I hear about mothers that breastfeed their 2,3, and even 4 year old children. I personally don't understand why they do it. I read that after age 1 they don't need the nutrition of breastmilk anymore. I have a 3 1/2 month old now and I enjoy nursing her but I think I will be happy when she can move on to cows milk in a sippy cup. Maybe I will feel differenly when she is older. What does everone think about this.

By Palmbchprincess on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 10:53 pm:

When I was a teen, one of my parents' friends had a baby, and breastfed well past 2. This child could come up and say "Mommy, boobie!" and lift up her mother's shirt. I remember my parents and their friends all dumb-founded by this, and I thought it was pretty bizarre myself. After I had the kids, I wanted to nurse as long as I could, up to a year. Once they are old enough for milk I didn't see a point. (I only made it a few months, but that's another story). Basically, I agree... there seems to be little reason after 12 months, and I disagree with prolonged nursing. JMHO

By Cat on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 11:25 pm:

When I nursed my kids the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended nursing babies until they were 2yo. Robin weaned at 13 months because I was pregnant again and the doc said I should wean him. I lost that pregnancy a week later, but Robin was adjusting with no problems, so I didn't offer to let him nurse. I tried to wean Randy at 20 months and he screamed like a wild child for an hour! I finally gave in and figured he'd wean when he was ready. I tried again at 22 months and he weaned no problem. I did have a friend at the time who had a son Robin's age (so they were both 4yo). She was still letting him nurse 2-3 times a day. I thought that was rather strange, but that family had some other pretty radical views on things. Her children (she had four total) didn't get milk at all. She always said, "Cows milk is for cows. Human milk is for humans." Okay. Randy would pull on my shirt, but he wasn't verbally asking for my "boobie" (who teaches their kids to say that???). One thing I will say is when he finally weaned he stopped having ear infections. His ped was really amazed about that, because they were pretty bad up until then. Anyway, I feel it is one of those things that's whatever works for your particular family. Who are we to judge? Jmho (as always. )

By Sunny on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 11:26 pm:

There are many benefits to nursing past age 1. Just because they are old enough to drink cow's milk doesn't mean that breastmilk suddenly becomes less nutritious or less benefitial! The AAP recommends nursing for at least a year and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends nursing for up to 2 years WHO on Breastfeeding:
"To enable mothers to establish and sustain exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, WHO and UNICEF recommend:

*Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life
*Exclusive breastfeeding – that is the infant only receives breastmilk without any additional food or drink, not even water
*Breastfeeding on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night
*No use of bottles, teats or pacifiers

Breastmilk is the natural first food for babies, it provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one-third during the second year of life.

Breastmilk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness. These effects can be measured in resource-poor and affluent societies (Kramer M et al Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial (PROBIT): A randomized trial in the Republic of Belarus. Journal of the American Medical Association, 2001, 285 (4): 413-420)

Breastfeeding contributes to the health and well-being of mothers, it helps to space children, reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer, increases family and national resources, is a secure way of feeding and is safe for the environment."
Do a search for extended nursing and read up about the benefits and reasons some women choose to continue to breastfeed.

I didn't wean my youngest until a month after his 2nd birthday. Actually, of my five kids, I nursed him the longest and my oldest the least amount of time (I weaned him at 15 months). I thought the same thing as you: Since he could drink and eat whatever we did, why continue to nurse him? But you know what? The more kids I had, the longer I nursed each of them. The older I got, the more informed I became and that made making the decision to prolong nursing easy.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 12:11 am:

I have a friend who nurse her kids up to 3.

Another friend who nursed until about 2-1/2. Jen's word for nursing was "milky" (better than boobie!) Jen liked to nurse when she was scared or upset, as she got older. I don't see anything wrong with it.

Me, I was only able to nurse for about 6 months both times, since I was working rotating shifts and my body didn't know if I was coming or going. I was working 2 weeks of nights and then 2 weeks of days, so I'm probably lucky I was able to do it that long. I wanted to nurse them longer, though, and was very sad when my milk supply dwindled.

