Moms. How old was your child(ren) when you stopped breastfeeding?

[Maine Mary]

My daughter was 17 months old when I finally laid down the law w/her. It was time to move on to bigger and better things ;-)... like REAL food. God it was tough though. I had almost sucessfully weened her at about 13 months (only night feedings) but shortly thereafter my husband and I seperated. After that she became real clingy and I didn't have the heart to make her stop.

What bothered me the most (and ultimately forced me to ween my baby before I think she was ready) was the criticism I received for allowing her to feed that way into such an "old" age. I still kick myself to this day for giving in to what others had to say about it.

What is your opinion? Was I "wrong" to let her continue to breastfeed that long? W/the exception of my mother (a nurse), many who knew the situation (like my in-laws for example) thought it was downright despicable, disgusting, and back-woods behavior (they're from the big city of Tucson, Az. ya-know :eyes:). To be fair, they never liked it from the beginning.

So anyway, to make a long boring story short, when did (or should you) you ween? I know (thank God) there is no legal age limit. But is there still a societal one INYO?

As a sidenote: I'd like to take this opportunity to mention that though others might not have thought so at the time, believe I did my baby girl some good. She's 18 now but it's only been in recent years that I've read statistics which PROVE breastfeeding is good for a child. It's too bad they weren't out then. Oh, and the other cool thing? I could eat like a pig and got back to my (then) 115 lb 36-26-36 figure in about 9 months time. :-)

[JackSwift]

1. 18 when my mommy cut me off

Going off to college was so difficult. But there were new breasts to try there.

[wtmusic]

58. LOL still go home for Christmas, Jack?

[Maddy McCall]

2. My son was two years and five months old...

No one criticized me; everyone was extremely supportive.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

3. First daughter, 18 months... second one 10 months

goes to show... I think the first one would still be on there if she would let her.

[morningglory]

5. Don't listen to busybodies! I pretended I was a gorilla mother and tried

to do what felt instinctive. Didn't even buy Dr. Spock or any of the others! First son seemed busy and in a hurry, so I went let him ween himself at 10 months, but he had nursed 20 hours a day up to that point (just kidding, but it seemed like it, amd I was sore the whole time). Our second son did not nurse so intensely, and we went on with it until he was 18 months old. Both are great kids now age 27 and 30.

[4323Lopez]

4. When she can walk up to you and undo your bra herself...

ITS TIME!

[Maple]

6. Sheesh!

6 months at the very latest.

Kids need solid food!

[Maddy McCall]

7. Kids GET solid food...

In addition to breast milk. Educate yourself.

[Name removed]

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[Maddy McCall]

9. When did you raise them?

Talk to any nutritionist today and you will learn that there is no firm limit on when to wean. My son ate solid foods and nursed. He surely wasn't plagued with the health issues his peers were--no ear infections, viruses, and the like. He was as healthy as he could be, and his pediatrician credited my breastfeeding with his good health.

Did you give your kids cow's milk at six months? I really feel sorry for them for all the good human-made nutrition they missed.

Glad that there is more knowledge on the topic available today than when you raised your children.

[Name removed]

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[Maddy McCall]

18. You are just making your own rules...

and that is fine, if you want to follow them.

However, any good pediatrician will tell you that it is a matter between the mother and child.

How dare you condemn others for the decisions they made, just because our decisions didn't adhere to your narrow, arbitrary, self-imposed rules.

Teeth are no problem with breastfeeding--if you would have fed longer you might know that.

And with one thing you said I do agree: Common sense is the guide. You wrote it, and if you really believe it, then quit passing judgement on those who used different standards than your self-imposed ones.

[Name removed]

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[Maple]

39. LOLOLOL

'Attacking' now, is it?

'Read literature' hmmm?

Somebody is obsessed...and it ain't me obviously.

[Ellen Forradalom]

57. A flamewar over breastfeeding??????

Give it a rest, ladies. :eyes:

[Maddy McCall]

73. No, a flame attack. Read back through the posts and that is evident

n/t

[Catch22Dem]

62. Are you implying

That children who don't breast feed suffer? How can you suffer from something you never had in the first place? In that case, I suffer from not being a millionaire.

[Maddy McCall]

74. I am not implying such...

I said it was personal choice. But FYI read post 50 for the undisputed benefits of breastfeading for AT LEAST 12 months.

