A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Thanks for readingI'm married and we share 1 child together. We are from different cultures and have different beliefs My husband wants me to breastfeed for 3 years! I believe 6-9 months is ample time. I tried telling him 3 years is much too long he believes I'm incorrect. Suggestions please and thanks Reply to this Question
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (17 September 2021): I think you will find that there will come a natural point to when things will end. No one can just decide for how long they will breastfeed. For some it is great to breastfeed until the child is older (there really is no such thing as too old, the health benefits of breastmilk is great for older children too). For some the prosess of breastfeeding is difficult, hard, perhaps they dont have enough milk etc. There are just too many factors here, and rarely does anyone stop or continue just because its been x many months. Rather, it comes down to wether it works for you or not. I suggest you breastfeed for as long as you are comfortable with it, and dont set yourself a timeline. For some, two months is all they can manage (usually there are health reasons). For some, they breastfeed until the child is 5 years old. Nothing wrong with that either. Try to just go with the flow of what works for you and your body.
A
reader, anonymous, writes (16 September 2021): Culture has very little to do with this. You're the one with the breasts, and you're the one who gave birth to the child.
People often get caught between cultures and traditions, and what the reality of a situation demands. Once you've consulted with your doctor, you can determine how long your child should be nursed; and when it is best to ween the child onto semi-solid foods. Your husband is entitled to his opinions; but unless he can give milk, you can only take his suggestions into advisement. Let the doctor have the last-word. Then let him argue with the doctor instead!
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (15 September 2021): Your body, your rules.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (15 September 2021):
 Talk to your doctor if in doubt.
Also, it's YOUR boobs, YOUR body thus YOUR decision.
I breastfed all 3 of mine. #1 was for 19 months (which was WAYYYYY too long but weaning her was darn near impossible) #2 was for 9 months, she weaned herself. And #3 was 10 months.
Babies DO get nutrients from breastmilk even when they start solids. Most babies absorb fewer nutrients (such as calcium and vitamins) from solids and much more from breastmilk.
The thing with breastfeeding these days is that you CAN provide a substitute (formula) so the NEED for breastmilk is not as high after the first 6 months. Still, babies do GET benefits from breastfeeding as LONG as you like - evet at the 2-year mark. Does that mean you HAVE to breastfeed for 2 + years? No.
I think MANY moms at some point just want their bodies back. They want to take care of themselves too. And that CAN (doesn't have to) include stopping lactating. Being able to eat more varied food options, do sports, etc.
He might WANT you to breastfeed for 3 years, Ok... They are NOT his boobies. NOT his body. You have to find what WORKS for you and for the baby, NOT what works for your husband.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (15 September 2021): Health wise your husband is right. Breast feeding means strong immunity
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (15 September 2021): He is wrong.You breastfeed however long you want to.Until he is the one breastfeeding he has no say.Three years old??Ouch! By then they have all kinds of teeth.bite your husband's nipple really hard and see how he likes it.I have three children and am grandma.I say your time period of six to nine months is correct.By the time they are mine months they should be on the sippy cup and drinking regular milk.I have years experience here...how many years does he have?Even if you do not want to breast feed now and switch to formula that is your choice....not his.These are not his body fluids they are yours so really none of this is up to him as it is up to you.Have your doctor explain all of this to him.The only thing I really hope for you is that he is not as controlling in other aspects of your life.I see a little red flag here...Do what you want.Your body your choice.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (15 September 2021): Your body … your choice !
Unless he wants to grow a womb , carry the baby then grow breasts amd feed the baby himself you set the boundaries on YOUR body!
Some men are just unbelievable and have zero idea the toll feeding takes on a woman … either that or they just don’t care cause it’s not their body
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (15 September 2021): I agree with you and disagree with your husband, breastfeeding for 3 years is unnecessary bordering with weird,but that's not really the point. The point is that : the breasts are yours, the milk too, and you would be the one who must perform the physical act of breastfeeding,using up your own time and energies.So it is up to you, and only up to you, to decide for how long you will be breastfeeding.If your husband does not agree...tell him that he is welcome to breastfeed himself for as long as he likes !
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