Breastfeeding Longer than "Normal"

How long do you consider "normal?"

AAP recommends breastfeeding for AT LEAST a year. The WHO recommends breastfeeding for 2 years. Here's a quote from the AAP: "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."

Nursing toddlers definitely still benefit from breastfeeding after turning 1. They benefit nutritionally, get sick less often, and have fewer allergies.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with extended breastfeeding. As long as you are both happy, I say go as long as you'd like! I nursed for 14 months but then my daughter weened herself, I would have liked to continue for a while longer though. If you're just down to 1 nursing session, she's still benefiting from your milk. But if you'd like to stop, maybe you can try distracting her with a new routine. Give her water in a bottle or sippy. You might have a few rough nights, but I'm sure she'll be OK after a bit of fussing.

Congratulations for nursing as long as you have!

Here's a few links: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html
http://www.llli.org/NB/NBextended.html

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Here is another great article on extended breastfeeding: http://www.mothering.com/articles/new_baby/breastfeeding/...

I wish people in this country wouldn't be so judgemental about breastfeedng. After all, it's what makes us mammals! Other mammals nurse their young until they can forrage for food themselves. I ask you, do you see any one, two, or three year olds making breakfast? I didn't think so!

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What's normal? The WHO say that babies should be BF for a whole year, and the lucky baby gets nursed for 2 full years. In Africa, I have heard the norm is 3-4 yrs, in Biblical times, it was 4-5. If you compare us with the apes, it comes to around 5yrs, IF we were apes. Babies who have allergies, need longer time at the breast to keep nourished, since their choices are limited, and BF builds immunities.

Wait, you asked about if anyone has BF longer than "normal". I breastfed my first for 2.5yrs, as I planned on 6 mos, and then went to child wean. I weaned him at 2.5yrs, as another baby was on the way. BF her for 11 mos, because she went into formula for failure to thrive. The next weaned at 10 mos, to the bottle on her own. The next one nursed a full 2 yrs with her brother, who went on to nurse 18 mos, and as I really can't tandem nurse, I weaned him at that point. The next girl also was weaned by Mom at 18 mos with another baby on the way, and he is currently coming on 6 mos. The time I planned to go with my first.

I don't believe too much in making a baby cry, unless it is paramount for whatever reason. So, I try to encourage weaning because I HAVE to for health reasons. Daddy will rock them to sleep, and eventually they will come and sit next to me at night to fall asleep while I am nursing the other one. It only takes a couple nights, usually. I can't imagine force weaning a baby baby, because they just can't be reasoned with. But, if you have to, I am sure there will be lots of advice about it on here. But, just don't do the CIO method. That is heartbreaking for baby AND mom. They need something for comfort, let it be you, or a substitute. JMHO

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I don't know what "normal" is. With my 5 children it was different for each one. My longest went 17 months and then he weaned himself. I just waited for his cues. Even if it's just for comfort, what a blessing that you can provide that for your child. You are the only one who can meet that need for your child. Don't worry about society. Do what works for you and your family.
P.

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While I've not had personal experience with this (both my boys weaned around 15 months), I have a friend who nursed her children until they self-weaned and all 3 of them were well past 3 year old. One was pushing 4 before she weaned and the youngest is 3 1/2 right now and I think still occasionally nurses. As long as you're comfortable with it, there is nothing wrong with extended breast-feeding. Kudos to you for sticking with it and being aware of your child's needs. If you run into to negative comments from other people, I recommend www.mothering.com for articles on how to respond.

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Well, what is your definition of normal? I have three sons, now ages 23, 20, and 17. They weaned at 2 years,11 months; 3 years, 2 weeks; and 4 years.
I have nothing but positive thoughts about nursing longer than the American norm. They are very healthy, well adjusted, close emotionally to both my husband and I, and have a good sense of people first, stuff second. We really felt because we met their needs at the time, they became more comfortable with their selves later.
Enjoy this time, before you know it, they'll be driving away!!
C.

