At what age should I sto breastfeeding my daughter?

Question

My daughter will be a year old in a couple of days. She is still breastfeeding and some people tell me that it is good for her to breastfeed and some tell me that she is too old for it.

Answer 1

Some people breastfeed until 2 or older. Go for as long as you and your daughter feel comfortable doing it.

Answer 2

Congratulations on nursing your daughter for a year! You have given her a great start in life. 12 months is the minimum recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other organizations, such as the World Health Organization, recommend a minimum of 24 months. The benefits of breastfeeding continue as long as you continue to nurse your daughter. She will continue to recieve protection from illnesses, milk that is species specific and therefore easier to digest than the breastmilk of a cow or goat and the comfort of breastfeeding. My baby is only 5 months right now but talking to friends whose children are older and were breastfed as toddlers, one of the biggest benefits was that they were able to comfort a child with a scraped knee or calm a child excited after a long day of playing. Older babies don't tend to nurse as often. You may find as your daughter gets older that she only wants to nurse a few times a day, perhaps morning, before nap, and night. It's nice to have those quiet times when you have a toddler who is otherwise hard to keep still for 30 seconds.

In the end, this is a decision that you and your daughter have to make. It really only affects the two of you, so don't be too swayed by what others think or say. There are definately benefits to continued nursing but if nursing becomes something you dread and starts to have a negative effect on your relationship with your daughter, it might be time to stop or limit it.

Answer 3

my daughter turned a year on april 3rd. she is still breastfeeding,but only 4 times a day. the american academy of pediatrics reccomends that u breastfeed for a year. the world health organization recomends 2 years. u stop when u want to! give yourself at least 2 months to wean the baby though.

Answer 4

Just remember in life that each parent and each person have completely different views and ideas as far as when to do or quit breastfeeding. You are her mother...your instincts along with her desire will naturally answer your question. Breast milk is the perfect formula for any living being, so I believe that if you are okay with breastfeeding longer and she still enjoys it, then let nature take it's course...you and your daughter decide when it's right for you.
Good luck!

Answer 5

It is a very personal choice on when to stop. If you are still comfortable with it and your daughter is still enjoying it I would say continue as long as you want. Breast milk is very healthy for a baby of any age. The milk will change to meet your older child's nutritional needs and the antibodies from your body will help keep her from getting sick
Best of luck in your decision

Answer 6

The World Health Organization, American Association of Family Practitioners, Health Canada, and numerous other health organizations recommend breastfeeding for a minimum of 2 years, and as long thereafter as is mutually desirable.

Stopping breastmilk before age two has been proven to increase certain risks, though not as much as stopping breastmilk before age one, or never offering it at all.

As long as you are comfortable just tell people that you are doing what is right for your family and it is none of their business.

"Nursing Beyond Infancy
Breastfeeding should ideally continue beyond infancy, but this is currently not the cultural norm and requires ongoing support and encouragement.85 Breastfeeding during a subsequent pregnancy is not unusual. If the pregnancy is normal and the mother is healthy, breastfeeding during pregnancy is the woman's personal decision. If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned. Breastfeeding the nursing child after delivery of the next child (tandem nursing) may help to provide a smooth transition psychologically for the older child.61"
http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/policy/policies/b/breastfeedingpositionpaper.html

"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)"
http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/policy/policies/b/breastfeedingpolicy.html

"1. Encourage exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, as breast milk is the best food for optimal growth. Breastfeeding may continue for up to 2 years and beyond."
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/pubs/infant-nourrisson/nut_infant_nourrisson_term_1_e.html

"The Innocenti Declaration (4) recommends that babies continue to be breastfed for up to two years of
age or beyond. When provided along with appropriate and adequate complementary food, breast milk
continues to be an important source of nutrition and fluids and immunological protection for the child
after six months of age. The continued bonding between mother and child provided by breastfeeding
encourages optimal psychosocial development."
http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/inf_assess_nnpp_eng.pdf

Answer 7

It is time to stop breastfeeding, when you and your baby decide it is time to stop breastfeeding, no book or person can ever make that choice for you. Don't let others run your life or raise your child. I commend you on making it a year, you are giving her the best you can, good for you.

Answer 8

When she is ready, she will stop!-) Babies need full-fat milk for the first 2 years for optimal brain development. Human milk is the best milk for a human child!


My DD self-weaned at 40 months and my 26 month old son nurses a few times a day.

Answer 9

I don't know because I never breastfed but when a child is about a year I would say. A child will usually self wean between 2 and 3 years. I guess whenever you and your child are ready. I hope this helps.

Answer 10

You can breastfeed ur baby however long u want but my aunt had 7 kids and she breastfeed them until they was 2 years old but its all ur choice u breastfeed however long u are comfortable.