When Is The Best Time To Stop Breastfeeding?
December 6, 2009 by admin
Filed under Breast Feeding Supplies
My son is 1 year and 3 mnths old, and I’m still breastfeeding him as we both ejoy this happy process. But someday I will have to stop it, and I wonder what’s the best age for the child to do that.
Child-led weaning is the way to go. Most children lose interest sometime between ages 2-4. The WHO (World health orginization recommend nursing for AT LEAST the 1st 2 years, with foods being expermented with late in the first year.
My dd self-weaned at 40 months, my son just turned 2 and nurses several times during the day still.
It is much easier to wean a child that can grasp ideas such as “milk is all done” and “big boys drink from cups.” i would give him another 7 months at least!-)
it is way better to have full-fat human milk than to switch to that of another species at the magical, arbitrary 1 year mark.
I had to stop breastfeeding my first when he was 6 months old, my second when she was 3 months old, and now my third when he was only a month. I never had a strong milk supply, so I’m not much help, but good for you for sticking with it for over a year. A lot of women aren’t able to do so. You deserve a pat on the back!
As far as when to stop, I’d say maybe 18 months. So give it 3 more months and see how you feel. Have you talked to your dr about this?
That’s up to you and your child. In a lot of countries around the world women breast feed a lot longer than American women do. American women usually breast feed up to 6-7 months ( past a year and you might get some negative critisim). There might be a time when your child decides to reject the breast. Especially as he grows older and sees other children using cups. Or you might be tiered of breast feeding at some point or it’s totally inconvenient. Point is when one of you wants to stop breast feeding- stop. And finds other ways to bond with your child for the future. I really admire your dedication though, I plan to breast feed due to the nutritional benefits and the bonding it provides for you and your child. I hope I can last at least a year:>)
Well, obviously, you should be giving your child food and water/whole milk to drink. But supplementing that with breastfeeding isn’t a bad thing! My daughter continued until she was around 15-17 mos before she stopped altogether, but we were also giving her food, some water, and whole milk to drink. She stopped on her own.
Children stop at different times, but if they are getting the sustenance they need from food and drink, they will usually wean themselves before they reach the age of two. Some children go longer, of course, but you obviously don’t want them still wanting it when they hit preschool/school age. *grin* If there is threat of that happening, or they seem to only be nursing for the “routine” of it, then by all means, start with-holding it from one meal at a time until they’re weaned completely. But so long as it is still supplementary (and not only being used as a “pacifier”, “nuk” or “comfort”), you shouldn’t worry too much.
studies show that children benefit from breastfeeding for the first year of life. it’s up to you and your child when the best time to stop is. when you feel ready and so does he. good luck.
about 2 years old
When both you AND your child are ready to stop is the perfect time.
I’ve always stopped when my milk dried up, but it doesn’t sound like that’s a problem for you. Usually, if you are going to enter your child into any kind of school, then you would probably need to stop breastfeeding. But that could be until your child is 3, 4, 5 or six years old. So just do it gradually. Maybe substitute one of your feedings with a bottle and let someone else do it. Good luck to you.
II think it is definitely up to you and your baby when to stop but I have heard that it is harder to wean a baby from breastfeeding after two, so it is recommended to wean before then. Good luck!http://www.smartmomma.com/Baby/weaning_b…
Personally, I nursed my daughter until she was about 22 months old. I was pregnant with my son and just was too sensitive to let her continue. It was pretty easy though, because by that point she was only nursing first thing in the morning with snuggle time in mommy and daddy’s bed. I plan to nurse my son until he doesn’t want to anymore.
I would recommend you stop before they turn two. Kids can start to get really stubborn around then, and it could be more difficult than it needs to be.
Before he starts college is a good time OK just kidding
Good for you though! I plan to go for at least a year hopefully longer with my second. It’s a big misconception that breast milk is only good for the first few months. The longer you feed the better you baby is protected for sickness. breast milk provides so much more then regular cows milk. I’m sure you already all this though. It’s up to you when you want to stop. Some stop at 2 others 3. When ever you feel the time is right.
Doctors and experts say that there are really no benefits to breastfeeding after 1 year. Kids need the extra fat from whole milk at this point until age 2.
I’d say your should try to stop asap. Babies only need to have formula or breast milk for the first 12mo. Your baby should be eating real food by now.