[kayleybeth]

25. Teeth are no problem?????

I've never breast fed, so I defer to thee, O Leather Nipples :-) :-) :-)

[Maddy McCall]

28. Children use their tongues and lips, not their teeth, to nurse.

Never had sore nipples, never had any problems. If the baby is placed correctly on the nipple from the beginning, then it doesn't matter if teeth are present or not. The teeth (nor the gums) never touch the nipple. the lips, inner mouth, and tongues do.

No leather nipples here...mine are the same as anyone elses.

[Maple]

31. Except the child

shouldn't be nursing at that stage.

[Name removed]

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[kayleybeth]

44. jchild:

you wrote:
No leather nipples here...mine are the same as anyone elses.

You'd know more about this than I do, since I never breast fed my children. But I am of the opinion that once a child has teeth, it's time to wean him/her off the breast. Just my opinion-- I do not claim to be an authority on the issue.

[Maddy McCall]

47. See post 45 below...

I think nclib worded it perfectly.

The child shifts from relying only on breast milk to solid foods playing the primary role for nutrition around six months. However, that does not mean that nursing should stop.

You also stated that you didn't feel "comfortable" nursing. That was your decision to make, and I don't look down on you for it, and would appreciate the same respect from you. Some women have problems nursing for cultural reasons; others have other demands that make nursing an impossibility--especially if they aren't willing to pump.

Your decision was yours, mine was mine. Teeth aren't a problem and your opinion is just that, an opinion. There are many many places you can look and lots of info that you can read if you truly want to learn more on this topic.

Honestly, I will have a hard time discussing this with anyone who thinks "eeeeewwwwwww" about a mother who nursed longer than you thought she should.

[kayleybeth]

61. Like I said...

You'd know more about it than I would, because I never breast fed my children. I defer to you on the whole "teeth or no teeth" issue.

You wrote:
Honestly, I will have a hard time discussing this with anyone who thinks "eeeeewwwwwww" about a mother who nursed longer than you thought she should.

So, you think it's okay to nurse a 4 year old? This kid was about to start kindergarten, for cripes sake! Not to mention he was depleting his mother's milk supply while his infant sister was going hungry. He was quite capable of eating solid food on his own, I might add. This kid was speaking in full sentences, and could read and write, yet his mom was reluctant to wean him until her pediatrician practically ordered her to do so.

Forgive me for saying so, but I must reiterate: Eeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwww.

[Maddy McCall]

75. As you said...

I do have experience with this. But feel free to read post 50 so that you can learn more about breastfeeding. If you still say "eeeeewwwww," so be it.

[kayleybeth]

10. I never breast fed my children

I know I'm probably in the minority, but I just was never comfortable with the whole breastfeeding thing. My kids got formula from a bottle and they don't appear to have suffered for it.

I had a friend though who breast fed her son until he was 4 years old. She finally had to wean him when his little sister was born, because the 4 year old was depleting the milk supply and the baby wasn't getting enough to eat. Otherwise, my friend would've nursed him until gosh knows when. Sorry but, eeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.

[Catch22Dem]

15. ewwwwwww indeed

4 year olds play with trucks, they learn math, they have friends come over to play, the learn to read, they can carry on a conversation. No thanks!!!

Saw a kid in McDonalds in VA one time, walk up after eating a happy meal and say, "Mom, can I nurse now?" Gross!

[Maple]

16. 4 years??!!

Jaysus Murphy...some people are nutz!

[LoZoccolo]

43. Oh you'd be surprised.

There's these people with fringe parenting philosophies.

This woman still does it and the kid is eight! years! old!

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/GMA/GoodMorningAmerica/GMA020709Breast_feeding_at_eight.html

Maybe there's a whole other side of it though. I wasn't breast-fed and I used to smoke and still chew on pens all the time (even if they belong to other people).

[Maddy McCall]

76. Breastfeeding is not "fringe parenting philosophy"

You find one anecdotal case and make that assumption?

Read post 50 to see what the TRUE authorities on the subject say.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

11. Heck I'm 45 and I still

oh nevermind..... :eyes:

[Maddy McCall]

13. Watchit!

LOL!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

17. I have healthy teeth, gums and bones and I never get sick

:D

[Maddy McCall]

19. Didn't bite, did ya?

LOL!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

21. only a little

[Ellen Forradalom]

12. 18 months.

My husband began getting really unglued about it around then. I told him in no uncertain terms that it was between me and our son, and to butt out. Around 18 months worked out pretty well.

