Curious about extended breastfeeding?

Question

I am planning on Nursing my son for over a year, if he is willing but I just have a few questions....

When they get older, how many times a day on average are they Nursing?

Is it more for comfort or is it nutrition too?

Also, will I be ridiculed for my desicion to nurse beyond a year? (in your experience)

Whenever I see a question about extended nursing, there is a least one person that is putting it down.Why is that really?

Sorry for all the questions! And thanks to anyone that answers!

Answer 1

After about 16 months, my son nursed 2-3 times a day. He gradually cut down his sessions until he weaned himself at 2.5 years.

It's for BOTH comfort and nutrition. Your milk grows in its concentration of fats, vitamins, and minerals AFTER the baby turns 1 year of age. This helps cover the gap of a picky eater and makes sure that they still get "shots" of milk even though they nurse less. There is A LOT of nutrition still in breastmilk--it's not as if you get to day 365 and it becomes worthless, rotten, and sour--it just doesn't stand up to logic.

Not to mention- that a child's immune system isn't fully developed so they were biologically DESIGNED to nurse until 2-5 years of age to make sure they still get antibodies from their mothers.

You might be, but you'll be more surprised at how many people come out to you that they ALSO breastfed for more than a year. My number one argument for winning people skeptical of extended nursing was that it reduces, significantly, YOUR risk of breast and ovarian cancers. We have a history of both cancers in my family and ovarian cancer nearly killed my mom. In addition to the obvious health benefits to my son, people were quite respectful that MY health was also a consideration in nursing my child until he self-weaned.

They put it down because they are uncomfortable with the idea that breasts are utilitarian. We've barely started to get across to people that nursing is 1.) the best 2.) best for at least 12 months. It's going to take another decade or so before it's accepted in the U.S. to nurse for as long as possible.

Answer 2

I know several women who did extended breastfeeding.

It continues to be nutritious. There is a myth that it has no nutrition beyond a year and that's just total bunk. Studies have shown that children breastfeed at least 2 years have significantly lower rates of certain diseases. Even in the US, children who get Rotovirus (primarily cause of extensive diarrhea in toddlers) and have been breastfed at least 2 years rarely are hospitalized.

Ridicule for decision? Yes, some, mostly by those who are anti-breastfeeding in the first place. The average kid weans themselves at 3 (plus or minus about 6 months). I'm not sure how often they breastfed a 2 year old, but I'd guess 4-5 times a day (first thing in morning, midmorning snack, late afternoon and in the evening). Early weaning is usually the result of too much food or other beverages at an early age. Your doctor generally has NO training on breastfeeding and his/her suggestions are more likely to cause early weaning.

You should know that you will be ridiculed for most decisions that you make. My friend got more crap from moms about using cloth diapers and making much of her own baby's food than she ever did for nursing her baby at 2 years old.

Answer 3

I nursed my daughter for 12 months, but she wasn't interested in it anymore so we stopped at that point, but I would have gone until 18 months if she wanted. There is still nutrition to breastmilk after 12 months, but mostly it's for comfort. Most of the people I know who nurse after 12 months do it 2x a day, usually before nap and bedtime, but I'm sure there are others who do it more often. Don't worry about people putting it down. No matter what the issue, some people are going to be against it.

Answer 4

I think you should nurse over a year if you and your baby are both still comfortable with it. I do feel it is more for comfort rather than nutrition, the older they get, if he is eating well balanced foods. This is your personal choice, and you should not allow anyone ridicule you for it. I nursed my son form over 7 months, but he actually stopped once he was getting around a lot more and realized he could take the bottle on the go...lol....
Go with your feelings and your baby will let you know when he is ready to stop. He will probably only nurse early mornings and at night once he is older, b/c that is the most calming for him and also part of wind down time. I went through that right before mine stopped.

Answer 5

When do you believe is the correct age to give up breastfeeding? When the baby is capable or if this is a scientific necessity. All 3 of my youngsters had been breastfed, my eldest used to be nursed till eleven months and I could have long gone longer however he used to be determined for a sippy cup lol. My core baby used to be most effective nursed completely for 3 months as I used to be hospitalized for put up partum psychosis and my final used to be most effective eight months for the identical motive as my core baby. The most effective time multiplied nursing has ever stricken me used to be at my daughter's moment grade Christmas live performance. A boy in her magnificence hopped down into the viewers after their efficiency and whipped out a boob for a drink! I believe 7 is greater than historical ample to be slightly extra discreet approximately it. I wasn't uncomfortable seeing it however I might inform so much others had been. At that age it isn't being performed for vitamins, extra so out of dependancy and a reluctance to wean. I cannot aid however surprise how this might hinder the baby's progress socially or with developing individual area obstacles however to each and every their possess. How historical are you? 31 Where are you geographically (i.e Northeast, Midwest, and so on) Alberta, Canada What is your schooling degree? Some tuition, technical college grad. What is your socio-financial fame? Right now I could ought to say cut back magnificence however used to be raised higher core. Tough occasions for me, gotta love a recession.

Answer 6

Most people think breasts are sexual. We cover them when we wear bathing suits in the US. So, a lot of people think it is inappropriate for a walking, talking child to suck on them.

Breasts are NOT primary sex organs! They are there because we are mammals and are supposed to nurse our young. Research feels that the natural weaning age for humans is somewhere between 2-7 years. WHO recommends nursing until at LEAST two and AAP recommends until at LEAST one.

