Breastfeeding toddler

[Wildfire81]

Hi, I am having concerns with my breastfeeding my 14 month old. I love BF him, even with 20 something teeth, he really enjoys it also. My problem is with other people! I am the only person I know who has BF, and I am being judged to the max. My mother in law and mother both think I need to stop, ASAP as it is not normal for somebody his age to "still be on the tit" as they say.
I am going to cause him to be at a disadvantage, and it is bordering on child abuse. I feel like crying because it is so mean to make me feel bad about doing something good for my son. They say if I stop BF he will not be such a momma's boy and will want other people to hold him more. Am I off base? Should he already be weaned? He eats regular meals every day besides my milk.
Thank you for reading my novel!

 

[misspriss]

No! They are way off base. The World Health Organization strongly recommends breastfeeding until 2 years old, or longer! Your baby is still getting tons of health benefits from your milk. Quitting earlier and denying him those benefits would be more likely to cause him to be a disadvantage, not nursing him!

If any of your family gives you shit about it, ask them why the WHO says it is best to BF for at least 2 years?

Of course he wants you to hold him more than other people, he is your child. He grew inside you. He has a special bond with you he will not have with other people! Don't let them discourage you!

WHO:

Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large.

Colostrum, the yellowish, sticky breast milk produced at the end of pregnancy, is recommended by WHO as the perfect food for the newborn, and feeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.

 

[staralfur]

Yep, I just default to quoting the WHO guidelines of 2 years. Luckily no one really gets at me but my mom and OH have both made passing comments. At the end of the day I'm going to do what I know is best for my child, and I feel totally confident in that decision. Just know you're doing the right thing and stand by it.

 

[Tacey]

Ugh, sorry you're going through it. How rude of them! Mothering Your Nursing Toddler might be a good book to read. Kellymom has this on nursing older toddlers.

You're certainly not alone though. He's a lucky boy!

 

[snowfia]

I know it's hard, but just try and ignore them. It's up to you and your LO how long you breastfeed for. no one else.

And as pp said, it's recommended up to 2 and beyond anyway

 

[Bevziibubble]

I know it's hard but don't listen to them. The WHO recommends breastfeeding for at least two years.
My own family are very supportive, but my DH's family don't agree. They think 6 months is more than enough. They just tend to ignore the fact that I breastfeed now.
You do what works for you and your LO. It's your decision and not your family's

 

[HappyAnjeL]

Yep, I just default to quoting the WHO guidelines of 2 years. Luckily no one really gets at me but my mom and OH have both made passing comments. At the end of the day I'm going to do what I know is best for my child, and I feel totally confident in that decision. Just know you're doing the right thing and stand by it.

^ This.