Extended bfders...at what age do you qualify?

[Rosieglow]

I'm still feeding dd at 1 year and she shows no signs of wanting to stop. DS was down to one feed a day by 11months and lost interest at a year but DD is as keen as ever. Still has 5 feeds a day - is that normal?

As I'm not going back to work this time, I'm planning to just let her carry on....so does that make me an extended bfeeder or do I have to get to 2 years, 3 years....Not setting myself any targets!

And if she's still keen now does it mean she'll want to go on and on or could she still suddenly decide to stop??

[YoureTheOneForMeTatties]

I am still bf my ds at 19mo - I think most people would say past a year is 'extended' (not that we need labels!) IME 5 feeds a day is normal, but I think it can really vary. It's great you're not setting yourself any targets - if you just carry on your dd will give up when she's ready. A really good book to read is Mothering Your Nursing Toddler.

[juliaplustwo]

D'ont think there is a normal, not setting yourself targets I think is a good idea, do what feels right for you and your dd, and dont' let anybody tell you any different. My 1st dd stoped at 11 months and I was a bit sad, as it had been my answer to all upsets, stick a breast in her mouth instant happiness. Breastfeeding again 2nd dd five months, no plans , no targets.

[Rosieglow]

I think one of the reasons I'm wanting to carry on is that my dd is really affectionate and always wanting cuddles. I don't know if that's just her or because I'm still feeding her. But I'm loathe to stop in case the cuddles stop too.

[FrannyandZooey]

Rosie, ds was still feeding on demand when he was one and would often have many feeds a day. I think 5 is absolutely normal, yes.

I found around this time that I started to get comments and questions about my continued breastfeeding and I found it useful to deliberately spend time with other mothers who were still breastfeeding, just to boost my morale for a while.

I also printed off this page and referred to it whenever I felt my confidence slipping.

Weaning can happen gradually or suddenly, if left to occur naturally. I wouldn't look too far ahead, just do what you feel comfortable with right now. There are ways to wean gradually if you find you are not comfortable with continuing for any reason - but personally I found breastfeeding an incredibly useful tool for the toddler years, and a wonderful way of calming both of us after stressful incidents.

[Rosieglow]

Franny, thanks for the kelly link. It's useful to know all the good reasons for carrying on but I guess what will really keep me going is just that we're still both enjoying it!

[popsycal]

i am still feeding my 21 month old
2 definite proper feeds per day, sometimes 3
with a few little mini ones thrown in if we are at home pottering during the day
at one year he was very simlar to your LO

[all4girlz]

I am sat here b/f my 18 month as I try to type no sign of her stopping yet but I have not really tried as I worry as she does not seem to eat alot.
I do not consider myself an extended b/f as it is so natural and an aid to calming dd down as f+z said.
Do not like labels or people who say isnt she doing this yet or doesnt she do that find it a bit annoying iyswim

[mamama]

My 14 month old still breastfeeds on demand - sometimes just 2 or 3 times a day and other times 6 or 7 times, especially if we're just pottering around at home, plus at least twice a night Oh for a full night's sleep!

He's showing no signs of stopping and I'm quite happy to continue for as long as wants.

[mozhe]

I fed my DSsx3 until they were 2...and am currently feeding nearly 7 month twin girls, and plan to continue 'til 2, as it is what the WHO recomends.I don't feed on demand though as I work fulltime as a hospital doc, and have always gone back to fulltime work by 2-3 months.At one year I am usually down to one feed in the morning at about 6ish, then a bedtime feed at 7.30, or so, and my nanny giving a bottle of expressed milk at lunch and smaller one at teatime. The girls get three big bottles of EBM whilst I'm at work currently because they haven't yet started weaning,I express x3 times a day at work though occasionally come home at lunch to give a breastfeed.I always have a very abundant milk supply, and start expressing from week 2 which really helps build up your ' spare ' supplies prior to going back fulltime.I just want to say that it is possible to do ' extended ' feeding even if you are not a sahm...

[louloubelle]

Wow...without wanting to start any debate (!)I think that is fantastic Mohze! I fed dd for a year, and am 7 months into ds, who is having 3 full feeds and a couple of snacks a day.

[Rosieglow]

mozhe, that's fantastic! You sound like superwoman!

[Spidermama]

I'm still feeding my 23 month old. The other three stopped when they were anywhere between 2 and 4.

I don't see myself as an extended breastfeeder but rather see other people as curtailed breastfeeders. It's only in the West we choose to stop so early.

[mozhe]

No, nothing special about me I'm afraid....just an ordinary mother ! I know lots of women who follow a similar routine. I do it because I think breastfeeding is good for women and children; it helps me stay slim, relax and spend time physically and/or psychologically close to my babies...also evidence that CAs of the reproductive system less common in extended breastfeeders.For children it is simply the best food there is in the first 2 years of life,( at least ),free, sterile etc. I also think breastfeeding is natural and easy if you just follow your instinct....ie: if you feel baby led thing is best for you do that, if you feel more structure/expressing or whatever is best for you/yours do that....try not to listen to ALL the advice but rather pick someone on your wavelength and go with that...Incidentally i have ' tandem ' fed three together, and it was easiest thing ever, I was working fulltime then too.It was easy because I wanted to do it,( didn't listen to all the doom mongers..),it got me down to prepregnancy weight of 8.5stone in no time despite eating gargantuan amounts !

[terramum]

Its not extended breastfeeding....its natural term breastfeeding ....

[harpsichordcarrier]

tandem feeding Three
bowing down in worship

[Tatties]

Some of you wonderful tandem feeders may be able to advise here?

[mozhe]

No, harpsi...just an ordinary mum.I found it easy, because,( I think this is key...), it was something I really wanted to do. Also because I have worked fulltime,( and long hours too ), outside the home from an early age it has felt very important...but it really hasn't been difficult at all.

[hunkermunker]

Mozhe, don't sell yourself short - easy it may be for you, but bloody brilliant too!

[mozhe]

Thanks...but ALL mums who manage to feed their babies are bloody brilliant !

[MerryChipmonkAndAHappyNewey]

Mozhe, we should rename you Isis!

[MerryChipmonkAndAHappyNewey]

Have to say, am still bfing ds3 at 23 months but can't claim it's keeping me slim!
( could be the chocolate and wine, though!}

[mozhe]

I shall definitely consider Isis if I ever need a name change....

[cowmad]

(know i will get shot down in flames so will try to put in a polite way)
at 2 yrs old

[wetweekend]

What do you mean, cowmad?

[charleymouse]

Mozhe
I am bowing down in admiration. I am currently feeding DD who is 2 next week and have just found out I am pregnant with twins. I had been telling everyone I have 2 breasts so I can feed 2 children. I am now having to change my line of defence but am glad to see it is possible to feed 3 at once. I am getting pressure to stop feeding DD at the moment.
Rosieglow I think you are an extended BF already, especially when you consider the average in the UK. Well done.
It is nice to see some positive BF stories.
Cheers