[nclib]

20. My son is 3 years old

and still nurses once a day. He is weening gradually. About a year ago he was nursing 3 times a day, twice a day until about six months ago, and now he skips a day occasionally. I know it won't be long before he stops altogether.

Luckily I haven't gotten much flak from the family. My sister-in-law is a RN and has taught lactation courses so she's pretty supportive. Some family and friends know and some don't ask. I'm sure they assume he's weened because of his age.

You did your daughter a great service by nursing her as long as you did. Even six months of nursing shows long term health benefits. By allowing her to nurse after your separation, it helped with her attachment to you and gave her security.

[Maddy McCall]

22. That's great, nc!

There is a sense of closeness between nursing moms and children that is indescribable.

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[Maddy McCall]

30. Jealous

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[Maple]

40. You're the one

breastfeeding toddlers instead of letting them grow up.

[nclib]

45. How is nursing

holding a child back? He nurses all of about a minute a day. As children get older the amount of time they nurse decreases dramatically. It's a way for him to reconnect, to unwind.

I have no problem with women who chose not to breastfeed or wean at an early age. Everyone parents differently and as long as no harm comes to the child we should respect those differences.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

54. Good for you...actually studies show that the CLINGY kids are

often those weaned too soon.

My ex's mother is an academic pediatrician (participates in many many studies and has several published in the A.A.P. books)

She says the longer the better.

[Name removed]

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[Maple]

35. You don't KNOW all

pediatricians. And no, they don't all say such silliness.

Yours are humoring you.

Because you appear to need this more than any child ever does.

[Maddy McCall]

41. I hope you are getting counseling for your hostility toward women

/ignore

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

50. From the American Pediatric Society

A breast-fed baby receives a live tissue that adjusts its composition every few minutes according to the baby's needs. It is an individually tailored food, which will vary according to the baby's age and stage of development, length of feed, and even outside temperature (more water when it's hot, more fat when it's cold). This is dramatically demonstrated with the milk mothers produce when they have a premature baby; in this case the milk will have both extra amino acids for rapid physical growth and extra "brain food," as well as extra antibodies.

Not only are bottle-fed babies at a disadvantage nutritionally; they fare far worse when it comes to immunity to disease and allergies. Studies have shown that when social class is held constant, bottle-fed babies still have higher morbidity and mortality. Higher incidence, severity and duration of upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal tract problems are the most common. It is worth mentioning that bottle-fed babies have a much higher incidence of SIDS. Human milk contains macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils and other disease fighting cells, as well as large quantities of antibodies, both from mother's blood and from the breast itself, manufactured in situ.

http://www.mun.ca/univrel/gazette/1995-96/April.25/m07-podi.html

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/breastfeeding/breastfeeding_benefits.html

Here are recent studies that show the benefits of breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding and Asthma in Young Children
Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine/Vol 155, Nov 2001

This study showed that breastfeeding helps to decrease an infants chance of developing asthma, with the greatest benefit for children that were breastfed for at least nine months.


The Economic Impact of Breastfeeding.
Ball TM - Pediatr Clin North Am - 01-Feb-2001; 48(1): 253-66.

Concludes that 'breastfeeding clearly improves the health of infants and mothers and seems to result in cost savings for parents, insurers, employers, and society, which means that the medical and economic value of breastfeeding is high.'


Host defense benefits of breastfeeding for the infant. Effect of breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.
Heinig MJ - Pediatr Clin North Am - 01-Feb-2001; 48(1): 105-23, ix

Presents data that indicates 'that breastfeeding is effective in reducing the risk for illness among infants even in relatively affluent populations and that exclusive breastfeeding for at least 3 months confers greater protection than does less intense breastfeeding for shorter durations.'


Infant feeding and blood cholesterol: a study in adolescents and a systematic review.
Owen CG - Pediatrics - 01-Sep-2002; 110(3): 597-608

Shows that 'breastfeeding is associated with increased mean total cholesterol and LDL levels in infancy but lower levels in adulthood/adult life. These results suggest that breastfeeding may have long-term benefits for cardiovascular health...'


Continuing breast feeding into the second year improves child growth
The Lancet 1999; 354: 2041-2045.

"This cohort study measures and adjusts for a range of potential confounders, and strengthens the evolving evidence that continued breastfeeding benefits child growth, with more pronounced benefits in deprived environments."


Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against atopic disease: prospective follow-up study until 17 years old.
Saarinen UM - Lancet - 21-Oct-1995; 346(8982): 1065-9

Conclude that 'breastfeeding is prophylactic against atopic disease--including atopic eczema, food allergy, and respiratory allergy--throughout childhood and adolescence.'


