when does the baby stop breastfeeding?

Question

i don't have plans to stop breastfeeding, i'm just wondering if by nature or instinct does the baby stop breastfeeding eventually? and is there any sign? and what to do about it? i just want to be prepared when the time comes. ty

Answer 1

Babies don't generally stop breastfeeding - *children* do. The natural age of weaning is 2.5-7 years old, when the milk (baby) teeth start to fall out.

There are no signs. As children age, they gradually nurse less and less until they eventually stop nursing altogether. You won't need to do anything except respect thier wishes as to whether or not they want to nurse.

At 10-12 months many infants go on a nursing strike. They're so interested in the world around them that they don't want to sit still long enough to nurse. They aren't trying to wean themselves, they just want to learn about all of the fascinating things they see. It helps to sit in a dark, quiet room to nurse, where there are no distractions.

Answer 2

I have 4 children and breast fed them all. The eldest I started weaning at 7 months as I was returning to work, number 2 was at 10 months as I was pregnant again and sick, number 3 was 12 months and I weaned as I had a severe bout of flu, the youngest 14 months and I wish that I had continued a bit longer. As the number of feeds reduce and interest in the world increases , just go with it and wean when it is right for you and the baby.

Answer 3

Anytime you and bubs feel ready for it. Usually your child will become less interested in it as their surroundings become more interesting (about 10-12 mths or when they are mobile). Some children continue to feed till 2, 3, 4 years old. My daughter became really disinterested in breastfeeding at about 7mths because she was getting expressed milk at day (i had to work) and breast at morning and night. By 8 mths she just wouldn't feed anymore even if I layed/sat down in a quiet room with no distractions; she just wanted to get up and play around. I was devasted but in the end realised that if she didn't want to I couldn't force her. Having the bottle didn't help, but it was unavoidable (stay at home to breastfeed? - or work to buy food/rent ? wasn't much of a choice)

I say, breastfeed for as long as you are comfortable and bubs is interested but don't force it.

Answer 4

No infant will self-wean. The earliest real self-weaning will occur (when no end of supply occurs) is 18-24 months. However, if you are planning on child-led weaning (and good for you if you are!) then you can be looking up to 3-5 years, depending on the child.

The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends a MINIMUM of 2 years of breastfeeding and "as long thereafter as mother and child decide."

Answer 5

I weaned my first daughter off at age one. My second daughter wanted to eat like my oldest daughter and self weaned off at nine months. That is a personal decision for your and your little one. Many times it's the parent that needs the little one to wean off for work purposes or whatever may be happening in your life. As long as the little one is strong and healthy with a great bill of health from the pediatrition - go for it. Good luck.

Answer 6

Some babies do self weaning as early as six months. But be preparred it may not be actual self weaning. It may be due to more food intake of baby food. Always make it available. But don't push for it. Some never wean themselves. I had to slowly wean my first daughter and that took till about 16 months. My second daughter is not self weaning and she is ten months. Some due and other don't. Just remember under one year if they do self wean pump breastmilk or have formula handy. Baby is not ready for cow milk due to not enough enzymes in there digestive system to actually absorb nutrients. Your breastmilk will change with the growing baby too.

Answer 7

A self weaning baby will just have less and less interest in nursing, they will want to play and be getting enough liquids from another source. Some can still be nursing up and past 4yo, but it depends on how you feel about nursing a child that can ask for their boobie, lol. It really does depend on the child and how secure they are about the world too.

Answer 8

I did child-led weaning. That means I just allowed my son to naturally wean himself. He stopped when he was 2.5 years. He gradually gave up nursing sessions until he spaced them out to once a day, once every couple days, once a week and then he was done. I basically followed his cues. It was an amazing experience and I really recommend it.

"Sudden" weaning, is usually a nursing strike, which can be overcome by mother and child. True weaning occurs slowly over time. Some toddlers will wean themselves if mother gets pregnant. If you just allow your child access and follow their cues, they will stop when they are psychologically ready.

Answer 9

Every baby is different. Your baby will breastfeed less and less as he or she adds solid foods to the diet.

I breastfed mine both for 18 mos. They would have probably continued as long as I would have let them.

Most babies stop because it's the mother's decision. Just go with your instincts... you will know!

Answer 10

I am all for breast feeding but past 12 mos is a bit much. I breast fed both of mine and they gave it up on their own. I didn't like the biting. But please don't be one of those people that is breast feeding there 4 yr old at the park that is gross. By the time they are 12 mos they should have been on reg food for a while. At least cereal. Like I said I am all for breast feeding it is best but more than a year is enough. They will become less interested in the breast and more interested in what is new that they can play with or get in to.