Have you nursed for more than a year?

Question

I have been seeing more and more evidence that supports extended breast feeding. I myself nursed my daughter for a full year. However, I've read a bit about it and learned that a child's body is made to ingest and benefit from breast milk for like 3-5 years, and that the worldwide weaning age is acutually much higher than most Americans think is "decent". Since my husband and I want to have more children, and I am a stay at home mom, I have been considering my feeding options for future children. I was thinking about weaning from the breast at a year old like last time, to give myself and baby both a bit more freedom, but continuing to pump my milk for the baby for maybe a year longer so she/he still gets the nutrition and immunities. Has anyone here breast fed for a long time, or done something similar to this? I would LOVE to hear from people who have actually experienced it, rather than just read more studies. Thanks!

Answer 1

First of all, please don't listen to these people that are so adamant against nursing past one year. It sounds like they have some issues to deal with. I breastfed my son until he was 3 years old. I am now breastfeeding my daughter, who is 2, and I will let her nurse as long as she wants to. It is a special bond that no one can understand unless they have experienced it. The problem with this society is that they want kids to grow up too fast. A lot of women don't want to breastfeed because it "ties them down." I have personally never been away from my baby for more than a few hours, and I wouldn't have it any other way. They grow up fast already and that time when they are little will be gone before you know it. The breastmilk is good for her, the bonding is good for both of us, and my husband is 100% supportive (that is extremely important). There is NOTHING wrong with nursing your child past one year, or however long you want to do it. Ironically, it actually makes your child more independent, too. They are more likely to be independent because they know they always have the comfort of Mommy to come back to. As far as the child asking for it, so what? My daughter asks for her "ninny" all the time. I think it is cute! You should do whatever you are comfortable with, but please know that there is nothing wrong with extended breastfeeding! Good luck!

Answer 2

I think it's great to breastfeed for as long as possible as long as baby still wants to. I breastfed my son until he was about 13-14 months, and then he weaned himself probably because i wasn't producing enough milk anymore due to a second pregnancy. The bonding was great, the fact that i knew he was getting something more nutritious and natural than formula really made me feel good. Talk to baby's doctor about it before you actually do it, but it could be a great idea. You just have to make sure you pump on a certain schedule so that your milk production doesn't go down. And don't slack on safe storage of the milk either.

Answer 3

I nursed my son for 14 months. I know the World Health Organization says that children benefit from breast milk up to age 4. I know that America sees the breast as mostly a sexual object and therefore find nursing "offensive" in many cases and that is why most people only nurse up to one year if at all. It has to do with our society and not necessarily what is best for the children. I have to admit that I am one of those people who thinks that once the kid can verbally ask for it....it should probably end.

Answer 4

I breast fed my daughter until she was 9 months old, and when she bit me hard, it ended that. I know women used to nurse until the child was 2, because they thought it was a way of birth control, but ended up having another one. If you look back at birh records, you will find that in a lot of families a child was born about every 2 years.
Breast milk is the best and healthiest milk you can give your child, and if you can do it, do it.

Answer 5

I brastfed my first daughter till she was about 21 months, she was weaning herself and I was grateful as I was pregnant and wanted my breasts to have a break for a month or two before the baby was born. Then #2 I breasfed till she was around 2 and half, couldve been longer. Her I had to tell my booby was broken so she couldnt have anymore. she would have continued to feed forever I think.
i loved breastfeeding, its just such a unique bond to have with your child. Plus even during those fussy toddler times when you don think they are eating enough, you know they have all the nutrients and vitamins they need from breastmilk.
Breastfed for as long as you can as it really is best. And1yr olds are stilll babies and still need it.

Answer 6

NO WAY!!! Not with any of our three boys. I would NOT think of breast feeding for MORE than a year. That is ridiculous. No child needs to drink breast milk that long & the research & studies only say what the people paying for them says they should say. Our three boys were not breast fed past 10 months & all three are VERY healthy, VERY smart & NONE of them have been sick other than the normal childhood colds & flu....so that arguement doesn't wash either....
Years ago people breast fed longer because it was CHEAPER!!! NOT for health reasons & NOT as a form of birth control....
I just see it as repulsive to see a mother with a kid who can unhook her bra with one hand & start nursing like a baby calf. Another thing I hate is when a nursing mother flops them out to breast feed in public. It is fine if you want to breast feed your baby, toddler or 1st grader, but it is also something that should be done in private & not in public. It is MY right NOT to have to see it or have to explain to MY kids what they are seeing.

Answer 7

I breastfed mine for two full years and I'm very happy that I did. I'm pregnant again and will breastfeed this one for up to two years. I know some women will go past two years but for me that is the best time and usually when the child is ready to wean.

Answer 8

the length of time I nursed each of my babies, depended on them... my eldest was ten months and I stopped (mostly because I was told by so many...) my second I unfortunately only nursed two months... my third and fourth were about fourteen to fifteen months? my fifth was a little over two... and my last.. well.. he is fifteen months now.. and although I only nurse one to two times (morning and night)he does not seem ready to give it up... I try to follow their cues.. they each went straight to the cup (except number two) and I express for a few months up to six months after..
my little sister has eight children and she usually nurses longer three to five years... depending on if she is giving birth... she moves one to a cup and/or bottle when she is a month from her due date...
personally I believe the benefits both nutritionally and emotionally definitely warrant nursing for as long as you are comfortable and can.....
hope I was able to help, good luck

Answer 9

I have only been breastfeeding for 10 weeks now, but i plan on stopping at 12 months. If i am still comfortable with it i might pump some after 12 months. do what is best for you baby. you might try talking with your doctor.

Answer 10

I nursed my second child for 18 months. Which was way longer then I expected to go.

My twins nursed until shortly after their first birthday.