Maggie is 11 1/2 months old now and I am still breastfeeding. I know that it is recommended everywhere around the world until 2 years, but here only 1 year. So I will keep breastfeeding as long as it works for us. My questions are: should I still be breastfeeding on demand? Or, should it only be X times per day now? (She is tall and her weight is great) she has eight teeth, and although she's bitten me a few times, I've noticed that her top teeth must be digging in when she nurses (sometimes it's painful, sometimes not), anyway, it's giving me little sores is this an incorrect latch? or just something that happens? thanks for your help!
As long as both of you are happy with her still breastfeeding on demand go for it. Especially if whe already has some structure as in a set bed time, bath time, and the like.
I can help you out with the second part of your request cause my kids are teens and preteens.
Hi! I breastfed my son until he was 13 1/2 months old and he had almost all of his teeth when I stopped. I would get sores from his teeth too, but I think it just happens. I don't think it's an incorrect latch. When he would fall asleep he would kind of bite down, but he would keep sucking so that probably caused it. He's almost 21 months now and I'm going to have another one in February. I'm planning to breastfeed her too. I thought breastfeeding was a great experience for both of us. I stopped when I did because I had lost a lot of weight and was feeling very drained. Good for you for lasting this long and wanting to continue.
She is latching incorrectly. I breastfed my youngest until she was 3! My middle until she was 1.5. I didn't have any problems with teeth during this time. In biblical times, it was up to age 3! That was when they weaned the child. Occasionally you may get bitten, however, when they do, take the breast away immediately, and show your dismay. Say to Maggie, No, don't bite Mommy. Breastfeeding is something between Mommy and Baby. No one can give you advice on how often, or how long to feed. Do what you think is right. I hope she is on some solid foods as well.
If she is biting you, take the breast away, and try to latch on again. Say ow, and explain that it hurts mommy, don't bite, don't use teeth to drink.
My son is 18 months old and I plan on nursing him until he naturally decides its time. I have a 6.5 year old daughter as well who quit nursing at 9 months. The WHO recommends a MINIMUM of two years for both child and mother. The advice in this country is unfortunately tainted from commercial sources. If it hurts with her teeth, try breaking the latch and getting her better situated (putting as much in her mouth as she will take). I do know what you mean! It can be quite uncomfortable! But I wouldn't wean prematurely. It will happen when it's time.
i remember my mom telling me {and my four siblings} that she was told to keep breast feeding until we were two years. but she knew better and said that she wasn't going to go that long. she said that she stopped nursing when we were a year old and weaned us off in the last month. your doing good but i think that it's safe to recomend that its time to start the weaning!!
good luck!
-B.M.
