When and how to give up breastfeeding?

[pinkie93]

My little boy is nearly 13 months and is still breastfeeding a lot, 4-6 times per day, he was exclusively breastfed to 6 months and now it's along side his 3 meals a day. I love breastfeeding and he is showing no signs of wanting to stop. But people have started reacting differently too my breastfeeding, in public people have said he looks a little old, he is 91st centile for height and head circumference so he may look older than he is. I have a few reasons I don't want to stop breast feeding: - He still wants to breastfeed - I love the experience and it makes me feel proud - It's free and convenient - He was seriously ill in hospital a few months ago and wouldn't eat solids for a week, but I was able to sustain him on breastmilk and it really helped get us both through a really scary time.

But I don't enjoy the judgement and I don't know if breastfeeding for an extended period will cause problems for my boy? Plus, will it just get more difficult to stop the longer I continue? Also I cannot use my preferred method of contraception and I don't want another child.

Not really sure if this makes much sense, maybe I'm just being an anxious mummy at the moment. But any advice would really be appreciated. Thank you!

[Dansolo92]

Seriously I would not let other peoples opinions stop you doing what you want to do. I intend on feeding for as long as my little boy wants to. I get funny looks when I'm breastfeeding in public now and mine is only 5 months old and at first it got to me but now I think I'm feeding my child so get over it. People do not need to look at you so if they have a problem with his age that's their problem. You do what is best for you and your little boy xx

[pinkie93 in reply to Dansolo92]

Thank you, it never used to get to me at all, I was that mummy walking around feeding my boy in his carrier (now that's multi tasking haha). But for some reason it has started bothering me recently, it may just be everything else going on in the world increasing my anxiety. It's nice to have some support sometimes, thank you xx

[Dansolo92 in reply to pinkie93]

I'm always on edge when I have to leave the house with my kids so I know what you mean. Wow that is multitasking haha. I always try and find a quiet corner to feed my baby so I haven't tried doing that yet 😂😂 xx

[MissSaoPaulo]

Breastfeeding your child to age 2 or more isn't weird and is actually recommended (World Health Organization). It won't cause problems. What IS weird is this prudish cultural obsession with breasts as sex objects rather than simply mammary glands, which makes people feel uncomfortable with seeing them.

I know it's easier said than done, but mentally activate your 'f**k off button' and continue breastfeeding as long as you and your son want to, secure in the knowledge that you're doing the absolute best for him and anyway, it's nobody's business xxx

[Seb9]

Try not to look at it as judgement and look at it as ignorance, they're just not informed about the benefits of extended feeding and how good it is for baby and for you. If you're both still enjoying feeding keep going as long as your want to. It's normal in nature for children to self wean at some point, if he's still breastfeeding when he goes off to uni then maybe you've got a problem 😉

[PoppyC38]

I’ve just stopped breastfeeding my son at 2 years 10 months and only because I’m pregnant and my milks gone. Do what you want to do it’s entirely your choice and no one else’s. If you are on Facebook there is a great group called Breastfeeding older babies and beyond that is definitely worth joining.

[Claireeeeeeeeeeeee]

I understand the judgement is uncomfortable. It's so odd as it seems in our culture it's why arent you breast feeding till 6 months and then as soon as you add some solids when are you stopping. The world health organisation reccomend till 2 years minimum so I always just tell people this. Though my little one is 2 years and 2 months and we are still going strong. I would say that we now feed mostly at home as its evening and late afternoon only now. Unless she is really upset. Extended feeding is way more normal than you think its just not talked about as much. When I carried on I found loads of my friends had until there children were 4 and now they are all normal adjusted children at school. They say that without our weird judging culture naturally children would feed for much longer. It is completely up to you, but if you and your child still enjoy it. There are still health benefits so dont let others ignorance stop you. Find some other people who are still feeding and support each other.

[roxannacar]

People can get lost. I fed mine till 14 months and 18months and mainly cause we had started nursery and I was getting bit exhausted.

Re contraception you should be able to use any method of contraception at this point. Some people are reluctant to put in coils due to slightly increased risk of perforation, but by now you should be ok, so would see if someone else is willing to do it. You can use any hormonal type at this point tho.