By My2cuties on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 09:17 am:

I nursed my oldest dd until she was 2 months old, and I nursed my 2nd for 2 weeks, she dropped down from 8lbs. 11oz. to 8lbs. 1oz. and her pediatrician was out of town and the doctor we did see made me feel bad so I just put her on formula, I cried for weeks over it. I plan on nursing this one until she is 1. I had a hard time with dd #2 because I had to constantly get on to Katelyn (she was only 20 months old and didn't have anyone to play with except me). I would nurse to age 2 but any longer than that just seems like it would be a challenge. I also say whatever works for you, is probably what is best.

By Kate on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 09:52 am:

I agree with nursing until about two, and I agree that cow milk is for cows only and human milk for humans only.

By Feona on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 11:46 am:

I breast feed till ds was 3. He had no allergies... Now he has allergies... I am so glad I did it because he is the sweetest happiest gentlest little boy.

I think they fail to mention that breast feeding must help in social skills. Due to the bonding experience.

They say ds has social problems but you should see how popular he is because he is like a most reliable friendly friend. He doesn't change his mind about you from day to day. If he likes you, then you are a shining star to him each day.
I know his social problems with dissipate due to his love of people and his intense desire to be near and play with his friends and make new friends.

It also it sort of is a selfless act to breast feed. It is very demanding on the mother. Of course it was the only time he wasn't jumping on my head too. (not really but sort of if you know what I mean.)


Ds also is in the 90 percentile in growth. He used to be over the 100th percentile.

By Kaye on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 01:35 pm:

I used to feel that bf over 1 year was just wrong, maybe 2, but at the least it was odd. Then I met a dear friend of mine. She is currently BF her just turned four year old. She nurses only at night (unless she is sick) and you just would never know. I knew her for 8+ months before I knew and I only knew because it came up in conversation and I asked. So because we are close I asked a lot of questions, starting with WHY? She said purely for the immuno benefits. Her daughter does use it as comfort when she is sick, but she doesn't nurse every night and my friend has left her for several days. So okay, lets say I buy into it is good for you, then why not pump? Well pour milk into a glass, then dump it out or dirnk it. Notice the film on the side? that is the fat content, that is where all the good stuff from breast milk is found, so if you pump and use a cup you miss out on quite a bit. The second reason is your body is absolutly made to be the perfect nutrient for your child. It has been scientifically proven that when a child gets sick and then nurses your nipple is able to read the issue, then next time you nurse the right antibodies are present. That saliva to nipple contact is VERY important. There are actually studies done of people who tandem feed (two kids different ages), where one lady fed her infant from one breast and the toddler from the other and after evaluating the milk there was a completely different make up. Higher fat content for the baby, different nutrients for the toddler and different immuno cells in each. Your body was designed to do that. I guess it wasn't right for me to do, but can definetly see the benefits through reading. I think it is wrong to have a toddler that comes up and demands a boob here and now, but toddlers have their moments and whether we nurse or not we still have to parent!

Meeting a "normal" person who nursed for so long really gave me insight. I always thought oh those people, the ones who will probably homeschool, have a religion issue, kids are spoiled, can't say no, etc. Well you know it just isn't the case (sure it can be), but instead of looking down on something I just didn't get, I realized that it worked for her and her daughter. And quite frankly was none of my business. This little girl is very normal, well adjusted and you just would never know.

By Bellajoe on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 03:12 pm:

Sorry, i just think it is wrong and weird to breastfeed past 1 yr old. I personally would be sick of breastfeeding by then. My kids bf up till 6 and 8 months. They have been healthy, happy, sweet kids since they were born. JMHO

By Sunny on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 03:31 pm:

Is there any particular reason you think "it is wrong and weird to breastfeed past 1 yr old"? Define "weird". Do you mean abnormal or something else?

It may be your preference to not breastfeed past their 1st birthday, but why is it wrong for others?

By Missmudd on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 03:34 pm:

#1 I didnt breastfeed at all, I think I was too young and inexperienced to get any real help, #2 I breastfed til he was about 8 mo when I had to go back to work and I didnt have a place to pump, #3 I breastfed til he was about 10 mo, then he started hiting me if I didnt let down fast enough. That made me cranky, I dont like to be hit so he was weaned. #4 was breastfed til about 14 mo then he decided he just didnt want to anymore. When I tried to put him on the breast he would fight me. After a week of that he was weaned. So really I think it has to do w/ where you are as a family, whether you work or not, and the individual kid you are trying to nurse. #1 is never ever sick, #2 is sick all the time #3 is never sick #4 is sometimes sick. All in all I think I did ok, even the one I didnt breastfeed.