As to the nursing, it just depends. My little guy loves to nurse and would nurse every couple hours if we were just hanging around at home. When we went on vacation, we were busy and active and he often wouldn't nurse at ALL except before sleeping.

Breastmilk is full of nutrients, it always will be, don't we drink cow's milk because it is healthy? Breastmilk also has antibodies which helps with our children's immature immune system. Nursing is also very comforting to a child. They are surrounded by their wonderful mother. I have had a screaming bloody child come running to me and instantly stop when put to the breast. Can't beat that.

You haven't asked about teeth! They're not so bad. Nursing as much as you do, you get toughened up. The little ones usually do not bite, but sometimes they may make a mistake or fall asleep and have their tongue slip so their teeth come together. The only time I bled was one time when my son fell asleep and clamped on. I was surprised and jerked away. Not smart, I had some scraping. Best thing, you grit your teeth, then put your finger in to pull apart the teeth and pull out, no harm done.

You will likely be ridiculed for your decision, yes. But I don't discuss it with most people. My son hasn't needed to nurse in public since he was an infant. Some of my family is supportive and some don't discuss it with me, as I prefer.

As you nurse and reach that one year "deadline," you will likely realize that your little one is STILL little and really needs the close comfort of Mommy. They do not stay little for long and you'll miss these times.

Answer 7

I nursed my first baby for 18 months and would have nursed her longer but I sustained an injury and I didn't want her getting the pain and muscle relaxers thru the milk. We have been very bonded since she was born and still are and she is 21 years old now. I am not sure if it was more for comfort or not but we have a very special bond.

Answer 8

I only went to 14 months with my first 2 they weaned themselves but I am hoping to go longer with this one because I read someone saying it helps with nap time. I don't care what anyone thinks of it, nap time is gold. I would also think there is nutritional value past a year to, my children are 4 and 2 and are rarely sick. I get judged now for breastfeeding, no one I know does it, my mom did, so she is supportive but it seems to make people uncomfortable that I do it. I would guess when I continue breastfeeding my son passed a year or even passed 18 months they will really think I am weird. lol. I don't care too much. I hope you have a more supportive group.

Answer 9

Congratulations on breastfeeding your son! He's very lucky that you are planning to breastfeed him as long as he still needs to nurse. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that breastfeeding continue until at least one year and acknowleges that it should continue as long as baby and mother wish. Many major health care associations (including the Association of Family Practitioners and the World Health Organization) recommend that breastfeeding continue until AT LEAST 2 years or longer.

How often he'll nurse really depends on him and on you. By about a year, he'll need foods other than your milk to meet his nutritional needs. However, breast milk will remain one of the most nutrious and calorie-rich foods available to him. Many toddlers will continue to nurse several times each day and at night. He'll probably nurse more often when he's growing a lot, when he's sick, or when he's teething (just like he does as a baby!). It's fine to follow his lead, but it's also okay to set some limits if you find it necessary.

Nursing beyond one year is both for comfort and nutrition. Most moms who choose to breastfeed as long as their child needs to nurse are happy for the continued nutrition and immune system protection, but are mostly concerned about the comfort and closeness that nursing provides. Nursing is nature's bandaid - as your baby grows into a toddler and becomes more active, you'll be so glad to have the comforting powers of nursing available. Nothing stops a tantrum as well as a calming nursing session. And nursing helps a busy toddler to reconnect and settle down when needed.

Will you get criticism? Probably. We live in a bottle-feeding culture and most people expect that children stop getting a bottle at about a year. There's no reason to stop nursing at a year, but that's what a lot of people expect. There's nothing gross about extended breastfeeding. It's providing nutrition, comfort, and immune system protection for your toddler. There's nothing sexual about it (but breasts are often consider as only sexual objects in our culture - just look at billboard or TV ads using barely-dressed models to sell cars or sports or beer). Children who are nursed into toddlerhood or beyond aren't any more likely to be clingy or spoiled or undisciplined than any other child (and probably a lot less, because they have mothers who respect and respond to their needs). You know what's best for your child, not the uneducated people who will say rude things. Different mothers handle this in different ways. Some choose only to nurse in private, which protects them and their children from these comments. Others choose to ignore or educate, or use humor to diffuse the situation. Whatever you choose, it's best to be prepared (some of the links below have ideas).

You might want to read some books that discuss extended breastfeeding or connect with other mothers who are nursing beyond a year. Your local La Leche League or Attachment Parenting group is likely to include other nursing toddlers. And there are more and more on-line groups for extended breastfeeding.

Answer 10

How many times depends on teh baby. At 13 months old my son was still nursing every 3 hours around hte clock no matter how much he ate solids. Now at 19 1/2 months, it;s generally once a day, although sometiems he doesnt and sometimes he does twice.
It is mainly for ocmfort at this point for us, but breastmilk remains nutritious for your child no matter how long you choose to nurse.
Yes, you will be ridiculed. Many will try to make it seem as they are just curious but in reality, eyes roll, jaws drop.....
There is ridicule no matter WHAT you do for your baby about ANYthing. We co-sleep adn get a hard time. We are extended nursing and get crap. We are TANDEM nursing and THAT disgusted my first OB during my last pregnancy.