Extended breast feeding

[Ididntmeantoyou]

My gynecologist told me that I should stop breastfeeding my baby after one year. She said she was aware of the benefits for the child, but that extended feeding is not good for the mother. I ebf my second child for 6 months and weaned him fully at 2. Had been planning to do this with my third (now nearly 3 months) but now I’m unsure. Has anyone else been told to stop after a year by a medical professional? I’m 45 if that matters.

In general- never heard of this and I am a healthcare professional with a breastfeeding qualification. Theres benefits to the mother in terms of reducing risks of certain cancers, and because many women like it. Plus benefits for baby as your doctor said. Always a good idea to be mindful of getting enough nutrients and minerals in your diet so you don’t become deficient though.

You were there for a reason though so perhaps it pertains to that- breastfeeding does alter your hormonal status. Perhaps it’s worth asking for clarification and I certainly wouldn’t change my plans unless I had an understanding of the possible risks and benefits for me and my baby

I think people can be a bit weird about breastfeeding past year. I fed both my children until they were ready to stop, so well past a year. The NHS, AAP and WHO also say breastfeeding till 2 and beyond is ideal. Do whatever works for you - please don’t stop just because of this GP if you do want to continue.

Did she say what those risks were?
Was it specific to you in terms of whatever your under gynaecology for?

Ask for evidence and comparison of alternatives.. it might be that you can support any issues with nutrition..... if you want to carry on.. that is..

Thank you for all the responses and I should have mentioned that I'm not in the UK, and here you get a routine appointment with a gynaecologist 6 weeks post partum, so I wasn't seeing her for a particular reason.

I was too taken aback by what she said at the time to ask why, or what the risks are, which I do regret as I will not be seeing her again unless I need to.

Good to hear that no one else has heard of any risks or reasons to stop after a year.