By Unschoolmom on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 - 05:38 pm:

My daughter nursed until she was 2, My son who was 3 in early January still nurses before his afternoon nap and in the night.

> I read that after age 1 they don't need the >nutrition of breastmilk anymore.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

When does a kid stop needing nutrition?? I know what's meant is that they get enough from other food that nursing just isn't nessacary for nutrtion but that's a weird argument that assumes nursing is a bit of a burden but still admits how valuable it can be. Should we cut out sweet potatoes when our kids find some other food that supplies similar nutrition?

With my son, nursing is really a comfort issue I think. It's time for him to be alone with me and wind down for sleep. He can do that on his own as well but it's a really nice time for both of us. It still has its hormonal calming effect on him (and me, I'm famous for going to nurse him 'just to get him to sleep' and falling asleep myself)

It also came in really handy last spring when we all had a vicious flu and he wasn't keeping anything down. By bedtime that first day his eyes were sunken and he was close to being dehydrated. He nursed practically the whole night and was looking better by morning. For the next two days, he only nursed. He couldn't even keep water down. I'm sure (and my doctor as well) that nursing was was kept him out of the hospital.

And as long as he is nursing he's getting the anti-bodies my body produces and all the same health benefits he did when he was an infant and relied on breastmilk to bolster his immature immune system.

Breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding esp. were just plain disgusting to me before I did it. Now I can't imagine not doing it and nothing seems more normal. But I'm convinced a lot of people have the same vague ick factor feeling I did simply because deep down they may think of breasts as sex toys and nursing toddlers (esp. boys) just seems wrong. If we could get over that, it just wouldn't be an issue.

By Bellajoe on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 - 11:24 am:

I guess i just meant that it just is not my thing. If the child can come up to you and ask for the breast, then it is time to wean. Maybe "weird" was a bad choice of words.

I know the breast milk supplies nutrition, but by age 1 or 2 they should be getting nutrition from other foods.

Like i said, i guess nursing past infancy is just not my thing. I'm not telling anyone what to do or what not to do. If you want to keep breastfeeding them till they are 5, fine with me. I just can not imagine my 4 yr old still breastfeeding.

By Heaventree on Saturday, February 5, 2005 - 09:07 am:

My ds is 10 months old and I'm pregnant again so I am starting to wean. I know that I don't have to but he seems ready and is taking to cow's milk just fine. I'm also very tired so I think cutting down on breastfeeding might help with my energy level. I think that if people want to BF until their children are 4 years old that's their business, however, if you only want to BF for 3 months or not at all then that's your business as well.

I do believe there are a lot of benefits to breastfeeding, both emotional and physical and I don't regret it one bit.

The comments about the WHO are are valid, however, they apply to people all over the world not just to those in Western society. You have to take into consideration that people in some 3rd world countries do not have the nutritional variety and benefits that we have here so to say that everyone should breatfeed until age 3 or whatever the suggested age is in my opinion is not necessarily meant for everyone.

My doctor mentioned that your child only receives your antibodies from your breast milk for the 1st 3 months, I agree that it helps with protecting against allergies and ear infections and probably a lot of other things that we are not aware of. I am all for breastfeeding, I think nutritionally it is the best that we can do for our children. However, I think that it really is a presonal choice and no one should be made to feel badly because they didn't or couldn't breatfeed and like wise if someone wants to breastfeed thier children until 4 then good for you.

By Unschoolmom on Saturday, February 5, 2005 - 01:11 pm:

Your doctor's information isn't correct. Antibodies are always present in the milk. Perhaps he meant that he believed there were only needed for the first three months (which I'd still disagree with)?

