Breastfeeding 13 Month Old (How Long Will You Breastfeed)

It would be a good idea to get involved with a local moms group, or a La Leche League group, who is supportive of breastfeeding toddlers. It is really up to you/baby how long you breastfeed, but 13 months is definitely not "too old"!

Tell them that the World Health Organization recommends at least two years.

To answer your question, that's at least as long as I'll nurse my 12-month old.

I really don't see what the big deal is. You're changing his diapers, aren't you? Changing his clothes, giving him baths?

The fact is, caring for a young child is intimate, because they depend so much on us. I don't see why nursing should be excluded from our caregiving. Because our body parts are involved? How many people do you know who bathe with their babies and young children? That involves total nakedness. Why is that okay with a one- or two-year old, and nursing to nourish him is not?

I really don't get what their problem is. Nursing is exceptionally healthy for our babies. The longer we nurse our babies, the healthier and smarter they become. If anyone has a problem with me nursing my baby when she's two, I really don't care in the LEAST. But I'm going on the assumption that questioners don't know how good it is for children to nurse at least till age 2, so I kindly inform them, and I assume that this slightly alters their perspective. I figure that, at the least, I'm just planting a seed. I'm part of the change that is taking place in our culture right now in which people are starting to return to natural and attachment parenting.

Don't let it bother you that other people are ignorant of the facts. Think of it as a great opportunity to educate them. Be confident and proud of your healthy children, and know that questioners will walk away, in most cases, a little wiser - and about those who don't, so what? :)

And congratulations on nursing your babies! And isn't it so much easier, especially on those rough days, or when they tumble or are scared?? Who on earth would want to add weaning to the craziness of this second year? With all of the changes our little ones are going through, and the "twos" really starting several months ahead of schedule for most babies? No thanks! We'll take our comfort nursing whenever we need it. Mothering is hard enough a it is, without robbing ourselves of this one sweet moment of sanity - and sitting still - in a long run of chasing a toddler around all day. It makes me wonder if this second year is the biggest reason for those calming hormones that result from nursing - and pass through our milk to our babies.

L.

Just ignore people when they look at you funny or say why are you still breastfeeding. My own grandmother just asked me that a few weeks ago and my son is only 10 months old. I breastfed my daughters until they were 22months and 18months there is nothing wrong with feeding your baby the way god and nature intended you to. If anything I think mothers should be praised for doing such. You are doing exactly what you should be doing. Your baby comes first. Keep up the good work!!!!

Well, I nursed my first son until 11 months, at which point he weaned himself and we continued with formula until he was a year old. I remember my aunt was still nursing my youngest cousin when she was 2.5 years old, though it was generally for comfort. She ultimately weaned herself sometime before her 3rd birthday. It depends on you and the kid. If neither of you are ready to stop, then don't worry what anyone else says. It's none of their business.

I remember sitting in the ped office crying about trying to wheen my 12 month old. He asked me why I wanted to stop and I told him because she was a year old. He again asked the same question. I offered the same response. He told me if I wanted to continue to nurse, and she wanted to continue to nurse, and my spouse was supportive, there was no reason to stop. He said she would let me know when she was ready. So I nursed until 18 months. I received a lot of unsolicited comments, but it was worth it and I don't regret it. He is your baby not theirs! Your giving him one of the best gifts a mother can in bonding, immunity, vitamins, and non-processed food! I say go for it as long as everyone that counts is happy.

You breastfeed you baby ever how long YOU want to! I know of people who have done it up to 2 yrs. 13 months is still a baby, do not worry what others think. You are the mother and you decide what is best for your child! B. A.

I nursed to 15mo. Many of my friends nursed much longer. We stopped when we were ready to stop. Shame on them for judging you!

Well I have you beat on this one. I nursed my son for 3 years. It was only twice a day when he got old enough to eat regular food. But I had all kinds of people telling me I should stop. My doctor told me to nurse for as long as I felt like it so I did. My son is now 24 and was never sick. Until now and we just found out he has gallstones but that has nothing to do with nursing. So I guess what I am saying is that it is your child and you should nurse for as long as you want to.

I breastfed my first son until he was 4 months and had to stop because of health issues, but I breastfed my second son until he was 13 months and decided to self-ween. I told people who looked at me funny, if they wanted to spend their money buying his formula for me and prove to me that I'm not doing him any good, then I would stop, but until then, I am going to use the only completely free resource I have. You are doing what you know is right for your child, you should never feel bad for that.