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My son is 21 months old and he still nurses before his nap and at bedtime. Sometimes, it's only once a day. I also think it is a comfort and security thing. With his big sisterm who is 3 1/2 being so demanding all day, I think it's his way of connecting with me, having me all to himself. I have never had to 'force' wean him from any feeding. He has just given up the ones he doesn't want/need on his own. It has made it much easier on me. No stressing about how long it's taking to 'cut out' that middle of the night feeding, etc. I am perfectly happy to let him 'let go' when he is ready. I feel like he is getting ready to wean himself, so I'm not going to force it.

I don't like to put labels on things. What is 'normal' for anything? The health benefits are wonderful, and if you are happy to do it, why not nurse until your child is ready to quit?

In the US, people just don't support breastfeeding like they do in other parts of the world. I have been in situations where I've felt looked down on for nursing my children, and it makes me angry. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the entire first year, yet many don't do it even for that long. I am so happy when I hear of people who nurse well past the first year. I have two friends who have nursed their children until about 2 years of age, one who went until 27 months. Kudos to you to keep it up!

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I breast fed my son until just before his 3rd b-day. Granted that was in the morning, before nap and before bedtime. But he doesn't use a pacifier, suck his thumb or have a security blanket or stuffed animal. He is a perfectly normal little boy. So what's 'normal' really depends on you & your child. America is the only country that breastfeeding is looked down upon and heaven forbid you do it longer than a year! Their only this young once and you'll never get this time back. It's worth every minute you do it!!!

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Definately nurse as long as you want. My daughter is 20 months old and still nurses once a day. There is nothing wrong with nursing past a year. I know someone who is still nursing her four yr old and two year old. Personally I don't want my daughter attached to me till she's 4. But that is just my preference.

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Congratulations! Nursing my children was a wonderful experience. I nursed my oldest until she was 18 months old. Normal is whatever works for your family.

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Breastfeed as long as you want, please! I was unable to breastfeed, partially because my kids cried and cried and cried at the breast. If I'd stick a bottle in their mouth, they'd settle for a bit.

I absolutely love seeing a mother nursing her baby. I know a friend who breastfed the first for 6 months, the second for 12 and the third for 18.

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What is normal? That depends on where you live in the world. Worldwide, the average age for weaning is 3 years. I have breastfeed for longer than 14 months and thought I was very normal. Don't let anyone else determine what is "normal" for you and you will have a happier life.

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I breastfed for 2.5 years and my child is fine. I did have to put up with a lot of commentary from my family though. A book that helped me alot was "mothering your nursing toddler" by Normal Jane Bumgarner. It helped to reassure me I was doing the right thing and helped me with dealing with my family. the only time I had to sit down and read was when i was nursing! go

you are doing the best for your child, she will wean when she is ready. If they are old enough to ask for it they are old enough to need it. She'll know when she is ready, don't push her.

Good luck!

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What are you considering "normal?" I nursed my daughter for 9 months and my son for about 16 months. How old is your daughter? This is a personal decision for you and only you and your husband can decide how long is appropriate. Good luck.

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If she's actually getting food from you, and that's her purpose, I don't see why you'd want to stop. It's good for her. But if she's just using you as a giant pacifier, I'd wean her, but not too quick. Just kind of ease her off of you...pun intended. LOL

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Yay for the blessing you are giving your child! Here are some more links:

http://www.kellymom.com/writings/bf-numbers.html
http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html

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what's "normal" length for breast feeding? i know that it is very important for the first 6 months to a year of the child's life...but if you happen to go longer or not so long, it's all up to you and the child. my son started to wean around 11 months, but then he got real sick and latched back on until he was 16-17 months old. he weaned himself...i never tried to stop him. it was mostly just a comfort thing and at night. you got to do what is comfortable for you and your child. don't let anyone tell you that you are going to long or not going long enough...i heard that i nursed too long all the time from some people but i didn't care, cuz i was comfortable with it. good luck you and it'll happen when you are both ready!!

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Nurse as long as YOU and SHE want to...that's what matters. I loved the bond of nursing. I nursed until my son was over 2 1/2. It was private, night time only, but my son called it "mommy honey!" I guess I would say "Are you ready for Mommy, Honey" and it stuck.
Anyway, I weaned because of pressure from my mother when she realized what "mommy honey" was, and went ballistic because I was still nursing. I regret that choice. It should have been up to us. Enjoy your special time as long as it works for you!

