A
female
age
36-40,
*ogdlm
writes:At what age should I stop breast feeding my child? I'm about to be a new mom, and some have told me 3 months, others have told me 3 years. I just want some honest opinions from women who have already had children and weaned them. Thanks for any suggestions. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (4 May 2008): Hi
I have been breast feeding my little boy for 22 months now, its been good but it has been very difficult at times because he still sleeps with me. I would say you do what feels right for you, people have different views on breast feeding and i my self have had people make comments, but thats only because they don't really understand how close you become with your child or the benifits it has for and your baby.
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (2 April 2008): ween your baby between 6 months and 9 months.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (3 March 2008): Hi definitely not before six months(no solids before 6mths either), preferably to 1year of age. But anytime after six months is fine if you want to wean. If you feel comfortable feeding longer than do so - don't worry about what other people say.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (7 February 2008): I'm still breastfeeding my 18 month old. He's got teeth but it doesn't hurt. I mainly try to feed at home and keep it to nights as I feel there's quite a lot of stigma attached to feeding when they're toddlers... The World Health Organisation recommend women keep going till the child is two. It's a very personal choice and one you should try to make without being swayed by outside pressure. I fed my other babies till they were 7 months. For some reason, this one seems to be a lot harder to get off the breast. I wish you all the very best and hope you enjoy feeding - it's something I'm sure I'll look back on and treasure when I'm old.
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female
reader, xapathyxrebornx  +, writes (1 February 2008):
 im not a mum but my plan is to try for at least 6 months
My mum personally tried and lasted 3 months.
my sisters never tried.
i think it would have been more rewarding for them to try as it helps the bonding.
SO i would suggest at least TRY to kee going for 6 months at least its good for both your baby and yourself =D x
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (31 January 2008): I only could manage to do it for 6 weeks, and I was supplementing with formula. I had every intention to breastfeed, but as a new mom I didn't know how hard it would be. I didn't produce much milk, and I was pumping every 15-30 min. to try & increase production, and it didn't help. I kept the baby on my boob at night. I thought that would increase production, but it didn't. So I guess all you can do is see how it works for you, every experience is different. I had an impression that I was going to be like a milk maid, producing more than enough milk, and if that were the case, I would have LOVED to keep doing it for a year. It made me feel so much better to give her breastmilk. But I am glad that she got 6 weeks worth of breast milk. Since they say formula or breast feed for a year, I would go by that. However, if it's too difficult for you, just do it for as long as you can bare. Any is better than none & at least you can say you gave it your all. A lot of women don't even try.
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female
reader, birdynumnums  +, writes (31 January 2008):
 I breast fed one child for one year and the other child for 16 months. They are 26 and 22 now and they have been pretty healthy. Both my husband and myself found that it was the best and most convenient method. The bonus? I just spent three hours today getting a lump checked out and got a clean bill of health. Nursing is very good for YOUR future health as well as your kids! The longer that you breast feed, the less likely you are to get breast cancer (with no family history involvement). I am so relieved... and Thank You Kids!!!
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (30 January 2008): Its an individual choice.
It is reccomended in England to breast feed for between 6 months and 12 months. I have three children and breatfed them all. Child 1 for 7 months, child 2 for nine months and my recent is still taking the breast and she is 8 months but I doubt there are any real nutrients left. Id personaaly say 6 months is about right as the child is getting all the antibodies and full fat milk, However after a while the breast milk thins out making the breastfeeding more for comfort than nutrients. Good luck with what ever you choose.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (30 January 2008): I breastfed my baby for two years. From a very tiny baby he didn't like a bottle at all and even though I tried he never took to one. So from breastfeeding he went straight to drinking milk from a cup at 2years. I found it very easy and convenient, especially at night time. Anyway I weaned him gradually starting missing out the luchtime feed, then the morning feed, and eventually the night time feed. What finally made me stop was after going on holiday and being at the airport...delayed..he wanted a feed and I felt very self conscious of a toddler with a mouthful of teeth wanting feeding and trying to hitch up my blouse..so I suppose that was the impetus for me to stop. If you feel comfortable with it then do it for as long as you can, incidentally I didn't have any discomfort after weaning as I did it gradually and the milk dried up by itself.
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A
female
reader, fogdlm +, writes (30 January 2008):
fogdlm is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThanks, ladies, that really helped. All the web sites I was going on were saying, "Different cultures do different things" and "You'll just know when it's time." I wanted a rough figure to go by. Thanks again!
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female
reader, DrPsych +, writes (30 January 2008):
 I had my baby 7 weeks ago. The advice from health professionals is generally that 6 months of breastfeeding is a real boost to the immunity of the baby and many mum's manage a year or more. You have to learn to breast-feed properly though or else you will be walking around with very sore udders!!! I advise you to get a breast pump and if you are sore then use plastic nipple protectors until it eases off. Some women think that breast feeding is inconvenient but personally I find it easier to manage than formula milk - all that sterilisation of bottles at 4am is a nightmare!!! It also helps with weight loss and nappies are nicer to change from breast fed babies.
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female
reader, happyholly +, writes (30 January 2008):
Your choice, i have had 5 children and have fed them all. I have fed from 12 weeks to two years. There is no right or wrong, if you are happy then baby is happy. It all depends on your life style, work and if you have enough milk. I have fed mine with and without teeth and never had any problems. If it works for you then do it,if your baby wants to stop or is not happy i am sure he/she will let you know when he does. I have always given mine boiled water in a bottle that way if you want 2 give up breast feeding whilst they are still young you can go on to babies milk with out much trouble.... as they are used to a bottle. Happy feeding and the best of luck with your new baby. Hollyx PS medical staff and your health visitor will help with any feeding isues and there are many sites online
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female
reader, happyholly +, writes (30 January 2008):
Your choice, i have had 5 children and have fed them all. I have fed from 12 weeks to two years. There is no right or wrong, if you are happy then baby is happy. It all depends on your life style, work and if you have enough milk. I have fed mine with and without teeth and never had any problems. If it works for you then do it,if your baby wants to stop or is not happy i am sure he/she will let you know when he does. I have always given mine boiled water in a bottle that way if you want 2 give up breast feeding whilst they are still young you can go on to babies milk with out much trouble.... as they are used to a bottle. Happy feeding and the best of luck with your new baby. Hollyx PS medical staff and your health visitor will help with any feeding isues and there are many sites online
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reader, anonymous, writes (30 January 2008): Before the teeth arrive, gently get them onto bottled feeds if they arent old enough to take solids.
take care
xx
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A
female
reader, ralphy +, writes (30 January 2008):
each child has a threshold point where if they are still breast feeding at that point then it will become extremely difficult for them to stop. I would recommend feeding via the breast for 3 months or so and then continue pumping but using a bottle until you feel comfrotable. Breast milk it very good for a child so keep giving it to them but go through the normal bottle to sippy to regular cup that developmentally occurs - stop when your comfrotable - you are the mom.
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female
reader, Serinity +, writes (30 January 2008):
 I breast fed both of my children and I think the best time to stop breast feeding is when they start cutting teeth. I personally don't agree with breast feeding after 1 year. Once your child begins eating solid foods there is no need for breast milk. Good luck!
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