Breastfeeding is nature's beautiful way of feeding and nurturing a child and personally I'm a big advocate for long term breastfeeding. My son is 27 months old and yes, we're still nursing. We stopped nursing in public though right around his 2nd birthday, to avoid the funny looks people would give me. So no, you're not alone on this. I kept my head high and ignored the comments and looks as long as I could, until I felt even though this is really nobody's business, I'm sick of it.
I don't like to have become an 'in the closet' nursing mom, but at least it keeps me from having to explain over and over why I still nurse and no, I don't think it's weird to nurse an older child and yes, my husband is very supportive, and yes, I believe in the natural way of things and my son will stop nursing when he's ready, etc. Then I look at my happy and very healthy, thriving, confident son, I know I'm doing the right thing.
Good luck!

May I congratulate you for breastfeeding this long. I breastfed all my boy for atleast a year and one of them until he was about 18 months. I took my cue from my boys. One was not very interested in breastfeeding any more when he reached about 13 months so he basically gave up on his own. And I'm sure it was a gradual thing with all of them.

You keep going - you're doing the best thing for you son.

I am really proud of you.

i planned on breastfeeding my 9 month old son until he was 1 1/2 - 2 years old, but i think it will end sooner. he pretty much nurses for 5 maybe 10 minutes before nap and bedtime. if i try to nurse him any other time he will suck maybe 1 minute and pull off and want down, kinda makes me sad. i wouldnt wean until your son is ready. he'll let you know when he is done. dont let anyone discaourage you. i have had all my friends trying to get me to quite for months now and he isnt even a year old...

While I did not breastfeed my son (now 3) for more than 11 months (he was a biter), he was on breast milk for 15 months. My cousin actually breastfed her daughters (5 and almost 3) for 2 years. Don't pay any attention to what others think. You are making sure your son is receiving the very best nutrition. I now have an 8 week old, and I will let him breastfeed as long as he can, so long as we don't have the biting again. :)

My daughter is 18 months old today and has never had formula a day in her life. She still nurses. I am going to nurse her at least until she is 2 unless she weans herself. The World Health Organization recommends you BF until they are 2. People are always asking me how long I plan to nurse and make fun, but I don't really care! Its my decision and its not like its bad for her! Here's a line you can use! Them: "Oh my, you're still breastfeeding?". You: "I know! Its great isn't it!". "Its so good for them". What are they going to say? No, its not great?? Good luck and if you need anymore encouragement you are more than welcome to email me at ____@____.com Luck and keep it up!

I agree with others who say do what works for you and your son! I breastfed my son for 2 years. At about a year, I was nursing him 3x/day until 14 or 15 months. Then we did morning and night feedings for several months. The two months or so before he turned 2, I only nursed in the morning. I just based it on what he was interested in. I actually thought night feedings would be the last to go, but he wasn't interested at night. However, I really enjoyed those mornings when my hubby would bring him to our bed, and we would start our day leisurely and quietly with nursing! (After that, he was on the go the rest of the day!) Keep up the great work!

My daughter is 14 months and I just stopped nursing her but only because my milk supply dried up. I had intended to continue for a few more months. Honestly I think this is a personal issue for the most part. Although I'm not really a fan of nursing til they're 3 and can talk, lift up your shirt and say "boobie". Just seems to be getting into the disturbing phase to me then. But I don't think you need to feel ashamed for nursing your 13 month old at all! Now that said, I'll be honest that I didn't advertise that I was still nursing my 14 mth old.. because I knew I might get some looks too. :)
Another thing you might want to consider though is that doctors usually believe that babies between 12 and 24 months need whole milk. That is the year that the most brain development takes place and it does need fat for optimal growth. (Now for those reading this who might want to put words in my mouth, I am not saying that your child's brain won't develop right without the whole milk.) So anyway, just bringing up different opinions, take that for what you will. lol My opinion? - I think you should go with what feels right for you and your child and don't let anyone's "looks" make you feel bad. :)

My daughter is 19mos now, and i nursed her until she was between 14 adn 15 mos. I got a few weird looks from people too, but it's really up to you. Most doctors recommend only nursing until they are 1, but other groups (i think the Le Leche group) says until they are 2..... Don't let other people make you feel weird about it. The decision is for you to make! Good Luck!

With my first child I let those "nay sayers" get the best of me and stopped nursing at 7 or 8 weeks and my daughter suffered for it. Constant ear infections and 3 stays in the hospital with pnuemonia. My second child nursed, mainly for comfort, until about 2 and a half. She is the healthiest one out of all 3 children. She rarely has sinus infections and only had 2 ear infections. The benefits far outweigh any negativity that they could throw at me. Stay strong and do what you feel is right for you and your son.

If you need ammo to throw back to the negative people in your life try this.
Search www.webmd.com for breastfeeding benefits or go to www.llli.org
Hope this helps,
C. D.

