My daughter's 11 months old this week, and I don't feel ready yet. My mother was telling me I should wean her, and I think it's too soon (my mother formula-fed me, so maybe there's where the discrepancy lies in readiness to wean). When did everyone wean their babies/toddlers?
2007-12-24 02:22:39 · 15 answers · asked by Maggie 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I am still nursing a 16 month old. I hear you on the insistance from family to wean. I hear it too and ignore it.
For those that are going to write in stating that they should be weaned, babies at this age DO eat meals. They also drink from a sippy cup- ours hasn't used a bottle since she was 7 months old. She eats nearly everything that we eat with the exception of foods that are choking hazards and eggs- eggs because she just doesn't like them no matter how they are prepared.
I plan to wean as she nears 2 if she has not done so on her own. I find rearing a toddler is a lot easier when they are breastfeeding.
Good luck to you and Happy Holidays!
2007-12-24 02:43:03 · answer #1 · answered by NY_Attitude 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
The AAP recommends a minimum of a year for breastfeeding, while the WHO recommends at minimum of 2 years. After that, both agree that a child should nurse as long as both Mom and Baby feel comfortable. So don't listen to anyone who tries to say your baby is too old to breastfeed!
Also, teething is certainly not a reason to wean, so don't worry about that. My son got his first teeth when he was just shy of 8 months old. I nursed for another 6 months - and yes, my nipples are still intact!
I didn't wean my son. He stopped breastfeeding on his own at 14 months, and I didn't push him to continue. He decided it was time to stop, so I let him. I personally wouldn't let my baby under a year old stop nursing. At the very least, I would pump it and put it in a cup until they were at least a year old.
Do whatever is right for you and your family. Self weaning really is the gentlest, easiest way to do it. And because, despite what some people will try to tell you, there are great benefits to nursing past a year old, it certainly won't harm a child. But if you have to wean, I would wait until your baby is at least a year old. Good luck!
2007-12-24 10:46:13 · answer #2 · answered by SoBox 7 · 5⤊ 2⤋
I weaned my daughter at 12 months, but she was ready to be weaned. There is nothing wrong with going past that. I believe the American Academy of Pediatircs suggests nursing 12 months, and longer if both mom and baby are willing. Do what you feel is best.
2007-12-24 11:15:47 · answer #3 · answered by Melissa 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
my 1st I stopped at 6 months he just refused to take it and kept crying so I gave him a bottle of formula. From what I know now he was prob just on nursing strike or a growth spurt.
2nd- I had issues and no help and only nursed him a few weeks. This was hard and my poor baby went thru chronic ear infections after this.
3rd & 4th just about 1 year give or take a few months
my 5th and last is 3yrs and still nursing tho not very much these days, mostly just at bedtime and when she isn't feeling well.
With everything I have learnd over the years I have to say mom's should continue to breastfeed for as long as it is comfortable for both mom and baby. Noone elese comfort should be responsible for weaning. I'll post some websites for reading material.
2007-12-24 11:26:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Both of mine (that are weaned) finished at 14 months(by their own accord). I plan to breastfeed my youngest as long as he wants, I figure 18 months-2 years but maybe longer. Breast milk isn't like formula, it still has benefits well after a year. The American Pediatric Society recommends at least a year(at least) So just tell your mom that your baby is breastfed and you will do it as long as you want because it's good for your baby.
2007-12-24 11:36:00 · answer #5 · answered by liv t 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I weaned my son at 12 months old. When you feel ready to wean your child then you should be the judge of that. They say that it's good to breastfeed up to 18 months.
2007-12-24 11:17:34 · answer #6 · answered by Lovemykids 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
i weaned my daughter when she 7 months because my milk simply dried up. so i kinda had no choice. my thoughts were to nurse her for up to 12 months because this is when they can start drinking whole milk. i also gave her juice and water in sippy cups so she could get that down too. if i were you i would consider weaning in the next few months but do whatever YOU are comfortable with.
2007-12-24 10:49:09 · answer #7 · answered by brittevans13 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
My son is 7 mos. I plan to start to wean him in the spring. I figure the added antibodies are good for the winter. So, probably around 10 mos. old we'll start the ever dreaded weaning process.
2007-12-24 10:38:51 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Mine is not quite 11 months and I have no plan on weaning him any time soon! If you are still enjoying it, keep going! You and/or your daughter will know when to stop.
2007-12-24 10:28:06 · answer #9 · answered by Heather R 4 · 7⤊ 1⤋
My first at 4 1/2 months, I had no support to continue but plenty of pressure to quit. I am currently tandem nursing my 20 month old and my 1 month old. Personally, I feel it is time to quit when either mom or baby says is time. Nobody elses opinion matters.
2007-12-24 11:00:25 · answer #10 · answered by Betsy 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