By Jenn34 on Saturday, February 5, 2005 - 03:44 pm:

Studies have shown that breastmilk changes with the needs of the child so the milk at birth is different than the milk of a older baby. I nursed my middle child until he was nearly four. After a certain point we stopped nursing in public because of the general problem people have with older children nursing. My middle child has PPD(a form of autism) and nursing was one of the few things that would calm him down. My last baby is five months old and most of the time I have to use the breast pump because since birth he refuses the breast a little more than half the time. Breastfeeding like most other issues involving children are very personal and we try to do the best for our children. Healthy happy children start with healthy happy parents who aren't made to feel bad for the choices they make.

By Breann on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - 03:15 pm:

My own rule: Once the child is old enough to start asking for "it" in public, it's over
I personally wouldn't nurse over a year old unless there was a medical condition.

By Feona on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 07:03 am:

You know I would love to see studies done of ppd and autism and breast feeding until 3 or 4. I wonder if it help the child be more social.

By Boxzgrl on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 11:34 am:

I plan on nursing our next child. My personal rule is I stop as soon as teeth come through. I just have this personal fear of pain in that area, lol! I've seen it happen to my Mom while nursing my little brother so I think i've been scarred since then!

As far as nursing past infancy, I dont know. To me it seems like giving a child a bottle after 1, or keeping a child on a pacifier until they are 2-3. I think that method goes along with "attachment parenting" and i'm not one who agrees with that. So, we'll just leave it at that.

By Emily7 on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 02:51 pm:

I was scared of the teeth too Melissa, but Olivia is almost 14 months old & is still breast feeding 2 a day. My MIL keeps asking me when I am going to stop & I just point out that she bottle fed my dh until he was 3. I am just slowly weaning her & basically letting her take the lead.

By Boxzgrl on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 06:16 pm:

So i'm not the only one afraid of pearly whites??? LOL! That's good to know. I'm already sensitive in that area so getting bitten is just plain old scary!

By Dawnk777 on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 10:54 pm:

I got bitten a few times by Sarah and then she learned to nurse without teeth, or was just trying out her teeth. A few gasps of pain and she didn't do it anymore. She got teeth when she was 5 months old. I wasn't ready to quit yet.

By Heaventree on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - 10:41 am:

I was bitten a few times, but they learn fairly quickly that once you bite mommy there is no more nursing. Babies usually only bite at the end of the nursing session and usually when they are teething, if you watch closely you will be able to tell when they are about to bite and you can stop before it happens. In my experience it was not a regular or daily occurence. I never thought I would nurse past 6 months but we managed until 10 months and I have no regrets, it was a wonderul time just between the two of us.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - 11:44 am:

yeah, heaventree, I think Sarah was looking me in the eye, before she did it, like she was waiting to see how I would react! LOL!

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 04:17 pm:

I get a weekly parenting newsletter from KeepKidsHealthy.com. This article was in todays issue. Not saying I agree or disagree, just posting the new BF recommendations put out by the AAP.


New Breastfeeding Recommendations
=================================

There aren't too many surprises in the American Academy of Pediatrics latest policy statement on Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, which states that 'human milk is uniquely superior for infant feeding.'

The AAP still recommends that 'breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.'

They did go a step further this time though, in saying that 'there is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer.' That is good news for mothers who want to breastfeed their toddlers.

Not surprisingly, the new policy statement tries to emphasize that there are 'compelling advantages for infants, mothers, families, and society from breastfeeding, ' including 'health, nutrional, immunologic, developmental, psychologic, social, economic, and enviornmental benefits.'

Other recommendations of this policy statement that will be helpful for parents include that:

* healthy infants should be given an opportunity to have direct skin-to-skin contact with their mother and breastfeed as soon as possible after they are born.

* infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life, which means no formula, water, juice, or cereal.

* pacifiers should be avoided until after breastfeeding is well established.

* newborn should breastfeed 8 to 12 times a day when a baby shows the first signs of hunger, such as 'increased alertness, physical activity, mouthing, or rooting,' and not just when they are crying, a late sign of hunger.

* all breastfeeding babies should have a visit with their Pediatrician at 3-5 days of age and then again when they are 2-3 weeks old.

* all breastfeeding infant should receive Vitamin D drops beginning during the first 2 months of life

* a mother and her baby should sleep close to each other to facilitate breastfeeding

* all health professionals should 'promote, support, and protect breastfeeding enthusiastically.'