I breastfed my first til she was 23 months old. I always swore I would never do that but you know, when your toddler nurses, its like they are a baby all over again. :) It was so helpful for melt down times or when she needed comforting. Eventually she lost interest in it and I didn't remind her of it and by 23 months she was all done. She would pretty much just nurse at bedtime, and when she first got up by the time she was a year and a half.

Now I have another dd who is 2 months old and I plan to nurse her as long as 2 if that is what she wants. Maybe longer, nothing is set in stone.

Its hard when you don't have support though. Have you read Mothering your nursing toddler? I found that to be very helpful especially to read about how many people do nurse to 2 years and beyond.

Also, pretty much as soon as I did stop nursing my 23 month old, she got struck down with an ear infection and a few other illnesses. The whole time she nursed she was never sick. So I think it can be a great tool in your parenting toolbox. :)

Hi,
I nursed my 6 year old boy until he was 15 months old and I dont regret it at all. My oldest son now 14 has had 8 year surgeries throughout his life and his ENT is the one that told me to really consider nursing him when I was pregnant for him. I was unable to nurse my oldest because of pnenomia when he was born and he could not take milk and I really think that this would avoided major ear problems.
My 6 year old has been overall really heathly and has had 1 ear infection since he is born. I know the feeling of people looking at you when you tell them you are still nursing but from my experience, it saved my son from the pain and complications that my older son is still having to this day. And I must say it has saved us money. And honestly the only reason I stopped at 15 months because I had to have an emergency hysterectomy at that time and I had to wein him and really wein myself from him because I never experienced that "BOND" with my older son because he was so sick as a baby. Its still a bond that we have and most of the time its a blessing but sometimes I feel like we are still connected by the cord. He is still stuck to mommy.
Well I hope this helps and best of luck with your baby and always do what your heart is telling you not what other people are telling you. At the end of the day remember its you and your baby and thats all that matters.

If you want to continue the nutrition without the stigma, you can pump and put it in a bottle or a sippy cup. I know several children who were still drinking breast milk a 5yrs old but were off the breast at around a year. This is a very common thing to to do for mom's of multiples or mom's that go back to work, I even know mom's who kept it up for financial reasons.

How long you keep him on the breast is your personal choice. If I were you and feeling uncomfortable then I would switch to the bottle or cup.

Feel better!
L.

There is no "should" regarding how long you nurse your child. That's for you and your baby to decide. Not that you need it, but you have my permission to tell anyone who gives you grief about it to sit down and STFU.

I don't think you should give up breastfeeding for these reasons. I do plan to breastfeed my little one for as long as I can, but not more longer than 15-18 months. Breastfeeding is the best way to protect and nurture him. These issues that people have should not put you at tough dilemmas. I have met ladies that said that they never breastfed cause IT IS NOT THEIR THING (?!?). Well imagine the diversity of opinions. I am supporting you totally to give him the breast just as you did with your other son!! Best wishes!!

You are not alone! I dont understand why America has put a stigma on breastfeeding. People around the world breastfeed their children up to 5-6 years. It is what is best for both of you. I say do it as long as you can and tell others it is none of their business! I breastfed my daughter until 15 months when she stopped taking it and I would have loved to go longer. I say you let your son decide when he is finished. Good luck and God bless!

I say keep doing what you are doing as long as your son is willing. There are so many benefits to breastfeeding. I nursed my son until 16 months. He is a smart and healthy boy and I am so glad I nursed him as long as I did.
Keep up the good work.

You should breastfeed as long as you can and feel comfortable doing it. You can tell all naysayers that the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of 2 years. I'm still nursing my 13 month old and hope to be nursing for quite a while more. I know people who are nursing at 3 years old. It's the best nutrition you can give them, even after a year of age it still is a major contribution to their diet. Especially when they go thru those picky stages. Breastfeeding is proven to give babies stronger lungs and reduce the chances of asthma and pneumonia. It's also a great contribution to a weight loss program, those are calories the baby's sucking out of you! Theirs plenty of information out there about extended breastfeeding and of things to say when someone rudely asks you when your going to stop breastfeeding. You might also check out your local La Leche League :)

Tiffany,

Here's what I did: Son #1 was nursed until he showed no more interest in it, about 22 months. DD nursed until she quit on her own, on her 2nd birthday. With son #2 he was still going full throttle at age two and by 2.5 I was tired of him. But, being the dutiful parent I am, I decided to let him make the decision, IF he didn't wait until he was three. That's what he did and I weaned him myself at age three. He's 3.5 now and if I hadn't weaned him when I did, I betcha he'd still be nursing! He told me just a few days ago that he missed it. Poor thing, I didn't have the heart to tell him I didn't!

K.

