Today I’m here to talk breast feeding. How long one breast feeds their child to be specific. Is there a certain age that is ideal to stop breast feeding your child? How long does the average mother breast feed their child? What is best for you? Let’s talk!
The American Pediatric Association defines extended nursing as breastfeeding infants beyond their first year. In the United States, only 17 percent of new moms nurse their newborn for a full year. When I read that information, I was shocked. I thought it would be much higher. The practice of extended nursing sparks heated controversy because some disagree about when it is no longer appropriate to breastfeed children. Some parenting experts argue that if you breastfeed your children too long, it will stunt their child development. The American Academy of Pediatrics, however, supports mothers who want to nurse as long as necessary and say that it causes no damage whatsoever.
Most experts can agree on one thing though- that your baby needs nutrients from breast milk until they are at least 12 months old. If you choose to stop breast feeding your child before that time, they will need to be fed bottled formula. After the 12 month mark, the choice is yours. So what is YOUR choice and why?
I think one of the most important things to consider is what is right for you and your child and to take your cues from them. Some children may be early to wean themselves. Some babies are more interested in solid food than others, and they simply start nursing less and less until it stops completely. Other children, my son included, don’t want to give up nursing, and I’m fine with that. As your child gets older, breast feeding may only take place in the morning and right before bed. That may go on for some time until your child gives it up completely.
La Leche League says: “A mother and her baby should breastfeed for as long as they wish to breastfeed.” And I couldn’t agree more. There is no set number of years you should nurse your baby. If you and your child enjoy breastfeeding, there is no reason you need to stop. Both of you will continue to benefit from breastfeeding as long as you like. Many mothers choose to wean naturally, allowing the child to outgrow the need to nurse on their own time.
One thing worth mentioning, is the importance of supporting breast feeding moms in ALL circumstances. Of course it is vital that we all support new moms as they take on the challenge of breastfeeding but it is also equally important that we support moms who are nursing their toddlers. As a mother who is still nursing my almost two year old, I have come under criticism from even my friends. They’ve told me it was weird that I am still breastfeeding my son and that I should stop. I was so surprised at this type of behavior and disappointed that people react like this. Despite negative feedback, I have also gotten an outpour of positive comments and I am so very proud of myself for still breastfeeding my son.
Breastfeeding should ALWAYS be encouraged, never looked down upon. Your attitude and comments can make a world of difference to a breastfeeding mother. The most important thing is that you do what is best for you and your child, whatever that may be!
Are you a breastfeeding mom? How long did you breastfeed your baby? We would love to hear from you!
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27 Comments on "How Long Do You Breastfeed Your Baby?"
I breastfed my daughter for exactly 22 months. I stopped bc my OB advised I stop prior to becoming pregnant with #2. I was doing baby led weaning. I was shocked that it only took my daughter one day to be done nursing. I told her I had “an owie” and placed band aids on both nipples. She was so empathetic and sweet she simply said ok and took a bottle or cup of milk from then on!
I wasn’t able to get our first son to latch properly, so i pumped and feed him for 3 months, then we found out we were expecting DS #2, and my milk supply decreased and I couldn’t keep up with his demand so we switched to formula. I am still breastfeeding my second son who is 20 months old, he is a very picky eater and likes to nurse a lot, but I am trying to wean him since i am 16 weeks pregnant!
Had planned at least 18 months, entertained idea of two years with #1, but after 2nd infection/antibiotics, he self weaned @ 16 months.
#2 just turned 9 months and I’ll let her self wean, too, but at least one year especially since she refuses bottle completely while I’m @ work 3 days/week and catches up the other 4 days & at nights. Somehow she still manages to be in 95% for weight while DS who took much more regularly was closer to 90%. Go figure!
I nursed my daughter for 28 months.
15 mo with my first, 22 and counting with my second (and last). Will continue until he is no longer interested!
My son is 16 months and we are still nursing strong. I will allow him to self wean. I have been supported every step of the way and love our bond and what I am providing for my babe. Plus the milk is a wonder drug for a lot of ailments. Love it!
I breastfed 21 months with my first, and I’m almost 6 months in with my second. I never planned on nursing for that long with my first, but it was so natural and comfortable for us. I’m glad I weaned when I did, because I found out I was pregnant a week later!
I breastfed my son for 45 months (3 years and 9 months). I let him self wean when he was ready and that was when he chose. I absolutely loved the bonding time we shared and would do it all over again if I could.
With my first, he weaned himself at almost 11 months. With my second, we are still going strong at 16 months. I have been amazed to see the difference of breastfeeding two children. One has always loved it and gotten comfort from it and the other never seemed interested in it and self weaned before a year.