Hopefully, this new policy statement will help us to move closer to the Healthy People 2010 Goals for breastfeeding, which include that at least 75% of mothers will start breastfeeding, 50% will still be breastfeeding when their baby is six months old, and 25% will still be breastfeeding at 12 months.


For more information:
KeepKidsHealthy.com - Breastfeeding

By Sunny on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 10:52 pm:

Well, I'll go on the record and say that I agree with the recommendations - all of them - then again, I did every thing listed when my kids were babies.

By My2cuties on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 11:15 pm:

thanks Trina I am really going to try hard to breastfeed this baby for a while. These tips will help me out lots.

By Hlgmom on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 03:04 pm:

I am writing this way past the the original- so probably no one will read it, but I needed to put in my two cents! Breastfeeding past infance is one of the best and most natural things you can do for your child! The nutritional content and breakdown is still wonderful!! You can go to kellymom.com and search extended breastfeeding and there is a nutritional breakdown of milk for ages 12-36 mos. The AAP new statement is cause for celebration! Hopefully it will help to get the message out to parents and pedeatricians that breast is best! I go to a toddler La Leche League group and it is such a pleasure to dicuss this- one topic that always surfaces is how to deal with people who make rude comments or are offended by you nursing your toddler!
Don't get me wrong- I support breastfeeding to any age- if oyu made it 6 months- good for you! One week is better than none!
One good thing to realize is that it is not a "certain kind" of mom who does extended breastfeeding, ie homeschoolers, attachemnt parents, etc. While some of these people do there are people with all kinds of different beliefs who do it for the health and emotional benefits to their child!
Ok so I am done on my soapbox now!!!

By Butters on Monday, May 10, 2010 - 08:46 pm:

i am a mother of an almost three year old that is still breastfeeding..and man do i get flak for it! sigh* she usually only breastfeeds SOMETIMES at night or when she needs comfort. i haven't had to take her to the doctor other than her regular check ups in a year..and i believe that is because i still breastfeed her. she eats perfectly fine..however i think that she feels she still needs to breastfeed so..i have been weaning her little by little and it works for us..i have no judgements about how long anyone does it..whatever works for mommy and baby! i think if more people felt that way, it would be better for everyone.people gave me a hard time about the pacifier (which she used MAYBE 2 weeks of her infant life), about her wanting to be with me and not going readily to others at 3 months old (she loves EVERYONE now), how she'd never walk because i carried her a lot (she walked at 18 months and hasn't quit running since),etc. babies progress at their own speed. we have a wonderfully close relationship and it works for us..i never tell others how to parent and don't expect to be told either. if you can't breastfeed or choose not to, that's your choice! great! if you do, great! i think whatever keeps the baby and mother happy and healthy is what is best for THEM. i'm glad to see others still breastfeeding at this age though..i was starting to think i was alone!!!!! i'm so glad i decided to go that route..and i'm glad i physically could. i think its been so healthy for us both. kudos out there to you moms out there who care enough to post on here! i love reading your stories and keep up the good work..you are an encouragement and help to other mothers out there. =)

By Feona on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 07:50 am:

Welcome. I stopped when Eric was 3 years and 9 months. John I stopped when he was three years old. I guess I though he was ready. No one gave me any flak though.


I didn't feel in any need to rush to stop.

By Mommy3girls on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 11:04 am:

Butters - than you so much for sharing your story. The world really needs to be educated on the benefits of breast feeding & that there is no MAGICAL age to end. I cant speak from experience - I tried with my 2 oldest DD and only lasted 6 weeks with the 1st and 6 days with the second - so I never got it down - I wish I had. But again - I think it's an experience that has to be "right" for that individual. I was just happy to get them the milk I could at the very beginning!

By Northcountrymom on Saturday, June 5, 2010 - 09:05 pm:

Butters,

We have several friends who breastfed until their children weaned themselves as toddlers or pre-schoolers. The culture seems more inclined to indulge violence or other inappropriate behavior than a mother's nurture of their children. Loved La Leche and lactation specialists who promote the cause of breastfeeding as a healthful benefit to babies and children.

Thanks for sharing.