Thoughts on breastfeeding a toddler?

[atait1502]

Looking for some general thoughts and opinions on extending breastfeeding. I have a nearly 2 year old, and planning to continue for now. Had a mixed bag of responses from people so just looking to see others opinions and thoughts?

I am looking to wean eventually in the near future just not sure how to just yet!

It is crazy yes because it doesn’t stop you working? Not sure why you’d link it to that.

Both of mine had teeth at 6 weeks old so clearly this as a measure is just bonkers.

OP it’s no one’s business but yours

It doesn't matter what other people's thoughts and opinions are. You do what you feel is right for you and your child.

I didn't BF my children, so cannot give my experiences, but thought a bottle feeder opinion might be useful

I fed my eldest DD til she was 3.5, 2nd DD until she turned 4 (both times was my choice to stop as felt it was time and wanted abit of a gap before next baby) and intend to practice extended breastfeeding with baby DS too.
I think i stopped feeding both DDs in the day around 2-2.5ish when their naps phased out and they didn't feed to sleep, and morning feeds were dropped a little after, so from 3ish it was just a bedtime feed which was a godsend as it settled them so well!

That's nothing short of ignorant. Some babies start getting teeth before they're even ready for solid food 🙄Teeth have nothing to do with it.

By 2 they’re eating 3 meals a day and running about daft. They’re not stuck on the boob all day. By that age it’s breastfeeding just before bed and maybe in the morning so I don’t see how that’s stopping anyone working.

OP, my child stopped naturally at 2 and it was the right time for both of us.

Not wholly accurate that "anyone" who feeds knows how natural it feels. I had DMER and it felt horrendous, nothing to do with the sexualisation of breasts.

I think every kid is different. DS was starving as I didn't produce enough and then got mastitis - seeing him with blood around his mouth was enough! . I did find it a bit odd when a colleague's wife breast fed her 6 year old twins on the lawn of a pub once but life's too short to judge!

i breastfed my youngest till about 3 years old. Iwas worried she would be upset when I wanted to stop but it was easy and the right time clearly for both of us I just gradually reduced feeds so in the last 6 months before stopping she only had one feed before bed- she has a lot of allergies though so continued a bit longer than I may have done otherwise as felt the extra feed was probably beneficial for her. Family were quite judgemental after she was 1.5 years old but I ignored them as felt it was best for her and I stand by my decision . A personal choice of course for everyone x

I’m not judging, just genuinely interested. Mine stopped naturally at 2 and now he’s 5 I cannot imagine anything I’d want less than to be breastfeeding at this age. The thought gives me the rage 😅 Was it something you still were happy to do until 6 or were you gritting your teeth through it?

laughing at “scary mofo” 😂

Why are you interested in what other people think? The WHO recommends b/f till 2, so it's pretty normal! I stopped around 1.5 with my first and my second is still very keen at almost 2, but I am planning to stop soonish - but only because I've had enough, not because I care what anyone else thinks!

I think it's more to do with the dire water quality in some places worldwide and how breastmilk is safer than contaminated water.

Loads more people breastfeed toddlers than you'd realise. Because by that age, most breastfeeding is just before bed or in the morning upon waking up, so no one outside the family need know.

Studies on the teeth of prehistoric skeletons show that prehistoric humans typically breastfed their children until around age 3-4, as did Neanderthals, and that is also fairly consistent with what hunter-gatherer tribes do today.

I breastfed my first until 22 months, and my second until 3.5 years. My only advice is, don't tell anyone you think might be judgey. There's absolutely no need for them to know.

My personal opinion is past 1 is weird and more for the benefit of the mum feeling needed and keeping the baby a baby for longer.

Such an ignorant post. You are clueless.

Yes. Teeth are nature’s message that it’s time to stop (if you want to, fine if you don’t.)

🎶 “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you!” 🎶 🎂

BAM! That’s it, no more boob for you! You’re not a baby any more!

So i can't have a personal opinion without namecalling

Nature gave my baby teeth at 5 months old.

What is the point in a mumsnet thread asking for people's opinions when as soon as posters give their personal opinion adults on the site can't handle it and resort to name calling

Pretty much what is done with dummies

Fair enough - and I certainly had my days when it was not natural and lovely - but I’d say my point is generally fair.

I fed mine till 3.5 (I chose to stop) and a month before DC2's fifth birthday (he chose to stop). Sleep, digestion & behaviour for both went immediately downhill when they stopped bf'ing. I'd also really have struggled to provide comfort to distressed toddlers without it.

There's plenty of data suggesting that the longer you bf, the lower your risk of breast cancer.

Dummies are damaging to teeth long term and provide no nutritional benefit or benefits to a child’s immune system.

It was my mother's too. I was weaned at 12 weeks old.