2007-07-19 14:58:53 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
There is no black and white answer for anyone. Its what you feel most comftorble with. Some people will nurse for 6 weeks and some people 6 months. you can ask what other mothers have done but that might not be right for you. Talk it over with your partner or close friend and see what works for you.
2007-07-19 15:03:42 · answer #1 · answered by ??? 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Our bodies are designed to breastfeed for about 4 years, which seems like a long time in this culture. The average around the world is 2 years, 1 year at the very least avoids artificial baby milk (formula). Why pay for something which is less healthy for your child and yourself (breastfeeding reduces the risk of maternal cancers)? Ideally, your child could be left to wean himself- some kids will want to stop at a year, some will want to go longer. My son weaned at 2 1/2 years and he's a happy, normal 8 year old now.
2007-07-19 15:15:05 · answer #2 · answered by Professor Flipflops 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
It is a personal choice how long you decide to breastfeed. Most Doctors reccomend exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months and then continue on until the first year.
All the benefits of human milk,including nutritional and health,continue for as long as your baby receives your milk. In fact, as your baby takes less human milk, these advantages are condensed into what milk is produced. Many of the health benefits of human milk are dose related, that is, the longer the baby receives human milk, the greater are the benefits.
I breastfed my first until 10 months,second until 16 months and am still currently breastfeeding my 29 month old son.
I think you have done a great job if you have already breastfed for 5 months! Congrats and good luck! :)
2007-07-19 15:07:40 · answer #3 · answered by haydae24 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I say breastfeed as long as you can. My son weaned himself at five months to the day and has done fine. I miss the bonding time more than he seems to. Formula can be very expensive so try to pump some if you no longer want to nurse him.
2007-07-19 15:11:03 · answer #4 · answered by babyboyzmommy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I fed until 1 1/2. Most pediatricians recommend 1 year but at the least 6 mnths. Is there a reason you want to stop? The longer the better if you can hold out. My pedi recommended 2 years at the most. If you want to chat about it you can mail me I would love to talk to you about it. I am a huge nursing advocate and also studying to be a lactation specialist. There are SO many positives on why to nurse. I am here if you would like to chat about it.
2007-07-19 15:05:49 · answer #5 · answered by cinderella 522 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well she'll be 3 years old in a few months and we are still nursing a few times a day.
I'd say if everything is going well, keep it up! No need to introduce expensive, artifically made substance like formula if breastfeeding is going well for both of you. It's the best thing for the baby.
2007-07-19 19:16:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My first lost interest around 14 months because I was pregnant and I think my milk dried up. My second is still nursing at 20 months and shows no signs of wanting to stop.
Your baby is still receiving all the benefits of breastmilk and will continue to receive them as long as you nurse.
Breastfeeding is convenient, free and healthy; formula feeding is time-consuming. Think of all the bottles to wash, sterilize, fill, chill, warm, feed and repeat every day. Think of measuring, mixing, labeling and buying formula. Think of the environmental effects of formula, from manufacturing to packaging to bottle washing. All that work is too much for me. I've never understood why some women think this is easier than plugging baby in. Not to mention the extra ear infections, colds and possibly allergies or asthma.
2007-07-19 15:33:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My first child was breastfed for about 5-6 months because my milked dried up because I was pregnant again. My second child was breastfed for 10 months and she weaned herself. And my new baby is 11 months and still nurses 1-2 times a day. He likes to nurse to go to sleep.
2007-07-19 15:04:50 · answer #8 · answered by perkie5 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I breastfed for only about 4 months. I would have continued to, but working full time and having to carry a breast pump just wasn't all that fun.
If your baby is OK with having formula then you're golden. Bear in mind that some babies aren't breastfed at all and they turn out just fine. :-)
2007-07-20 04:16:37 · answer #9 · answered by Beth 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't remember my youngest son will be 18 next month. I will however tell you the longer the better. It brings a bond between you and your child. It also helps the babies immune system. It is ultimately your choice as to how long is long enough.
2007-07-19 18:10:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