How long does milk last when you stop feeding?

[RhiannonElward]

I'm breastfeeding my 23 month old, she's currently on holiday with her grandparents for 5 days, is my supply likely to last until she gets home without too many problems? I'm hoping the holiday will help her decide she can manage without feeding as much or even at all, but if she comes home and wants to continue, I'd like to be able to let her. Does anyone have any similar experiences? Most of my family think I'm bananas for feeding for so long, but we're happy and she's thriving and I see no reason to give up until she's ready. I don't have a breast pump and I'd rather not spend my evening milking myself but I will if I need to. Any help would be much appreciated, thanks :)

I think it really varies. I still produced milk 3 years after I stopped feeding my eldest, but I know people whose milk supply dried up quite quickly.

Since you are happy to continue feeding dd when she returns I would express a few times a day to be on the safe side.

On a side note - I don't think you're bananas at all. I would have fed both my boys until 3, but they both naturally weaned before they turned 2. Stuff what everyone else thinks and do what makes you and your dd happy.

And on a second side note - Have a great rest while your dd is away x

thanks custardcream, I wish I was enjoying it but I seem to have forgotten what people without children do with themselves all day. I'll get milking at once though ;)