Breastfeeding Longer than "Normal"

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

HI M.! I think it's wonderful and refreshing to meet mom's like you!!! You sound very in-tune to your children! My son is 2.5 and wants na-na's a few times a day. I'm expecting a new baby in 2 months so I'm looking forward to nursing both and seeing the bond between them develop!!! I think it's wonderful that you listen to your children's cues about weaning. To me it seems our culture has 'skewed' breastfeeding into something other than what it is... the most natural way of mothering a child! (more than just a feeding method) The weaning age worldwide is in between 3 and 4 years of age (that makes most people in our culture quite squeemish) and the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for AT LEAST 2 years. The United States really does lag behind in breastfeeding rates. Many people wean because inaccurate information.. YES even health care provider's often have inaccurate info. when it comes to breastfeeding (so sad!) The most current research has recently shown that the immunilogical benefits of breastmilk changes in the toddler years to suit a more mobile child who may be exposed to more things!! HOW WONDERFUL!!! You may already have known this, but just in case you need something to add to your arsenal of information on breastfeeding..... Also, here's a wonderful article on extended breastfeeding:
http://www.llli.org/NB/NBMayJun06p100.html

ENJOY!!!

K.

Oh, nurse her for as long as she wants! Normal is so across the board. In almost every culture breastfeeding lasts for 3 to 4+ years, not in ours though. Here breasts are a sex symbol. We don't think twice at an add with a woman in a bikini that covers less than nothing but we see a woman breastfeeding a baby older than a year and everyone stares! Breastfeeding is so good for our children. You just can't duplicate it, no matter what formula companies say. Formula companies know breastmilk is THE gold standard. Pay close attention to their adds. At least one of them has even come out with formula for the toddler set because they know breastfeeding is best past a year, past two years... Breastmilk even changes as our childrens needs change! What other food does that? I say feed the world with liquid love! If more and more of us do it it will become "normal". Go check out Hathor the Cow Goddess for great online comics and blogs about breastfeeding, co-sleeping, unschooling... She will even send the comics to your email. So let your baby tell you when she is done. She will know. And good luck, God will bless you for this love you give your baby.

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

Actually, "normal" weaning age for a child, if left to nurse until they are done without any intervention, is around 4 years of age (that's with always nursing upon baby's request, including unrestricted at night. Hard to do that truly in our culture, though.)

So when we wean our kids at 1 year, thinking we've gone a long time, it still can be short of satisfying their need to suck or the benefits of breastmilk (boosted immunity, decreased allergies, boosted nutrition...) I have practiced extended breastfeeding for both of my girls. I have gone WAY longer than what American society finds acceptable, so I don't advertise it too much, but I was extremely grateful I nursed them into their 2nd and 3rd years of life as that was when more germs and emotions were present. I rarely, if ever, had a 2 yr throwing a tantrum. Nursing calmed them down instantly. They are beautiful, well-adjusted, independent 7 and 5 year olds now. I still occasionally nurse my just-turned 5 year old, but I have limited it severely. She would nurse much more often if I'd let her. Check out lalecheleague.org for more info on extended breastfeeding (here's a good article: http://www.llli.org/NB/NBJulAug90p99.html.)

It's certainly not for everyone, but nursing past 1, or 2, is NOT a freaky thing. Good for you for considering your options!

Hi M.,

My son weened himself at 6 months. But my daughter, I was only expecting to nurse for the first year of life, and it just doesn't happen that way. She would still be nursing if I hadn't got pregnant again. She nursed until she was 18 months. I would have let her keep nursing until she weened herself but it was doing my body bad on top of morning sickness so I had to cut her off. It was so sad :( ...she was miserable and didn't understand why I took away such a wonderful thing. She's finally over it 2 months later though :)

Look up the Le Lache League (<sp?) web site and you will get an abundance of advice. America is the only country that women ween their babies out of feeling like it's wrong to nurse later. In other countries babies ween themselves, whether it's at one year, or five years. Just think in bible times, there were no sippy cups, and babies had to nurse for thirst until they could drink from a cup.

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!

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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!

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!!

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!!

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

M.:

Breast-feeding is wonderful for the health of your baby, and for bonding. However, be careful after 1 year. If your child is eating healthy foods, and is in good health, I would suggest weaning him/her. Last week a friend of mine spent 3 hours at Children's Mercy because she breastfed too long. Her son had to have 12 teeth removed. Breastmilk is high in fat/sugar, as well as great nutrients. You also have to ask yourself "why" are you still feeding. Is it for you, or the child? There are other wonderful ways to bond.
A. L

"Normal" is relative, right?!? LOL
I nursed three babies (and I thought I wasn't the 'type' to breastfeed!) until around 11 to 12 months. Then came Fiona...
I'm not sure what happened, but it's like I "forgot" to wean her! Like you, the others sort of weaned themselves. They were less interested as time progressed and there was an obvious stopping point. But with my fourth and final baby, I literally FORGOT to wean her! All of a sudden at 13 months one of my girlfriends said, "OMG! Are you still nursing?" And it hit me... YES! I WAS!
So NOW weaning is horrible! She's almost 18 months old and it's like I'm offending her if I withhold the breast! She only nurses twice daily, and honestly, I can sometimes distract her and bypass the nursing altogether! Unless she falls or hurts herself! She comes RUNNING... grabbing at my shirt. I'm an instant band-aid! I'm not even sure there's still milk in there!

Yeah... I'm sure your baby is fine, and I know several ladies who have told me that they nursed their last babies until 15 to 18 months. Curious to see what replies you get. I'm sure it will be a mix of strong opinions!
My advice? If it's working for you and your baby, don't worry about what others think is "right". Focus on what's right for the two of you.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

I was a breast feeding Mom and I know how hard it is to stop the kid but you just have to explain to the 2yr old that all the milk is gone and just substitute with something that he or she likes likes a fancy cup.