Breast-feeding and the onset of atopic dermatitis in childhood: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.
Gdalevich M - J Am Acad Dermatol - 01-Oct-2001; 45(4): 520-7
Found that 'exclusive breast-feeding during the first 3 months of life is associated with lower incidence rates of atopic dermatitis {eczema} during childhood in children with a family history of atopy... Breast-feeding should be strongly recommended to mothers of infants with a family history of atopy, as a possible means of preventing atopic eczema.'


Relation between infant feeding and infections during the first six months of life.
Beaudry M - J Pediatr - 01-Feb-1995; 126(2): 191-7

Concluded that 'breast-feeding was protective against respiratory illnesses, including ear infection, and against gastrointestinal illnesses. Breast-feeding also protected against hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses.'


Differences in morbidity between breast-fed and formula-fed infants.
Dewey KG - J Pediatr - 01-May-1995; 126(5 Pt 1): 696-702

Provides results which 'indicate that breast-feeding during the first year of life is protective against diarrheal illness and otitis media, even in a relatively affluent, highly educated population.'


MEETING THE IRON NEEDS OF INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN


http://www.kfshrc.edu.sa/annals/166/96-296.html

American Academy of Pediatric Position paper
Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth.100 Infants weaned before 12 months of age should not receive cow's milk feedings but should receive iron-fortified infant formula.101 Gradual introduction of iron-enriched solid foods in the second half of the first year should complement the breast milk diet.102,103 It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired.104

http://www.aap.org/policy/re9729.html

[Maddy McCall]

51. Thanks, NSMA...

looks like it's case closed, then.
:-)

[DemExpat]

65. Thanks! Another 'whacko' here........firstborn almost 4 years

and second-born 3 and 1/2.......

My GP always supported me in this and said how fortunate my kids were to have enjoyed this special (in modern times) relationship!

It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired.

Socially I had no problems in my experience - as they grew older it became less and less, and only in the privacy of home.

My children are healthy, happy, well-balanced, independent, and very close to me - an emotional bond that even puberty did not damage in the least!

DemEx

[populistmom]

85. Great sources!

I figure those who want to argue about this subject can't argue much when appropriate sources are sited. Too often though people don't seem to understand the differences between anecdotal informations versus actual studies and research. Stuff like this is pretty hard for the naysayers to refute.

:thumbsup: :)

[shanti]

79. you know, that's very insulting

why are you going on about this? geez...

[Maple]

42. Well Maine Mary

There's your answer. Or answers....LOL

Wackos abound.

Do what you think is best for the child.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

52. Position papers demonstrate that you are clearly incorrect about

the "6 months no loner" position. Although I don't have a dog to hunt in this argument, my ex is a gynecologist and her mother is a pretty well known academic pediatrician so I am familiar with these issues...from both ends....from the perspective of the mothers post partum health and the infant's and toddler's health.

[chefgirl]

80. How disgusting

Maple, for you to berate other mothers for deciding for themselves and their children how long to breastfeed is truly disgusting. I dont see any of the other mothers in this thread calling YOU a 'wacko' because you stopped breastfeeding when you did.
Sheesh, how self-involved can a person get???? :eyes:

For the record, I stopped breastfeeding my son when he was three months old because HE decided he liked the bottle better. He was premature and had no suck reflex when he was born, which greatly effected my milk production. To insure he was getting enough food when he did begin to suck (half-heartedly) his pediatrician suggested that we alternate between bottle and breast every other feeding.
I only wish I could have kept breastfeeding longer, if only because of health issues that preemies often have to deal with. My son just happened to be one of those kids with a mind of his own, and in fact, gave up his bottle at about 11 months old.

I think the important thing is to be attuned to your individual child's needs and NOT listen to people who want to impose their own views on when you should or should not wean your child.

-chef-

[marzipanni]

46. Oh well, I AM a gorilla

I guess, but my son nursed until he was 4. We told him there isn't a place to "have titty" at Disneyland (there is, it turns out,near the entrance). Oh, don't go freaking out on me, now- he only had a bit before bedtime for the last couple of years, and occasionally when he wanted my attention while I had long phone conversations with my mom.
My mom thought it was weird, but why have a blanky or pacifier if you have good old mom? He also started solid foods at 7 months. He slept in a "side car" bed that my husband built so I never had to get up on cold nights to feed him. I think he had absolute trust because we never abandoned him in another bedroom; other mother animals wouldn't leave their young for hours, not next to them to keep them warm and safe. Our family doctor also nursed her son until he was 4, and her physician's assistant always remarked that my son never cried as much as other babies when he had his shots. Now my son is 9, has always been physically and mentally strong. I agree with you, Maine Mary, I also lost my extra weight fast, which was nice. If I had another I'd try to wean a little sooner, but never force it.

