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Original poster

How old is too old to breastfeed?

244 replies

mrspoisson · 14/09/2020 18:08

I won't share how old my child is (still classed as toddler) but just wondering when it becomes wrong to keep breastfeeding?

It's starting to feel gross now, but it sometimes works as a great comforter for DD when getting to sleep, when sick or upset. Doesn't have it to replace food though. Eats 3 meals a day plus snacks.

What age would you say could potentially cause psychological damage/hinder development?

OP posts:
Sexnotgender · 14/09/2020 20:18

Whatever feels right for you.

I just stopped feeding DS at 18 months as I’m pregnant and had a sudden feeding aversion. I was only feeding twice a day anyway and he wasn’t bothered at all.

Viviennemary · 14/09/2020 20:19

I'd say around one is old enough not to need breast milk.

needaMNnamegenerator · 14/09/2020 20:21

My kids never self-weaned. I stopped when I'd had enough - my eldest was 4.5, my youngest 5.

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greenlynx · 14/09/2020 20:24

I would say 2- 2.5 sounds ok, after 3.5 it’s too much. Of course, it depends on the circumstances. I came to the point when I was exhausted and there was no milk any more when DD turned 2 so I’ve stopped.

peakotter · 14/09/2020 20:26

I’m trying to work out when I feel uncomfortable with it. I do feel that the mum I know who bf her 6yo son in public is setting him up for a lot of teasing in later life, but I’m not sure how much that should matter. I guess the other possible thing is not learning other ways of soothing.

Personally I stopped completely when they were able to be comforted and reassured using words and hugs alone. They had the understanding to replace sucking with talking, to help them calm and bond. That was between 2-3 years.

Shmithecat2 · 14/09/2020 20:27

Ds was 3.10y when we stopped. He would happily have carried on but I was totally over it.

PamDemic · 14/09/2020 20:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ChalkDinosaur · 14/09/2020 20:35

When one of you wants to stop.

FlappyGoLucky · 14/09/2020 20:38

Whenever the mum wants to! Mine were both about 2 and a half. First child would have carried on but I was pregnant, sore and had very little milk - the second child I’d had enough, and she was fine with stopping.

RiverMeadow · 14/09/2020 20:38

I don't think there's a definite answer to your question because everyone is different but when my LO was around 14 months he really started biting me hard at every feed and I was bleeding quite often. I knew then that it was time for me to bow out.

I do miss feeding him but it's been months now and it would feel odd for me now.

PolarBearStrength · 14/09/2020 20:39

Whenever mother and child are ready to stop is fine IMO.

I find making yourself a martyr to breastfeeding an older child (for example still feeding a 4, 5, 6 year old regularly throughout the night or never being able to go anywhere in case your toddler needs feeding) a bit mad but it’s not me who is making their own life difficult so I’m not bothered if others do it!

Notmydaughteryoubitch · 14/09/2020 20:43

My DD still bfs and she has just started school. It's very little these days, just a little in the morning and at bedtime. Its something that makes her happy and brings her comfort. We're very close to ending I think, but I will absolutely let her lead the way. There's a great group called Breastfeeding older babies and beyond on Facebook, it really helps to see many other families normalise natural term weaning. I never planned it this way and had imagined I'd wean at a year but it's been an amazing journey and I'm glad I've let her lead the way.

shesgonebatshitagain · 14/09/2020 20:46

@Notmydaughteryoubitch

My DD still bfs and she has just started school. It's very little these days, just a little in the morning and at bedtime. Its something that makes her happy and brings her comfort. We're very close to ending I think, but I will absolutely let her lead the way. There's a great group called Breastfeeding older babies and beyond on Facebook, it really helps to see many other families normalise natural term weaning. I never planned it this way and had imagined I'd wean at a year but it's been an amazing journey and I'm glad I've let her lead the way.
I’m On this group and also still feeding my reception class daughter pretty much the same
WhoWouldHaveThoughtThat · 14/09/2020 20:47

If his moustache is too tickly?

Peony9876 · 14/09/2020 20:48

I found this story by a woman who remembers being breastfed at age 5 interesting.
www.refinery29.com/en-us/childhood-breastfeeding-memories

I am not sure I would feel the same way as she did if I could remember the experience but that is probably more of a reflection on my relationship with my mum than anything else.

Personally I think I will want to stop breastfeeding by age 2 but it should simply be when the mum/child is ready to stop.

BingoGo · 14/09/2020 20:48

Personally I get icky feelings watching a 4 year old still be breastfed. I'd say around 0 to 2-2.5 years is normal, again to me I can't speak for anyone else.

Honestly it's all up to the woman and the child. If it doesn't work for one part then it should stop. As you start to feel that it's gross, I don't think you should continue.

chunkyrun · 14/09/2020 20:51

I think teeth is nature's prompt. But appreciate other people feel differently

herrcomesthenamechanger · 14/09/2020 20:57

My breastfed kid had teeth at 5 months

FlappyGoLucky · 14/09/2020 20:57

I remember when my daughter was born, my son was nearly 3. I’d finished feeding him a few months before and he tried to latch on the other side to his sister and had completely forgotten how to do it, it was quite sweet as his little face was so confused. But I was glad as he seemed so massive next to his tiny sister, I couldn’t have tandem fed them although some women manage that beautifully

TheFormerPorpentinaScamander · 14/09/2020 20:57

My ex was born with teeth!

Mumoftwo1994 · 14/09/2020 21:02

@mrspoisson

I won't share how old my child is (still classed as toddler) but just wondering when it becomes wrong to keep breastfeeding?

It's starting to feel gross now, but it sometimes works as a great comforter for DD when getting to sleep, when sick or upset. Doesn't have it to replace food though. Eats 3 meals a day plus snacks.

What age would you say could potentially cause psychological damage/hinder development?

I think I read somewhere that the WHO recommends till the age of 2, but maybe before they go into playgroup or nursery? Only due to access really, but it's totally up to you especially if you're becoming grossed out
Elsiebear90 · 14/09/2020 21:06

I personally think around 3 is when a child is too old, but it depends on the mum and child. I will say that seeing a 3+ year old child breast feeding makes me feel uncomfortable, but if they’re happy then they shouldn’t stop on anyone else’s account.

Iminaglasscaseofemotion · 14/09/2020 21:07

I find it surprising that so many people are so accepting of a child breast feeding up to the age of 7?Confused
Both my ds were bottle fed and by the age of 2 and a half people were horrified that they were still having a bottle of milk before bed and and that was the only time they got one at that age.

VirginiaWolverine · 14/09/2020 21:07

No, WHO gives 2 years as the minimum length of time for breastfeeding, and that it should continue after that for as long as the mother and child both want to.

VickySunshine · 14/09/2020 21:11

When they start growing teeth, 6 months.

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