what is the normal length for breastfeeding...I had to bite my tongue when BIL told me that they breastfed their daughter until almost 4 (an in front of me no less!!)...is this normal? necessary?
has anyone decided not to breastfeed...or not as long as they thought... and had to deal with nosey family members?
LisaT
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Re: breastfeeding length
personally I think breastfeeding at 4 yrs old is not normal or necessary. If they're old enough to ask for it, they're too old! (JMO)
I don't know if I'll breastfeed - I think I'll try it for a few weeks and see how it goes. But I don't see doing if for more than a few months (if I do it at all). I'm sure my in-laws will have plenty to say on the subject since they're huge BF-ing fans. Al's 2 sisters BF their kids (though one pumped exclusively since the baby wouldn't latch on) and my MIL also BF all her kids...
I don't exactly know how long they BF for, but I think it was about 8 months or so.
Diane
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Re: breastfeeding length
I think it may vary depending on the mother. My friend who breastfed stopped at about3-4 months, and then used breasilk in a bottle for a month or two after that, and weaned him off of breatsmilk. 4 years OLD I dont think that is normal at all
JennRenee
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Re: breastfeeding length
I have 2 friends who are nursing infants. One plans to do it for 8 weeks, and the other plans to stop at 6 months. I think it's a personal choice.
I also find 4 years old to be a bit old, but I know there are plenty of people who would disagree with me. Hey, as long as *I* don't have to do it, it's fine with me!
anna
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Re: breastfeeding length
Most women that do chose to BF make their goal 'one year'. Some are 3 or 6 mnths.
4 Years old is really not common at all. 'Normal' or not is not the best of words to use, lol. Since I know that anyone that DOES breastfeed (and 'follows' La Leche League), would consider her to be AMAZING. Out of curiosity, post this same question on a LLL Board, and you will see the differences in response.
LOL. Its a personal choice. I would find it awkward to breastfeed any time after 18m at the most. When they can walkover toyou, and have teeth, thats enough! and as far as it being a NEED, they have PLENTY of nutrition by then and DONT 'NEED' the breastmilk...
NIHA
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Re: breastfeeding length
I plan to bf at least a year, but after a few months, I will introduce solids. I think some people don't believe in weaning a child until he or she is ready, hence the 4yo children who are still nursing.
michele31
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Re: breastfeeding length
If they can unbutton my shirt they are too old IMO. I am hoping for 6 months, and maybe pumping for another month or two if it is going super well.
kptoys
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Re: breastfeeding length
I plan on breastfeeding Emma till she is ready to stop (no later than 2 years though). I think if I stop now I will miss the comfort it brings to me and her. I have cut Emma down considerably from the beginning. She also drinks from her Sippy cup and eats regular meals. By the time we are ready to stop we will be down to one morning and one right-before-bed feeding. Its such a personal decision... whatever length you decide to do be it 2 days, 2 months or 2 years everyone should keep their mouth shut with their opinions and let you be a mother to your child. JMHO.
anna...thats the book they told us to get...La Leche League
but I tried very politely to say...that for every book on BF...there is another that says formula is OK too...
you guys made me feel a little better
michele31
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Re: breastfeeding length
kb- that was a bit harsh. We always give our opinions on this site plus Erica asks us what we think. No one is saying you cannot BF for as long as you want but I am sorry, I think when a child is practically in Kindergarden it might just be time to stop.
kptoys
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Re: breastfeeding length
Michele - Its just my opinion that breastfeeding is such a personal choice that when to stop is completly up to the mother and child and that the outside world should not be involved in the choice to stop.
I do agree, however, that when you see people with a 4, 5 or even 6 year old still breastfeeding its WAY strange and that it should be stopped but I will not say anything to the parent, it's not my place.
I don't want to offend anyone or make anyone angry but these are just my feelings on the subject.
Stacey1403
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Re: breastfeeding length
I would like to do this for the first year!!!
jlf41
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Re: breastfeeding length
This is definetely a topic that brings up major emotional issues!
That being said, most pediatricians would agree that breast milk has advantages over bottle milk for babies in the beginning, including decreased risks of infection such as ear infections. Children get passive immunity through breast milk. However, if mom hates breastfeeding or baby can't latch on, I don't think it benefits anyone to force it. A lot of times women are made to feel guilty or inadequate if they choose not to or are not able to breast feed. At the same time, I don't think women get enough teaching about it either- like it is not easy and it can literally take months to get it to work well. My opinion is that is it worth a try for the sake of the benefits it offers the baby, but defintely not worth misery and guilt if that is what it causes.
As for length of breastfeeding, I think we all get squeamish about the 4 year old because of the weird sexual connotations we project once the baby starts to have some free will. It is honestly hard to separate that from the non-sexual bond that breast feeding creates. And all it takes is for one newspaper to report about some crazy woman abusing her child via breast feeding at an advanced age for it to ruin it for all of the normal moms who just choose to continue breast feeding because that is what is right for their family.
I think your pediatricians and Obs can be good resources for help and direction with this.
NIHA
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Re: breastfeeding length
Here is a link to a website that I visit. It's a discussion board about 'extended breastfeeding' for those of you who want to get an idea of the why's and how's of bfding past a few months age.
Karen, don't apologize I do not think you were harsh at all...I understand where you are coming from, and I did not take your comments to be harsh one bit. You are so right that people should not make judgements on how other parents choose to nuture and care for their children.
BTW, I think it is wonderful that you have continued to BF Emma...I can only imagine the beautiful bond you've created with her.
My BFing mentor and inspiration person BF both her children until they were a year old. I had hoped to BF Paul for 6-8 months, up to one year, if it was really difficult to wean. As you know, BFing did not work out for us. I hope to try again someday w/baby #2, and one year old will be my goal.
kptoys
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Re: breastfeeding length
Awww Claud thanks. What you said made me teary eyed because Im thinking about the bond Emma and I have and it is pretty amazing!
holly231
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Re: breastfeeding length
KP---I do not find what you commented to be offensive either..I mean I do not have children but I have many friends who do, and the ones who do BF love it....they have done it till Baby had no more need or desire--usually about a yeare-year and a half...then there are the friends who wanted to BF so badly, but it did not work out....and then there are those who exclusively bottle feed formula..its all a personal preference, and nobody should be judged if they do or do not BF...I like to hear everyones opinions..but its not going to sway my choice to BF or not BF my child some day...just like to know more and what the general feelings and consensus is....its always helpful to know others experiences, etc...
michele31
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Re: breastfeeding length
Her comments did NOT offend me at all. it was saying that we shouldn't give our opinions on the subjects that I was referring too, since that is what we done all day on this board- give opinions.
kptoys
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Re: breastfeeding length
michele - Maybe its the fact that I just woke up but I dont understand your last post... you are saying we shouldnt give opinions???? Isn't that what was asked??? Im confused.
michele31
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Re: breastfeeding length
k- FMd you. I don't want this to get all messy. It is really NOT a big deal at all. I just wanted you to know that your comments about BFing didn't offend me as some people thought it had.