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M.,
There is no "normal" time to stop breastfeeding. As long as you and your daughter are enjoying it, keep going. She still gets all the good nutrients from your milk that keep her healthy. I know people are more than willing to step in to your life and tell you what is "normal" and what you "should" do, but I would encourage you to listen to your gut. You are a great Mamma!
M.

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I breastfed 3 of my kids 15 to 17 months, and one of them 4.5 years. I think after a year old it should depend on how mother and child are doing and it's ok to continue.

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Hi M.:

My daughter is 13 months and has been eating table food for quite a few months . . . she is still on some formula . . . anywho - we still breastfeed before bed. As long as you don't have issues with it, it shouldn't be a problem. I find it to be awesome bonding time!

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I would recommend visiting a local Laleche League meeting. Many members of LLL breastfeed longer then average and have suggestions for coping with continuing or loving ways to stop if that is what is right for your family. Just google LaLeche League and you can search for a group in your area. They have been very beneficial to me in my breastfeeding "career".

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I am a firm believer of nursing as long as possible. HOWEVER, I don't believe I would nurse past the age of 2, but that is just me. My first child was lactose intolerant until 15 months so she was special formula. I even went without drinking cow's milk and it still didn't work for her. My second child nursed until 5 months when I was then given bad information from the Nurse's Line at SMMC and dried up before getting the chance to nurse again. Even with pumping, I couldn't get as much out as he did.

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What is longer than "normal" I breastfed my daughter before bed until she was a little older than two. My mom breadfed a couple of her children well into two and I think even three with a couple of them.

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My gyrlz that are now 10 and 8, I breastfed. Let me start by saying not to stop. It will not hurt your child at all! I fed my oldest for 4 years. And my youngest for 2 1/2. You and the child will know when it is time to stop. You are right, it is for comfort like when they get injured or before bed. I have NO regrets at all. They were never ill and still are rarely sick. It is what I miss most, it is a very special bonding time. Great for you

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you're not alone! I'm still nursing my 19 month old. We'll keep it up until one or both of us are tired of it. Right now, it's our only quiet time together (besides cosleeping). World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 2 years!

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I'm curious what you think the 'normal' amount of time is but the American Academy of Pediatrics says you should nurse for "AT LEAST one year, but longer is fine and long as mom and baby are happy doing it" In other words, there no limits to breastfeeding except the artificial ones we apply to it.

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Not sure what "NORMAL" is when it comes to breastfeeding. I breastfed my son up until he was 16 1/2mths, I started the weening at 10mths thinking he would be done by 1yr. We quit all the nursings except the nite one, that took the longest and I didnt mind nursing him at nite. He weened himself from that nursing. If its the only one she is doing I say let her go until 2yrs or you can try to stop now, its your choice.

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My daughter is 2.5 years old and we are very happy to continue nursing, although it is not very frequent. I highly recommend reading How Weaning Happens, published by La Leche League. It has a lot of great information on child-led or natural weaning, as well as ways of gently encouraging weaning. Another book that you might find helpful is Mothering Your Nursing Toddler. If you and your daughter are happy with how things are going, I wouldn't change anything, especially not to be "normal." Each mother-child pair is unique and has a unique relationship. You've obviously given your daughter a great gift and built a great relationship with her by breastfeeding her. If you aren't ready to end that, then don't. If you do want to end it, there is no reason to worry. Your daughter is clearly growing out of the need on her own if she is only nursing before bed.

I hope some of this helps you. Good luck on your journey!

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Nursing is good for a child as long as they want to. Just have to make sure it is good for both of you. If you are just fine with it, keep going. Some cultures nurse their children until they are five years old. I couldn't go that long, but I was sad to see my daughter have to quit at 15 months due to my medication. It was our special time together. Enjoy it while you can!!

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I nursed my son and daughter until they were 22 months. I think you have to be careful that they are nursing, not comforting themselves. How old is your daughter, is nursing just a habit? If so then it is probably time to ween her, some children will not ween themselves. Ultimatly it is up to you and what you are comfortable with.

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