When is it a good time to stop breastfeeding? My son is 6 months old and I was going to start giving him formula but I'm starting to feel guilty. He already has started drinking some formula and seems to be ok with it. I'm not sure if I should stop. I need someones advice on this thanks.
do what's best for you. I'm a working mom and BF'ed until my son was 7.5 months old. At that point, my body shut down the 'milk factory' on its own.
If you're feeling guilty, it's probably not the right time to stop.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (a very, very conservative group of doctors) recommends that babies are breastfed at least one year, with breastmilk the only food given in the first 6 months. This is based on all the scientific/medical research that shows it's far healthier than formula and the long term positive health impacts are significant, as well as the financial impacts in terms of reduced costs for medical care and of course, the signifcant savings for a family not needing to buy formula or bottles, etc. Breastfeeding is shown to reduce the incidence of diseases like diabetes, as well as reducing childhood obesity. Given that 1 in 3 kids born today will be diagnosed with diabetes (and this same number are overweight or obese), this is an important consideration IMHO.
The World Health Organization recommends that babies are breastfed for at least two years. Again, the science shows that the longer the babies are breastfed, the healthier they are in the long run.
It is an individual choice. What I find most curious about the statistics is that far more working moms than stay at home moms breastfed for extended periods. Given, the logistics, this seems like it would be the opposite.
So, I think it's important to consider that as well as providing nutrients, breastfeeding also meets so many of a baby's emotional/psychological needs. I think it's that latter reason so many working moms breastfeed for extended periods. It really also gets so much easier and far less demanding after 6 mos and you start solids.
Also, breastfeeding reduces a mother's chances of breast cancer - again, the longer you breastfeed, the lower the incidence. It's really too bad that big pharma that promotes the "pink cause" doesn't include this bit of information (along with all the other postive lifestyle changes that can prevent breast cancer) in it's platform and on the signs for the ladies doing the 3 day walk to read, rather than consistently advertising the benefits of Tamoxifen for women who get breast cancer.
Good luck,
M. B.
- who breastfed for a total of 6 years - and I only had two boys ;)
This is such a personal decision and it is impossible to put a timeline on it. I would personally continue if it's working well for you and if you are feeling guilty about stopping, chances are you will regret giving it up for now. There is no reason to stop at 6 months- as your little one starts to eat more solids, your feeding will be spaced out and it will be even easier. When you feel it's time, you can always cut down on feedings and continue supplementing with formula. One thing I stress is do what feels natural for you and do not worry about what you feel others are thinking (or saying)
You are doing such a wonderful thing for your son- Congratulations!
As long as breastfeeding is working out for you (and him!), I'd keep going until he turns 1. I BF'd my first son until he turned a year old and am planning on going that long with my second son (he's 3 months right now.) If for some reason, you have to switch to formula, don't feel guilty. You still gave him 6 months of breastmilk and that's great!
The best time to stop breastfeeding is when it's right for you and your baby. If he still seems interested in the breast, I'd let him keep nursing. I bf my babies until it was right for them. My son weaned himself at 12 mths and my milk supply completely depleated when I became pregnant with him, so my 3 YO only bf until 9-10 months, but even then she had started to become disinterested. I assume if you're feeling guilty it's because you're doing it because it's so hard sometimes and you're the only one who can nurse him if you have no pre-pumped milk. I know how hard it can be. But honestly, don't do it because it is hard. It's only for a little while--soon enough he'll probably start to wean himself (ususally when he's become pretty comfortable with table foods) and you'll miss nursing him. you'll never regret nursing him a little longer. I still miss nursing my 3yo daughter! Good luck with your decision! I'm sure you'll make the choice that best suits you and your baby!
Keep breastfeeding as long as possible if you are able to. It's the perfect food for your baby. You'll never regret breastfeeding for longer, but you may regret stopping too soon. I have two boys whom I nursed for 15 months and 13 months each. The weaning was very slow and easy. I never set a stop date and just went with each child's natural schedule. Good luck!
If it's working for you and your son, keep going until it isn't working! :)
I agree that if you are already feeling guilty, that you will probably regret quitting completely. I BF my 1st for 13 mo. and my 3rd for 14 mo., but my 2nd weaned himself at 10.5 mo. Even though he did it himself and we weren't that far away from a year, I still feel guilty that I didn't push the issue further. I would wish I wouldn't have given in. Also, formula is crazy expensive and breastfeeding burns a lot of calories :). Good luck on your choice ... only you know what is best for you and your son.
A good time to stop is when you are ready to stop! :) I nursed my kids until they were a year old, but would supplement with formula when I wanted to - ie; to be able to go out, on car trips, etc. SO by no means do you have to stop completely, just nurse him when you want to - bed time or in the morning and then supplement when you don't nurse.
It killed me to stop nursing, I loved it. My milk supply just didn't go past about 13 months. :)
L.