[wtmusic]

48. GOOD GOD DAMN

this is a nasty thread! How the hell did I ever end up here anyway?

Well as a man my nipples never made an ounce of milk but I think both of you need a few lessons in tolerance...

Now both of you...GO TO YOUR ROOM THIS INSTANT!

[Maddy McCall]

49. LOL! I am VERY tolerant...

but I won't sit down when someone condemns the greatest gift I ever gave my son.

:-)

[wtmusic]

53. My wife breast fed both our kids

and they've both been extremely healthy. Genetic? Don't think so. My mom raised me on formula in the early sixties and I nearly died from respiratory infections as a toddler.

I'm a believer. How long? Better too long than not enough, IMO.

[Maddy McCall]

55. Thanks, wtmusic...

Look at NSMA's post above about the benefits of breastfeading...you need to tell your wife "thanks" for what she did for your yunguns.

I am a believer, too, and as a father who was a part of it, you know the incredible bonding that occurs because of it.

:toast: one cool dad!

[DemExpat]

68. I'm a cows-milk baby too, and have suffered allergies

and infections all my life....

while my children are healthy young adults who almost never visit the doctor!
The best thing I ever did for my children - I'm a believer too.

Luckily my husband supported me 100% with this relationship too.

DemEx

[DemExpat]

67. It IS a gift, jchild, and such a loving one!

There are plenty of people who know what that gift implies and what it means to the receiver!

DemEx

[leftofthedial]

56. my wife did nearly 2 years with both our daughters

I don't know what is "normal."

[Ellen Forradalom]

59. Normal is a college town in central Illinois.

And I got the hell outta there as soon as I could. That's what 'normal' means to me.

[seventhson]

60. 4 Years for my daughter

Our doctor approved and said she would quit by the time she went to college.

Our son was about 14 months.

My daughter is awesome and healthy as a moose. Son is great too.

I think it was fine but pulling her shirt up in public was a problem. Kind of.

[kimchi]

63. My daughter is 1 year old and still nursing.

Three times a day for about five minutes. She has 4 teeth, runs drunkenly, signs "eat" when she wants boob and "water" when she wants a drink. She can continue for the next year if she wants, because it is not only good for her, it is comfort. It says "Mama loves you" better than anything.

After her first birthday party, we no longer nurse anywhere people can see. Not because I'm uncomfortable, but because Goddess forbid I should offend the sensibilities of those who are ashamed of their own biological processes and have to moralize over others for giving food and love to a toddler.

Babies wean themselves completely when they are ready, usually around 2 years. Biologically, longer breastfeeding means a longer period of not ovulating, which acts as birth control. Some indigenous peoples nurse up to 4 years. As far as evolution goes, it is the normal, healthy thing to do.

Sorry for the lecture and diatribe. Back to your regularly scheduled commercials for "sanitary" napkins and feminine "hygiene" products. :crazy:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

64. LOL great post and perfectly sensible

[Maeve]

83. My four chose their own weaning times

Each chose differently, too. They were spaced out at about 2 and 1/2 years apart because of that suppressed ovulation trick (I had one or two periods between each kid!)

Only one wanted to try nursing after the birth of a sibling--and had forgotten how! But seemed satisfied that Mom wasn't showing a preference for the baby...all healthy and happy, well adjusted. And only one ever had an earache and that from swimmer's ear.

[OldEurope]

66. My son was 13 months, and my daughter was 18 months, when

I stopped breast-feding. Son gave it up by himself, my daughter needed a bit strength (I just did not want any more)
If it´s OK for you and it´s OK for the children: go on. Don´t listen to the others, you and your child know best! The moment to end breast-feeding has come, when you or the child doesn´t want anymore.

[Name removed]

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[supernova]

70. Wow! Why is this even an argument?

I don't understand the fascination with telling other people what to do, especially with so personal a choice as breastfeeding. :crazy:

I'm out of the argument since I don't have kids, and I'm not likely to at the rate I date. :thumbsdown:

However, if I did have a child, I would breastfeed until both of us didn't want to anymore or, more likely, use a breast pump if I had to return to work.

