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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Still feeding at 2….

40 replies

toastwithbutter · 13/07/2025 20:31

I’m still feeding my (just) two year old and being totally honest I am not ready to stop. It’s lovely. He doesn’t feed during the night, maybe 3 times during the day. It really connects us and it’s just a lovely calming and bonding experience, still.

I am starting to feel the pressure from family to stop (though my DH supports me 100%).

Honest opinions from those that have fed to 3/4…. Would you recommend it? I’m worried I’m not doing the right thing, but I can’t put my finger on why I feel like that.

He is still quite a baby like two year old, quite small and limited speech. My other children were much bigger and more chatty by this age. Maybe that’s why I’m still feeding, not sure.

Just after experiences really. I think 3 will be my absolute limit but maybe when he’s 2.5 I might start weaning him.

OP posts:
hollyhocks2 · 13/07/2025 20:58

Mine's 3 and we're still going. I didn't know how long we'd carry on for when we started and I still don't know. I can take it or leave it except that it clearly means a lot to her, therefore I want to provide it. I don't relish the thought of denying it because I imagine the transition will be distressing for us both, although short lived I'm sure. Whatever your reason for stopping when the time comes, I hope it won't be pressure from other people, that seems sad.

FancyCatSlave · 13/07/2025 20:57

DD self weaned at just over 26 months, she potty trained at 24 months exactly and just seemed to “grow up” really suddenly
shortly after that.

I had no plan and just went with it.

Allswellthatendswelll · 13/07/2025 20:56

If you don't want to stop and baby doesn't want to stop then crack on!

Agapita84 · 13/07/2025 20:55

Breastfeeding my 3 year old and will continue for the foreseeable future until she asks for it a lot, spexiwat night times and mornings, thst is the only times I breastfeed.
Anyone else can think what they please, we are happy and husband supports 100%.

x2boys · 13/07/2025 20:55

toastwithbutter · 13/07/2025 20:31

I’m still feeding my (just) two year old and being totally honest I am not ready to stop. It’s lovely. He doesn’t feed during the night, maybe 3 times during the day. It really connects us and it’s just a lovely calming and bonding experience, still.

I am starting to feel the pressure from family to stop (though my DH supports me 100%).

Honest opinions from those that have fed to 3/4…. Would you recommend it? I’m worried I’m not doing the right thing, but I can’t put my finger on why I feel like that.

He is still quite a baby like two year old, quite small and limited speech. My other children were much bigger and more chatty by this age. Maybe that’s why I’m still feeding, not sure.

Just after experiences really. I think 3 will be my absolute limit but maybe when he’s 2.5 I might start weaning him.

I didn't breastfeed but if you are both still happy with it I don't see an issue ?

Sleepygrumpyandnothappy · 13/07/2025 20:52

Still going at nearly 3 here. I’m 75% ready to stop but DS is absolutely not. I’m not sure how to back out of it at this point to be honest and that’s probably my biggest concern. I’d heard about the “don’t offer, don’t refuse”’ approach but it doesn’t work when DS asks multiple times a day. It’s comfort for him (he’s a great eater so there’s no substitution going on) and why would I want to take away his comfort?

cherriescherri · 13/07/2025 20:43

I’m still breastfeeding my 4 year old. She starts school in September and I’d like to stop before then but I don’t think she will!

HedgerowRobin · 13/07/2025 20:40

WHO recommend feeding until 2 years for the health benefits anyway. My son fed until a few months after his 2nd birthday - I stopped offering around 2 but wouldn’t say no if he asked. We got down to a very short feed at bedtime each night and then he just stopped asking one day - it was a very natural closure for both of us. You shouldn’t feel pressured to stop if you (and your child) aren’t ready. I would just stop discussing it with anyone other than DH.

toastofthetown · 13/07/2025 20:36

If it were my family being negative, I just wouldn’t mention breastfeeding in front of them anymore, and make it clear you’re not interested in their options. Cite WHO recommending breastfeeding to 2 and beyond if you want some authority behind you (not that you need anything other than you and your child are still happy). If there’s no reason for you to stop, and you and he aren’t ready then there’s no need.

Ikeameatballs · 13/07/2025 20:36

My ds had his last feed the at his 5th birthday! Looking back that was definitely time but equally it was only one quick feed at bedtime.

Just do what feels right for you and your child, it matters to nobody else and no one now could care and probably can’t remember how long I fed DS for.

Devonmaid1844 · 13/07/2025 20:34

There's a Facebook group called something like breastfeeding older babies and beyond where you'll find many people who feed older kiddies

Original poster
toastwithbutter · 13/07/2025 20:33

Starting to wonder why I STILL don’t feel ready to stop. It’s just easy I feel I have no reason to.

OP posts:
Tiredofallthis101 · 13/07/2025 20:32

Don't stress about it, do what feels right for you. Was planning to wean mine at 2 but didn't feel right. 2.5 did though somehow.

LividVermiciousKnid · 13/07/2025 20:32

I've gone much longer and it's nobody's business but ours.

Do what works for the pair of you.

Marmite27 · 13/07/2025 20:32

Mine stopped around a year. I couldn’t imagine carrying on beyond that, I wanted my body back!