I would do what you want to do and not worry w/what others think or say. You know what you are doing best for your kids.

I nursed my 1st till she was 21 months. My 2nd was 9 months and I would have nursed her longer, but I was prego w/my 3rd and stopped producing milk. My youngest just turned 1 and I may nurse her till she is 2.

I'm just going to see how it goes. I don't care what others say. I know many think I should be tired of it, but I had to feed my middle one formula and I hated that. Plus she has asthma worse than the other 2.

Good Luck!!

Don't let other peoples opinions stop you from nursing. I nursed my son for over two years (he stopped nursing the day his sister was born) and my oldest daughter until she was 3 years 3 months when she weaned herself. I admit I didn't admit to other people that I was still nursing. It really wasn't any of their business. With my third one, I will probably nurse well past two because of all the benefits of it. In my experience most of the criticism comes from people who don't understand all of the benefits of nursing both to the child and the Mom.

It's nobody's business how long you breastfeed. That is up to you and your baby. I breastfed my first baby 6 months (She got very frustrated nursing because of varying flow so I didn't enjoy it either. She loved bottles!) I breastfed the second 19 months and he weaned himself because he was getting used to drinking milk being cold (from the fridge), and mine was warm and he didn't like it! The third little guy would still be nursing if I'd let him, and he's 3 now. I insisted we wean when he was 2 1/2 because I felt he was just getting too big to be nursing past that. For about 6 months before that, we were down to only one time each night before bed. If I thought someone would feel uncomfortable with me nursing him, I just would go into another room with him and say I had to get him to sleep, nurse him and put him to bed. You don't have to talk about it with others who may not understand. At 13 months, you've got a very long ways to go before it is "improper" to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is beneficial to both of you and keeps that close bond, so treasure it while you still can.

Never experienced that, but I do think you should stop breastfeeding before they are a year old. Once they are ready to start crawling around at least, that's a little old for me too. I think once you give them the sippy cup, that's it. Everything should be taken from the cup. I'm sure the breast milk is great for them even at that age, but in my opinion, I don't think you should still be breastfeeding. As far as dirty looks, I wouldn't try to make you feel selfconcious. After all, you are the mother of your children, and it's up to you to decide what's best for them. If you're asking for advice, I would say drop the boobie.

I had to stop nursing my daughter at 13 mos due to work. I am still sad aboout it & she will be 7 in October ;) I don't think I would have been those freak moms & still be nursing her today, but there is no doubt I would have atleast until she was 2. I don't think there is any major nutritional value at this point (I could be wrong), but the closeness & comfort can't be matched by anything.

I've heard from other moms that nursed longer that they paid attention to the signs their children gave. If that is true then he'll let you know when it's time to quit.

Bottomline-you do what feels best & don't let society dictate your decisions.

I wish I'd been able to breastfeed! My DD was tongue-tied and it just did not work for us. Broke my heart! I'm expecting the arrival of DD #2 any time now, and pray that I'm able to nurse her. I'd take the others' advice, start quoting the W.H.O. information, and just assume that it's one of your jobs to inform the ignorant masses out there! :)

I nursed my son till he was 3...
I am very proud of myself and would do it again with the next child
I know/knew that I was doing the best & healthiest thing for my child
and didn't care what people said to me!
Good luck and keep up the great work!
Jen

I was going to say the same thing about the World Health Organization. I nursed my daughter until she was 14 months older and would've loved to have continued but she kind of just gave it up and I wasn't producing as much anymore (I was working full time). I think you're doing a great job and you should do what you feel is best for you and your baby. Best of luck to you!

I will admit that I also felt self-consious about nursing past about 15 mo (even though I had the knowledge and knew it was best to nurse through 2 yrs). It is difficult to act against the popular opinion, but I am my daugther's mother and I alone have to decide what is best for her. As you alone will determine what is best for you and your child. After she reached 18 mo, though, I learned to only discuss nursing with certain friends and family that supported me. For others it was a non-subject; I did not lie if directly asked, but it is rarely discussed as most will assume you have already weaned!
By the way we nursed until she was 3 1/2 yrs. I am the one that weaned, she would have weaned longer. At almost four she still talks fondly about nursing. The nursing is important for comfort also. As for the arguement about extended nursing and clinging babies (heard that one several times), my experience is the opposite. Mine is fearless and takes off without looking back (not that she does not have her moments). I think for her the nursing and other special times with her helped with her confidence.
Good luck, whatever your decision.

my son is 20 months old and still nursing. i read somewhere that a great snappy comment when someone asks if you're breastfeeding to say "why, are you hungry?"

try finding other moms in your area who are also nursing toddlers, it'll help you not feel so self conscious if you're not the only one doing it