Breastfeeding a 2+ year old

[TheLette]

I'm interested to hear from people who carried on breastfeeding after their child turned 2. At what point did you eventually stop, and why? Did it ever become weird, as the child got older, and if so at what sort of age?

For context, my daughter is nearly 2. I said I would stop at 2 (in line with WHO guidelines), but it seems a bit artificial. I'm happy to continue. It's only at bedtime, and she is fine with that. If I'm not home at bedtime she's fine with missing out and goes to sleep without any problem. She is very rarely I'll despite attending nursery and I'm convinced that breastfeeding plays a massive role in that.

I just don't want to continue to the point where it would start feeling weird. I guess I'd like to carry on, but have a mental placeholder for some point in time after the 2 year mark for when I'll consider things again. Thoughts?

I BF both of mine until 2 years 8 months. By that time I’d had enough. I think it’s just coincidence that it was the same length of time though. I think you’ll know when you’ve had enough. If it’s only at night and she’s fine if you’re not there, I think it’s a lovely day to end the day with her

I'm still breastfeeding DS at 2 years 8months but I'm so ready to stop. I tried gentle weaning a few months ago and we were making progress then he got chickenpox and we ended up back with him feeding whenever he wants. I feel really uncomfortable feeding him in public now and as though I'm being judged whereas when he was younger I couldn't have cared less.

I'm just about to start trying to wean again so wish me luck, I think the hardest part of breastfeeeding has been stopping!

Mine is 2.5yr and still going strong! Although I do tell him that we can't have any milkies on the road and only milkies in bed.

I do want to stop but haven't really tried too hard. And agree with pp that I do feel a bit awkward feeding him in public now

I fed my first until 2 yrs 2 months and he weaned then due to pregnancy and just not looking for it as much anymore. At 21 months now with dc2, no intention of stopping any time soon! My last baby, I love the cuddles/connection and I don't want my period back!

Fed till 2.5 years. Just couldn't do it anymore. It was awful stopping, as he stopped, then 3 days later wanted to start again and I'd got the taste for freedom I just couldn't go back.

Few nights of crying and me feeling utterly shit. All fine in the end.

Felt embarrassed about feeding out so never did. People get judgey once they are older. Don't know why. It’s so natural

I weaned at 2y4m with DS. I had been pregnant and struggled with breastfeeding DS during early pregnancy because my breasts were very sore, but then I lost the baby at 13wks so I decided to wean so I wouldn't have to go through that again with the next pregnancy.
He was down to just a bedtime feed anyway, which we replaced with a cup of milk and an audio book, and he was totally fine with it.
At no point was it weird but I don't think I'd fed in public since he was about 20 months. I'm now 34 weeks pregnant and can't wait to breastfeed again - I have missed it!

The WHO guidelines suggest 2 as a minimum recommendation.

We had dropped our bedtime feed just before 2 as DS was only using one boob and was barely a few minutes. He fussed more about wanting a particular book within seconds of no Boob

Still feeding my 2.5yr old, I said I'd stop at 2, but it just didn't feel right and he is still very dependent on it for comfort.
He only feeds at bedtime usually, but sometimes as comfort if he is upset/hurt and I didn't want to take that away from him. I will carry on until he wants to wean.
I've known people to feed until 5/6, so 2 to me doesn't seem 'too old'