mothers have enough to worry about without having other people tell us our kids are going to have lower iq's and possible health issues. Mom's can only do thier best and that's good enough. I agree, there needs to be more sensitivity in this area.

Answer 8

If you want to breast fed your child it is your decision to make, and no one else, some people breastfed their child for as long as even three years if thats their comfort zone with their child then it is, i dont think anyone should interfere, but please remenber at a certain time the breast milk doesn't look like milk then at that time the child wont enjoy it anymore.

Answer 9

Don't forget that partial weaning is also an option. At one year you could certainly stop pumping at work but still be able to nurse when you are together.

MANY medications are fine to take while nursing. "Medications & Mother's Milk" by Hale is the best resource for this info.

Answer 10

I agree with you, as long as the child is not that old that he or she can say mommy I want more milk,( Pointing to the Breast ). Breast feeding is normal and better for both mother and child. I loved and enjoyed breast feeding my children.