Breastfeeding?

Question

How long did other mommy's breastfeed your baby? That is if you did. Our pediatrician saids if we go for a year that is more benefits to baby and me. She is 11 months and we have one more month to go! Yay! She's never been sick once! *knock on wood* No health problems, nothing. Yay! *knock on wood* Any mommy's out there that are breastfeeding after 1 year?

Answer 1

Yes in fact, WHO, Health Canada, and the American Association of Family Physicians recommend nursing for at least 2 years. Which I am planning to do, but since I got pregnant we will see if I can manage it.

"Indeed, weaning before the age of two has been found to raise a child’s risk of illness.2 American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a minimum of one year of breastfeeding, and the World Health Organization calls for two years or more. Moreover, continued breastfeeding can be helpful to your toddler’s adjustment to a new baby. Besides, what better way to rest your tired pregnant body while caring for an active baby or toddler?"
http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/articles/bfpregnancy_safety.html

" * The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that children weaned before two years of age are at increased risk of illness (AAFP 2001). "
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html

"All mothers should have access to skilled support to initiate and sustain exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and ensure the timely introduction of adequate and safe complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond."http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/global_strategy/en/index.html

Answer 2

It is very normal to breastfeed a child after 1. As a matter for fact, WHO (World health Organization) recommends breastfeeding at least until 2 y o. As long as it is mutually agreeable, just go for it. My goal was to BF my son until he was 12 months, well, he's 2+ now, and he still nurses. Biologically humans are made to be breastfed until -6 years old (I am not saying you should go that long). The longer you nurse, more benefits you and your child get. And I've never seen anyone in college who was still nursing, so they do wean at some point (usually after 2).

Answer 3

I breastfed my first daughter till she was about 19-20 months. She self weaned, I only had a month or two to go before #2 was born so was glad of the little break. But I would have tandem nursed if she didnt self wean.
My second daughter I breastfeed for 2 and a half years.

Answer 4

Good job Momma!

We are going on 15 months here :) I remember hoping to make it to 6 months, I would have never imagined I'd be nursing a toddler!

It really is the ideal nutrition for kids. Its like a milk source, a multi-vitamin and a comfort object all put together!

I can't imagine not nursing my little guy.. hes still growing so fast!

Answer 5

I have been nursing for 3 1/2 months so far but my older sis nursed for about 18 months...only at night after a year old though.

Answer 6

my daughter is almost 5 and i produced milk and breastfed her until she was about 2 years....and then even now and then when she needs comfort from pain, temper tamtrum or whatever

don't let some of the above answers phase you...a child should never feel forced to be cut off or weaned simply because our country has some kind of hang up on breastfeeding and how acceptable it is.....at this point there really is no point to wean....she nurses when she desires and eats solid food right?...don't feel pressured

Answer 7

I was only able to feed my first for 8 months but I'm up to 13 months with my second and she's not showing any signs of giving up yet. The very best idea is to let your daughter tell you when she's ready to move on. Just like they self regulate their appetite, a child knows when they are ready to wean. It sounds like it's been a positive experience for you so don't be tempted to force her to continue to prolong the experience but appreciate that you've set her up for strong, healthy life!

Answer 8

My son is 15 months, and there is no way he is ready to stop. I have no problem with it, although I don't think I will nurse past 2 years.

Answer 9

I have definantly breastfed past a yearwith past babies and right now my baby is 11 months just like yours!!!

I really like it when you look at them and know they are as healthy as they are because of you.

This is my favorite web site about breastfeeding past a year.
http://www.wiessinger.baka.com/bfing/breastvbottle/wean.html

Answer 10

I didn't. My kids started nibbling...ouch! But my aunt breastfed until her daughter was nearly three...and she loved doing it too. But yeah, the longer you can breastfeed, the better for the baby and the better for you too...the more your breastfeed, the less chance you have of developing breast cancer.

Good for you!