to breastfeed my toddler

[Trish1200]

My son is 2.3 yrs and it makes him so happy that I can't take it away from him. I've been hopping that he would give it up on his own, but i now suspect, that it may not happen anytime soon. I only feed him at home and feel embareced to tell other people that I'm still breastfeeding.

What are your views on extended breastfeeding?

www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html Have a read of this. Might reassure you about the normality of what you are doing. A local LLL leader always suggests reflecting the sentiment when faced with someone who is critical or using the phrase '"Really? It is a shame that you feel that way, I wonder why?"

FWIW i still nurse DD (2.9) in public. It a lot less noticeable than her asking for 'milk. Pleeeeaase' and dive-bombing my boobs if I refuse. I feel no need to justify myself to other people and if they want to tut or look they can.

I've heard of some mothers in third world countries breastfeeding until the child was 6 or 7 so what's 2 or 3?

My view is if it works for you and your dc, then no one else's view needs to be taken into account.

(And i bottle fed from the beginning - how you choose to feed your child shouldn't be an issue for anyone else)

yanbu. (and I speak as someone who was sick of it and stopped by 4 months each time).

My son is 2.9mo and I am 'still' breastfeeding him. You have my sympathy re: ignorant comments from some people. Many children this age still have baby bottle, nappies, dummy, comforter, etc.

I wish it wasn't such a big deal to people who should be minding their own business!

Well done for giving your DC the best start in life. If anyone else has a problem with it that is their problem not yours!

surely the only person who needs to know is your GP if he is prescribibg medication? I know someone who breastfed non stop for 7 years. Only issue I ever had is that I got used to a high calorie diet and when I stopped bf the inches piled on :(

Wow teapot, I would seriously reconsider who you are friends with on FB!

I think you're doing great, keep it up. I'm sure it'll come to a natural conclusion at some stage. I think it's important not to stress about it or feel embarrassed or ashamed - it's just milk!

DD1 will tell you all about her views on BF if you want, she is a very enthusiastic nurser at 3 yo

It can be tough if you don't know anyone else that is BF a toddler or older child. Is there an LLL group near you?

Breastfeeding Older Children by Ann Sinnott is a really good book if you want to read more about it.