Is anyone else still breastfeeding their two year old or older? Just curious. My son just turned 2 a month ago and he still loves the breastmilk:)
It's nice to know there are other moms out there still nursing their older toddlers. I have thought about weaning, but my son just loves it so much, and obviously he's not ready. I guess sometimes I do feel a little pressured to quit breastfeeding. People will ask if he's still breastfeeding and when I tell them yes they think it's funny...but like you all said, it doesn't matter what they think. It's what makes my boy happy and healthy! Sometimes he giggles right before he drinks because he's so happy to have it. Thanks for the support. I'll be back for more when it IS time to wean:)
yup! Still going strong. My little one is 2.5 y/o and loves it. I think I'll have a harder time weaning her than I did my eldest. I weaned my eldest at 2y 9months but I'll be lucky if I can wean my little one by 3! I'm enjoying it while it lasts.
Congrats on maintaining the bond! I had planned to wean my son at age 2...but he self weaned a month earlier than that! My daughter was a little earlier that that, too.
Enjoy! You'll miss it when it's over....
Hi, I see you got a lot of responses, but, just to add....! Yes, I am still breastfeeding and my guy just turned 2. And, yes, I get a lot of flak from my family about it, so, I try not to bring it up. I would like him to self-wean, but, for right now, he seems to really need/want the comfort. Well, that and the milk. We primarily do it for sleeping (in the middle of the night, too, which won't change, I"m sure, as long as we are co-sleepers). I have been talking to him about ending "the boobie" ("my boobie," as he says), and I'm making a book about what babies do vs. what big boys do (just construction paper and photos), and we'll see if he starts to self-wean. In the meantime, it is what it is..... (-:
Hi L.,
Contact your local breastfeeding consultant at La Leche League at:
Hope this helps. D.
Definitely! My 2 1/2 year old daughter, although growing up fast and exploring her independence, is still very much into nursing. We nurse 1-2 times a day now (usually morning and evening). I'm not pushing either way, but she doesn't seem willing to give it up anytime soon :) It's a great soother and connection time for us.
Great! keep it up as long as you can. My first two girls breastfed until they were about 23 months (that was when they lost interest themselves, I didn't push). We'll see how long the 6 month old goes. I'm just curious, are you having people tell you to stop? Tell them to mind their own business 'cause your son has the absolute best right now. My mother-in-law nursed her youngest 'til she was almost 5. My sister-in-law (the 4 1/2 yr old nurser) is 26 now and doing great and is not "still attached to mama".
I didn't, but I know Moms who breast fed past 3. It's a matter of choice -- yours and his.
L.,
You are not alone :-) My dd just turned 25 months and shows no signs of stopping. There's an extended nursing forum on yahoo groups that might be of interest to you, if you haven't discovered it already.
S.
No advice, just kudos-- 2 years is a long time! Good for you!
Not yet. We just hit 1 on the 24th, and are still going strong. Copngrats, momma!!!!!
Congrats! There is no reason to wean him. I went 37 months with my 1st and weaned him because I was 8 mo. pregnant and didn't want him to be jealous of the baby. The baby is 13 mo. now and I plan to nurse him as long as he wants, but probably not past the age of 4 - just my personal preference!
Hello-yes-I am still breastfeeding my 2 year old, although I really don't think there is much milk to be had. It is merely soothing, I think. I never planned on doing it this long, but he seems to love it and I do not mind since it is special bonding time before bed. I think it is very natural for some children, as seen in other countries where it is the norm to allow children to nurse as long as they want (and they typically nurse until 3-5years old). I think it is totally up to you and your son, and try not to be swayed by the people out there who see the need to tell others what to do. The emotional connection and longterm benefits are really not known, but I cannot help but think they help a child feel secure, bonded, and loved that much more. Are you comfortable with it? That is really the question.......
i breastfed my daughter till she was 2 yrs 3 months, the only reason i made her stop was that i got pregnant and it was uncomfortable. its not going to hurt them to continue to do it as long as he is not 5.
Hi L.,
I breastfed my daughter until she was 25 months old. I stopped because we were down to only once a day (before bed), the breastfeeding was really affecting my periods, and my husband and I are considering having another child. Both my daughter and I really loved the time together, but after stopping I realized we are still as connected as before we just have additional time to read an extra book or snuggle longer before bed. I know other people who breastfed until 3 years of age. Honestly I never thought I would last much past 1 year of age, but it was a wonderful experience. Enjoy your time with your baby boy and stop when you guys are ready.
GOOD FOR YOU, L.!!!!!!!!!
My son turned 2 in July & is still going pretty strong. He has days where he's not all that interested, but for the most part, still wants to nurse first thing in the morning, at nap time & bedtime. Occasionally, he'll ask to nurse 1-2x extra during the day, but that's pretty rare these days.
My first self-weaned at about 22 or 23 mos, so I'm thrilled that he's still so interested in it. Especially w/ flu season upon us SOOOOOOOO early this year!
According to the WHO the average age for weaning a child in the world is 4 years. Since a whole lot of American women wean between 6 and 12 months - imagine how many people must be breastfeeding for much longer. Breastfeeding is such a nice bond with a child - just let it go for as long as you both are comfortable!
I think the World Health Organization recommends up to age 2. From what I understand, up to 2 and beyond is typical in other countries, but not here.
He is getting so many benefits. Congrats! If it works out for you, what a great start he is getting.
That is wonderful for you! I breastfed until my son was 18 months old and only stopped because he chose to stop. I think it's a wonderful bonding experience and as long as you're ok with continuing I would say why not? I got alot of pressure when my son hit 1 to stop and I just felt like as long as he needed it, I would continue. I was very sad when he just stopped on his own b/c i really thought I would be the one to decide, but also felt good that he did it on his own terms. As long as you are happy continuing...that's all that should matter.
