I still breastfeed my 5 year-old

[TandemFeeder]

I’ve had another baby too so am now a tandem feeder. Happy to answer any questions.

I don’t know tbf. I just remember reading that a while ago when I looked into it, I am afraid I can’t remember the source. I wouldn’t think that many would go on beyond that though. Self weaning is definitely a thing.

I just googled to try and find it but couldn’t, and actually most results I did see were suggesting 2-4 is a common range for stopping breastfeeding. That feels more feasible to me but I guess there may be a few go on later that skew the figures.

I stopped soon after 5 because he chose to but add another dynamic. He was immunocompromised and has an auto immune condition. Breast feeding got him through some periods of really poor health and minimised awful side effects of drugs. Plus the constant immune boosting benefits.

There is no downside, just some unexpected massive wins.

But typically they'll start losing them from the age of 6.

So by 10 they could still have plenty left and be able to latch?

If anyone is planning on writing a negative comment but still drink cow breast milk then you are a massive hypocrite!

Hahahaha I’m still feeding my nearly 2.5yo alongside my 10wk old, I can assure you it’s 100% not being done for my benefit! I’m regularly touched out, and would love to stop breastfeeding my toddler but with recently gaining a new sibling I didn’t want her feeling rejected or losing something that provides her comfort and reassurance so have persevered for now.

I don't suckle it direct from the teet!

Because BFing isn't only about the milk, it's about the antibodies (which won't be the right ones if you're not BFing your child) and also comfort and closeness.

You won't find comfort and closeness in the fridge.

No, it's not necessary. But neither are home cooked food from scratch, a daily walk or sun hats but - like BFing - all can be a positive experience in the short term and give health benefits in the long term. Why on earth not if you can and want to?

What if that doesn’t happen how you hope? They don’t loose all the teeth at once and adult ones are growing through at the same time, it could be years right? A kid in my eldests class was very unusual but only lost his first tooth age 8.

It makes me feel really queasy to think of breastfeeding my 6 year old child. They’re so grown up by that age.

And it’s unfair as they don’t know it’s completely abnormal because you’ve not told them. They’ve taken your lead and YOU want them to breastfeed. We help our children to drop age inappropriate stuff all the time, we teach them to get out of nappies, eat with a knife and fork, behave appropriately. You’re doing your child a massive disservice

How?

Thats totally apples and oranges and missing the obvious as well as subtler nuances.

FWIW. No, I don’t do dairy.

Yes but we dont lay under a cow sucking a boob its in a bottle from a shop.

Looking out for a child's wellbeing and safety is ridiculous? I can assure you this will have been noted if the school are aware. Anything out of the ordinary needs to be on record.

I breastfed until mine was 3 and then he lost interest himself. Im not sure when I would have insisted he stopped but it certainly still felt fine at 3. He can't remember (I've asked him) but he did have a sudden thought when he was around 5 that he'd like to try again and I said no. We were in the bath together and he suddenly said "can I get milk from those" pointing at my chest. I said there wouldn't be any milk - which was true.

As if they will care.

Agreed, it would give me the ick...

Not at all true

My daughters school know, I'm a school governor and a former primary school teacher. Breastfeeding at 5 or 6 would not be any cause for concern.

No. It could not. It is not.

How does it impact the child’s safety?

Do you work in a school or have any training in safeguarding? I can assure there is no criteria where this fits as a concern. Quite the opposite.

Is it because you want to or because you think they want it?

If it’s only at bedtime, for a few minutes, how much milk is he ACTUALLY getting?

Bitty

🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

Do you work in a school or have any training in safeguarding? I can assure there is no criteria where this fits as a concern. Quite the opposite.

Schools are more concerned about the endless junk food and high sugar content treats than a loving mother engaging in extended breastfeeding.

Do you have any tips?

I tried with my eldest and she would turn away and refuse it after a day or so.

I did a little better with my 2nd, she fed loads but I was in agony every time (she also has a lip tie and dairy allergy which apparently can make them latch wrongly)

I'm due September and desperate to feed her myself and do better this time.

Well, this bears highlighting.