That's interesting about indigenous peoples. Thanks for that. Those of you in the wean early camp please get some manners about expressing your preference. That's all it is, a preference -- not an edict.

[LWolf]

71. Son # 1, about 9 months.

His pediatrician started him on 2% milk at about 4 months, which he got from the babysitter, since I was a working mom. We continued to cuddle and nurse until he was about 9 months old at home. We just let it go slowly, as it seemed right.

Son # 2, at about 4 weeks. I couldn't take it any more. He was hurting me, and I just never got "hardened" to it. I often regret that; I tried, but I was cringing through every feeding. Not exactly a happy experience.

[Lars39]

72. My daughter weaned herself at 17 months.

I took some flack, but shrugged it off. I was given horrendous advice with my first, and wound up being pressured to quit at 2 weeks(long story). I resent and regret the pressure/decision, because my second child has allergies. From what I remember, there wasn't a lot of approval and help given about 18 yrs ago towards breastfeeding. Not that there is a lot today, though....

[shanti]

78. i nursed 4 sons

and all of them were self-weaned by 10 months at the latest. now, i wanted it to be longer, but they themselves wanted the cup/bottle.

thanks for the memories, mainmary. this is such a special time with your child, and so shortlived. enjoy it while you can!

[populistmom]

81. My experiences and MEDICAL guidelines

I nursed my daughter who is my oldest for almost a year, but also used formula. She has allergies and I'd hate to see how bad they would be if I didn't breastfeed. My sons nursed from between 27 and 33 months. My second son especially had a series of severe respiratory infections and might have not made it if not for nursing (he's in perfect health now by the way at 5).

Medical recommendations are as follows:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding (NO SOLIDS) for 6 months and continued breastfeeding until at least 12 months and as long as desired after that.

The World Health Organization recommends a MINIMUM of two years.

Also to note, the average age for weaning worldwide is 4.2 years.

Breastfeeding also protects a mother's health as well by reducing the risk for breast cancer and other cancers later in life. Here are some additional links:

101 Reasons to breastfeed http://www.promom.org/101/

An study of other primates (yes, humans are primates and mammals) looking at what the natural age for weaning would be without social constraints http://www.prairienet.org/laleche/detwean.html

American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines http://www.aap.org/policy/re9729.html

World Health Organization guidelines and information http://www.who.int/gb/EB_WHA/PDF/WHA54/ea547.pdf

Now, if anyone wants to try to refute this, fine, but be prepared to cite studies and sources for your opinions. Otherwise, you need to face that you may not know what you're talking about.

[MadHound]

82. Being a guy, with no kids, I have no dog in this fight

But my mother was an OB/GYN RN, with a masters degree in nursing. She specialized in lactation issues, and I picked a few things on this subject from her. First off, weening a child should be a mutual decision between mother and child. She thought there was really no problem, up to the point where the child is school age, anything beyond that is a little excessive. Secondly, it is physically healthier for a child to be breastfed, it provides ready made immunities, and breast milk IS the perfect food for a small child. Third, it is pyschologically healthier for a child to breast feed. It promotes a much better mother-child bond. I've also read some psychological studies that concluded that men who were not breastfed when they were a child grew up to be unhealthily fixated on breasts as adults. I've anecdotally observed this phenomenon with cats. I adapted two two week old kittens when their mother was hit by a car. Bottle fed both(constantly), and both kittens were generally unhealthy growing up, respiratory infections, etc. And after both grew to adulthood, and throughout their lifes, both cats were constantly on the prowl for the Great Nipple in the Sky. They would suckle on anything, buttons on the couch, a nursing dog, even me, if I wasn't paying attention(or was asleep, nothing like waking up with a full grown cat attached to your nipple).

So all in all I've concluded that breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of your child. Weening the child off is something that will come about naturally, when the child wishes to be weened.

[SammyWinstonJack]

84. 26 months old for my son

He was a very healthy baby as a result, I believe. Also breast feeding was so much easier, and not having to buy formula was an added bonus. I only wish I had breast fed my first son, but at 19, I was a little freaked out by the idea :silly:

[BigMcLargehuge]

86. I have to lock this

it's out of hand, and frankly, I'm stunned that a topic I thought as benign as breastfeeding, turning into a WWE maternity bra and lumberjack strap match.

Yeesh

Big McLargehuge
DU Moderator