At what point are you considered to be "extended" BFing

[Fibilou]

As per title ! 6 months, a year, 2 years ?
Just want to know when I can consider myself part of this elite group

In this country, I'd say anything beyond 6 weeks is considered extended.

In reality, people will start to go after a year or once your baby can walk.

I think after a year, since that's the point at which they wouldn't need formula, and could just be drinking whole cow's milk.

I managed 15 months, so just got in! I never had any funny comments though.

Agree with the above but from 6 months at the latest everyone will ask how long you're going to do it for / when you're going to stop.

I await the comments with baited breath then as DD is now 6 months

I'd personally describe it as over two (and no I'm not biased towards bf or doing it myself, I have to ff)

DS is nearly nine months and have been "How long are you going to feed for?" / "Are you still feeding?" comments since he was about 6 months now. So as much as it shouldn't be, I guess that would be considered "extended" here. IME at least.

I guess I'd think a year like Rhian82 said. Just 2.5 more weeks for me then, and I will be an 'extended breastfeeder'! Do I get a badge?

I tell you though, if one more person mentions the Little Britain 'bitty' sketch to me, I'm going to kick them in the shins.

DD2's first birthday was yesterday - yay I'm an extended breastfeeder!

Got asked when she was 10 days old how long I was going to carry on feeding her for

I find the bitty comments start at about 12 months so assume it is from then!

I bfed both mine to 15 months and never once got a single odd comment. Once or twice people said "wow, can't believe you are still feeding, good on you" but that was it. Acceptance must vary by region or something.

I think extended bfing is over two years. Or maybe over 18 months if you are feeding during the day.

The other thing that gets mentioned is that programme that was on not long ago where a woman was feeding a 7 year old or something like that. It was most recently brought up by my FIL. I smiled with clenched teeth (possibly it looked like I was threatening to bite him).

I fed dd till she was 14 months, she self weaned. Ds id 15 months and still bf in the evening and morning. Fil constantly remarks "are you still feeding him" he's a freak though and would leave the room every time I feed either of them. I always say "the world health organisation recommends bf till 2 years"

I'm still feeding DD, she's 15 months and showing no signs of self weaning. Feeds first thing and last thing when I'm working and then much more frequently at weekends.

I've noticed a few odd looks over the past month or so and can't fail but hear my MIL "silent sighing" when DD attempts to de robe me.

Getting molars, colds and a fussy diet is nothing to do with bf, it's a perfectly normal toddler thing!

I bf dd1 for about three weeks, long story. She didn't get a cold till after her first birthday. She's still extremely resilient to colds.

I bf dd2 till she was seven months. She gets every cold going.

Both about the same on teeth and diet.

Never really sure what to make of all these old wives tales about bf. It's nice and cuddly and all that (except when you've got thrush) but that's it really. Not experienced any startling obvious evidence that it's made much difference either way.

Don't shoot me down in flames, I speak from experience!

Agree Frosty. My baby got her molars ridiculously early at not quite 10 months for the first one (now awaiting the 4th one and she's 11 months) and I can't begin to say how relieved I was that was still breastfed so there was at least something she would eat.

molars coming = no fun

I think it's probably after a year.. Then people seem to think you should be preparing to wean your child, from my experience anyway.

I bf ds1 til 18 months and he self weaned having lost interest slowly.. and he began making use of emotional comfort from hugs etc and language and transitional objects..

Dd2 however is now 4 and still bf..

She has special needs and can't quite cope with the idea that bf is not available for comfort although does not require it for nutrition of course anymore.

I never set out to bf her this long - to be such an extended breastfeeder, but it still feels right for us and it is a wonderful way to soothe her especially when we're in hospital situations.

I sometimes feel uncomfortable about how old she is but I've never had any negative comments from anyone although it's not something I do outside home or familiar places or in stressful situations these days.. I don't want to invite any negative comments, our lives are hard enough , I but may have just set myself up for some comments here.. I hope not though.

I remember reading somewhere about b/f babies having a higher IQ than non-b/f babies and this has encouraged me to continue as dd needs all the brainpower she can get..

Also, I've frequently been on paediatric wards in hospital and been so relieved that I still have breastfeeding to soothe and comfort her.

On those occasions, it feels like magic.. I'm so grateful to be able to offer that..

My DD is 3 next week and still bf about twice a day. I didn't really feel as though we were 'extended' breast feeding until she was well over 2. I still knew a number of others who were bfing at 2, once we went a few months past that they'd all stopped and now I don't know anyone in 'real life' still bfing a child DDs age.

I'm not really a fan of the term 'extended breast feeding' though, I prefer 'natural term feeding' or 'waiting to self wean'

Think you've posted on mn before DJAngel? Your story sounds familiar and I think it's fantastic you are still bf your daughter.

It's unusual in the UK but not elsewhere. From about 6months I was asked when I'd be stopping and bf a big older baby in public was met with a few surprised looks although never any comments.

Now he is 21 months most people assume I've stopped as I don't feed him during the day any more although I do not make a secret of the fact I'm still feeding him. No one has said anything. TBH I think I give off quite a strong 'don't even bloody ask' vibe...

Yes I posted here a while back to see if there were any other extended breastfeeders with sn children.. There were a couple.. I lurk on this forum from time to time due to my experiences and interest in breastfeeding issues but mostly stick to the SN board comfort zone! It's safer there! Nice to be welcomed back though..

DJAngel - DS2 fed until he was 3.5. I didn't really plan it that way, he just wasn't ready to stop. he is NT

he was in hospital when he was 2.5 and it was wonderful to be able to feed him when he was poorly, its such a comfort to them

It's nice to read this, I plan to do it till DD is 2 unless she self weans before, she's 7m now and I'm already getting some really horrid hurtful comments from family members - helps to read this!

I don't know but am still feeding ds2 at 3yrs 2 months. There have been comments, both good and bad!

It wasn't intended but we have just ended up doing it.