At what age does breastfeeding become weird?

[TransatlanticCityGirl]

My MIL made a comment today about a mother who breastfed her child until she was 5 years old - as in, 'can you believe it???? that's just not right!'

Which got me wondering, where do most people draw the line in terms of how old is too "weird"?

Ahhh, this old chesnut

Nobody is answering your question because there is not a definitve answer. It is down to personal choice and so many influencing factors that there will be a huge variety of opinions.

Personally, I BF DS1 for 11 months, DD1 for 12 months and DD2 for 15months. I respect the decisions of other mothers WRT how long they intend to BF and frankly don't think it's any of my business.

Jack Dee used to go on about his sister who is apparently a social
worker, and she was round some house one day and a five year old was
chowing down on his mum's nip. When Dee's sister queried whether the
kid was not perhaps too old for breast feeding, the child detatched itself,
turned round and loudly told her to FUCK OFF!

I don't know. I suppose if it's part of their bedtime routine it's whatever works for the individual.

If a parent was turning up at lunchtime at school to give their child a feed, then that would be weird.

But they don't need a teddy either 2shoes? Actually I didn't want to bf after my son turned 2 either, but I can see why he wanted to and it really doesn't concern me if other people choose to continue

It always baffles me as to why other people care so much about something that doesn't actually affect their life (and that applies across the whole breastfeeding / formula issue)

I haven't gotten to 4-5 yo yet so I suppose it may be true that they don't need comforting....

Everybody needs some form of comfort, whether they are 5 or 55. As a 5 year old can breastfeed, why not use that form of comfort.

The reasons for breast feeding a 5 year old would be:

It has nutritional benefits, just like steak, fruit and cheese do.
You enjoy it.
They enjoy it.
You enjoy it as a shared activity.

spammertime other peoples choice to BF or FF does affect me.

Wow. Apologies if this thread has been over done... I don't live on mumsnet. Lots of arsy responses to a genuine question. I'll ignore those ones for now.

I don't agree that it's weird once baby is weaned. My DD was weaned at 6 months and I'm still breastfeeding her at 10 months. All the scientific research I've read recommends exclusive bfing until 6 months and continuing to 1 year.

I personally don't find it weird to bf into early childhood (although it's something I probably wouldn't choose to do), but clearly people like my MIL do. I'm just curious to know what most people think, and understand when people do raise eyebrows, where exactly do they draw the line?

Genuine question.

so no one can ask a question?
I don't care if that is how you want to put it, as I posted I want to understand, but tbh most posters seem so defensive that gives me the answer.

Ok, how?

long time no see! (two days maybe?)

When they leave home?

WHO recommends breast feeding until at least 2, not 1.

Sorry 2shoes I genuinely am trying to explain why I did feed him till he was 2. I guess it just always surprises me that these threads get so heated!

Or when instead of them having to stand on a stool to reach your breast, you have to stand on a stool to stop them cricking their neck.

spammertime well putting aside the fact that people only think you are weird to do anything if you are in the minority, there is the cost to the NHS of FF babies.

That affects me because the NHS has limited funds.

Hi Entropygirl. Why are we always on the same threads? It is like groundhog day.

Till 2 sounds normal to me tbh. but 3/4/5 well I still don't get it.
comfort sounds well.......surely once it has not benefits food wise, you say no
or who is it for?

Is there really no age where it's a bit weird? 8? 10? 12? 15? 18? If he's coming home from uni so that you can do his washing and he can have a comforting and nutritional bf, that's weird surely?

Also most proBF people get on these threads simply to try and stop misinformation from being spread....it's not that we care that much what anyone else does, it's just that we want people reading this to be given a fair representation in case they are about to make a feeding decision (witness tiktok rebuffing garbage about BF stunting the imune system)

Breastfeeding always has benefits foodwise. I could drink it at 39 and it would still have benefits. The calories and vitamins aren't whisked away if the drinker is of a certain age.

Its weird if you are doing it only because you want to and only you are enjoying it and the child has no interest.

It it is for the child's genuine comfort without stilting their emotional independence/growth then what harm can it be doing therefore not weird.

My DD is 16 months now, and I still bf her at nap times and bedtime. It is a huge source of comfort to her, it's part of her routine, and of course still hugely nutritionally beneficial to her.

We will stop when the time is right for her. I will know when that time has arrived, as I am her Mum, and I will trust my instincts.

Why are people so judgemental about breastfeeding? Why do you care so much about how long others want to bf their babies for ............what makes it your business, anyway?

So many narrowminded people think it's just about 'food' for a baby.........SO WRONG. It provides a child with warmth, love, security, bonding, reassurance, comfort, cuddles, and so much more than non-breastfeeders could ever understand. There have been no problems with my DD over the last 16 months that a bf could not solve, eg...when she was poorly, fallen over, couldn't sleep, etc..... it's magic imo!

I personally don't 'draw the line' when it comes to other peoples breastfeeding choices, and frankly, if you do, then you should get a life.