To want to stop breastfeeding now

[alteredbeast]

Breastfeeding dc3, now nine months. I breastfed my older two until they were 12 and 13 months respectively.

I've enjoyed it on the whole but I get to this stage and I look forward to my body being completely mine again and the freedom of baby not needing fed by me.

Yet it seems now that breastfeeding until 2 and beyond is the norm and here I am feeling guilty for wanting to stop soon!

Stop when YOU are ready - I'd say the same to somebody feeding a 4 year old :) I stopped at seven months because I wanted dd to have the health benefits, but I never enjoyed breast feeding particularly and always found it mildly uncomfortable!

Stop when you want. Think the "norm" is to not feed past one week.

Having said that, I found nine months tough with both mine. By ten months they had both dropped a lot of feeds and it felt less burdensome.

Absolutely stop if you want to. You've done the bit that might make any kind of difference. Personally, I feel the benefits are over-egged for babies in the western world but that's another story. I completely understand where you're coming from - I bf DS until 13 months and I was desperate to stop after about 6 months.

I fed one for one week, one for two weeks and one for 2.5 years. What is normal? Do what is right for you and your family. I gave up 3 times with number 3 but it turned out I was too lazy to give up so he gave up but I definitely know what you mean about wanting your body back.

Agree that 9 months brings out the breastfeeding demon, and I say that as a longtime bf'er. But honestly, despite all the good support on mn for those who feel the sting of criticism for still bf'ing, I really doubt anyone will throw you to the wolves for stopping now!