How old is too old?

[janey1975]

I have to admit prior to having LO the idea of BF past 1 year old seemed odd and made me feel a little uncomfortable. I think it was the idea of a child walking but still feeding from breast that seemed hard to reconcile.

However, about a month ago my Mum (who is pro-breastfeeding) made a big deal about hearing her friend's daughter-in-law was still BF her 13 month old. I then realised that I had changed my mind and thought it was okay/good for her to still be Bfeeding. I am still BF now but I think I will just have to see how it goes. Personally, for me I don't want to still be BF past about 1 year old but I don't have any problem with others that want to. Although I do feel a little bit uncomfortable thinking about a 2 year old BF in public - I know that is my problem and not other people's - just being honest. x

 

[MrsHedgehog]

I think that it's different for everyone. I've no idea how long I'll BF for, we'll just see how it goes. Some of the comments on the article make my blood boil saying it's "child abuse" "sick" and "uncivilised" I really wish people would be less judgemental.

 

[seoj]

It's such a personal choice on how long to BF for. But for me, I would not go past a year (as that is the most important time to get proper nutrients, although there are benefits past that). However, BF didn't work out for me and my Baby (which was very hard)- but in the end, I had to do what was best for me and my LO- physically AND mentally. So I pumped for 10wks (she got BM for around 3mos as I'd froze what I could)... and I'm glad I was able to go that long, it was very tough for me.

TBH- I feel BF your toddler at 3-4yrs old is too long- Just my personal issue though. I do think it would be less judged if we lived in a country where formula and proper nutrients for babies was not so "readily available".

In the end, we all have to do what feels best for us and our LO's

 

[alaskagrown]

Hmm..that's too old in my opinion!

 

[lau86]

My general philosophy is, I couldn't care less what other parents do (unless it's harming their child). Personally I won't be breastfeeding till my LO is 3 and a half but if other people want to then that's their choice. The only thing is does breastmilk rot their teeth at this age??

 

[Ozzieshunni]

My general philosophy is, I couldn't care less what other parents do (unless it's harming their child). Personally I won't be breastfeeding till my LO is 3 and a half but if other people want to then that's their choice. The only thing is does breastmilk rot their teeth at this age??

Complete and utter bullshit. Sorry, not aimed at you, but I've heard doctor's use this it and it is SO WRONG!

 

[mummy2be...]

I personally think 3 and a half is to old to still be breastfeeding

 

[mummy2be...]

My general philosophy is, I couldn't care less what other parents do (unless it's harming their child). Personally I won't be breastfeeding till my LO is 3 and a half but if other people want to then that's their choice. The only thing is does breastmilk rot their teeth at this age??

Complete and utter bullshit. Sorry, not aimed at you, but I've heard doctor's use this it and it is SO WRONG!

Breast milk doesn't rot teeth anymore than normal milk, some leading dental professionals even believe it prevents tooth decay.

Personally I believe they both have lactose- a natural sugar and sugar (even natural sugars) cause tooth decay

 

[Piggywinkle]

Aah, the DM and it's hilarious comments. I read this yesterday and saw a comment (with lots of green arrows) along the lines of, "When babies get teeth at the age of six months or so, this is nature's way of saying 'stop breastfeeding'."

I wish nature could find a way of dropping people like this from a very tall building.

As for the original issue, I won't be breastfeeding after one year, but that's my personal choice. If a mom wants to BF her LO until he/she is 3 1/2 then I've got no issue with it really. Frankly, it's none of my business

 

[MrsHedgehog]

Aah, the DM and it's hilarious comments. I read this yesterday and saw a comment (with lots of green arrows) along the lines of, "When babies get teeth at the age of six months or so, this is nature's way of saying 'stop breastfeeding'."

I wish nature could find a way of dropping people like this from a very tall building.

As for the original issue, I won't be breastfeeding after one year, but that's my personal choice. If a mom wants to BF her LO until he/she is 3 1/2 then I've got no issue with it really. Frankly, it's none of my business

Me too!!

 

[blhanson1]

x

 

[kerrie24]

They look very happy,I cant see anything not normal about what she does

People worry too much about other peoples business these days,live and let live I say!

 

[stepmum]

They look very happy,I cant see anything not normal about what she does

People worry too much about other peoples business these days,live and let live I say!

If this was aimed at me because I started the post I think I made it pretty clear I am merely curious and have no knowledge of BF never mind extended BF so I was asking for people's perspectives. No-one is worrying about anyone. I'm interested as I didn't know BF could be done to that age.

There is no normal/abnormal IMO when it comes to parenting. It's all about choice and being happy with those choices

 

[feedindy]

I think 3 years is too old for me. I am comfortable with the first year, but after that not really. But that's just my opinion.

 

[Ozzieshunni]

I'm curious. Does anyone ever wonder why we are so uncomfortable with something that is so natural? Does it bother anyone that the worldwide weaning age, aside from the UK and US is nearer to five?

 

[My_First]

Does it bother anyone that the worldwide weaning age, aside from the UK and US is nearer to five?

I keep seeing this figure quoted, and I guess, for me, its a bit misleading, and maybe a bit unfair. In the UK and US many of us are working mothers (US get only 6 weeks mat leave) and (UK 9 months paid), therefore I guess it makes it much more difficult for us to continue breast feeding on demand, without there being any supply issues. However, many ladies from perhaps not as developed countries, are able to breast feed on demand, and many, again I am making great assumptions, its the only suitable nutrition.

I personally dont give a flying fig what age someone breast feeds to, its none of my blooming business, but in developed countries, its much more unlikely to extended breastfeed than developing, not because I believe because of attitudes, but circumstance, and the fact we do have alternatives.

I would actually quite like to see weaning ages from country to country, and the amount sampled in each country...

 

[Ozzieshunni]

https://kellymom.com/fun/trivia/bf-numbers/

 

[My_First]

https://kellymom.com/fun/trivia/bf-numbers/

And as if by magic! Thank you..

 

[MrsPOP]

I do wonder why people find extended BFing weird and I'm not a BFer. I've never even seen a lady BF in my area which is so sad but if I did see a woman BF their baby or toddler I would think 'good for you'

It's one of the many reasons I am heartbroken BF didn't work out for me, I was looking forward to NIP and I probably would have been an extended BFer (though not sure how that would work out given I have to go to work) and would have loved to challenge the general public's prejudices against BFing. Fingers crossed BF works out for no2

 

[My_First]

https://kellymom.com/fun/trivia/bf-numbers/

Now thats interesting. Whilst I havent read every article there, as I haven't the inclination right now, (but I will) that table at the bottom demonstrates that those countries named as the lowest on the list for BF and extended BF have the shortest maternity pay/leave than those at the top. There is a direct correlation.