When to stop breastfeeding?

[ThatsNotEvenAWord]

First post

My DS is just over a year old. Currently we feed 3-4 times a day, when he's just woken, at nap times and before bed. Generally speaking we don't feed through the night at all unless he's really unsettled.

Until recently, giving up has not crossed my mind as he feeds to sleep (which I am happy to do). However I went out over the weekend and DH was able to put him to bed with a drink of cows milk with no trouble. He suggested tonight that we do the same as he doesn't 'need' my milk any more

Just wondering how you 'know' it's time to stop. DS does sometimes stick his hand down my top or grab at me which I suppose will get worse as he gets older. I love feeding him so much which makes me wonder am I doing it for him or me?

Thanks for any ideas

[ThatsNotEvenAWord]

Yep, at his 8mo check hv was all 'ring us when you want to stop'

[ThatsNotEvenAWord]

Oh and must just make clear my DH has always very much been supportive of my bfeeding and would never pressure me to stop, I think he probably just thought I'd like a break now!

[RigglinJigglin]

I thought I'd stop at 6 months as pre pregnancy bf freaked me out...

DD is 27m and still going

I had a reduction so bf was very touch and go to start with for us, she can only feed from 1 side but it works for us.

[ThatsNotEvenAWord]

Hats off to you Rigglin!!!

[Superarchie]

Another still going strong here - 15 months today. Just twice a day, morning and evening (sometimes not even that). I've also been haunted by the 'I should be over this by now' thought, but I am still enjoying it and so is he. For me this is the best part of the bf cycle - he's not dependent on it, and I don't arrange my life around it - if my schedule means that he misses a few in a row and my supply depletes then so be it.
Lovely to know you're all out there. Happy BFing

[Misty9]

Glad to find this thread - i was looking for advice on how to relieve engorgement after 15mo dd has stopped feeding to sleep and I thought I was giving up. But actually, maybe we can continue on an ad hoc basis? I figured once she'd transitioned to bedtime without it, it'd confuse her if I offer it again. But maybe not? She went down without even asking for it tonight :( and I'm in agony! Will maybe see if she wants some tomorrow morning... :)

[Misty9]

Forgot to say, she has been getting frustrated at the breast, as if there's not enough? And suckling more than feeding most the time. Hmm, maybe we have finished :(

[Milkyway1304]

My 14month old is still breastfeeding, probably 3-4 times a day when I'm home, 2-3 times when I'm working. I had never planned to keep breastfeeding after 6 months, let alone a year. My dd was a bottle refuser, and had no interest in solids until she was at least 11months. Even now she won't have any dairy products (even yoghurt/ice-cream!) so I'm happy she's getting some calcium from me, and it's a lovely way to reconnect in the evening. She is fine if I'm away for a night/working nights. Although as others have said my breasts know all about it! As an aside, does anyone here feel nauseous/headachy/dizzy when engorged/full? It's something I've noticed since taking longer breaks between feeds.

[Milkyway1304]

Misty: I find hand expressing really good for relieving engorgement without ramping up supply.

[ThatsNotEvenAWord]

As an aside, does anyone here feel nauseous/headachy/dizzy when engorged/full? It's something I've noticed since taking longer breaks between feeds.

Not noticed this but still get a raging thirst when I'm feeding!