When do you become an extended breastfeeder?

[Stefka]

Just wondered. DS is one now and people are starting to get a bit funny about me still feeding him. I didn't think that was terribly old to still be BF really.

To me I think I would call it extended if the child was past 3. Not to say that I think it's weird just that there's some automatic cut off point in my head there which makes it suddenly seem extended....

I'm BF my almost 11 month old and not planning on stopping any time soon. It's funny, I'm already becoming a bit cagey about it around other people. I've not fed in public for aaaages. (And believe I had no qualms about it from the moment he was born feeding anywhere and everywhere).

I wish society was more accepting of BF in general.

Even my mum who's pro-BF and BF me and my siblings keeps on going on about "well it's just for comfort now isn't" and "he doesn't really need it any more" or "he'll probably wean himself off soon" (said in a slightly hopeful tone!).

I'm a natural term breastfeeder too. DD is 14 months so still young yet but we want to carry on for a long time yet. The only generally negative comments I've had have been from health care providers, family and the public haven't bothered yet. Apart from the woman who glared at me the entire time I bf DD in the doctor's waiting room after her mmr. I didn't notice but dp was certain she was going to say something.

The only negative comments I've had so far were from a paediatrician (DD1 "rickets") and a dentist (DD1's cavities), not one from another mum or anyone else. It did make me stop and think because I couldn't just automatically brush it away as ignorant people.

breastfeeding causes rickets???
Have not heard that one!

And dental cavities - no proof on that one! here

I know, Red, I've read some more since (and before, I thought I was pretty clued up) but still felt small at the time.

Ooo - i just found that about rickets, but tbh, the cause is if the mother lacks vitamin D (and the same can be said of other things a mother is lacking, but breastfeeding per se doesn't actually cause rickets) It says here that "the main cause of the problem is lack of sunlight on the skin."

I also read (my interpretation, can be totally wrong) that BM plus sugars is worse than just sugars or formula and sugars, so it's even more important to brush teeth if BF.

DS is 2 on Monday and I am getting quite a bit of pressure from "friends" who think that it is time for me to stop. I like the sound of natural term breastfeeding, it describes my view towards it although I'd not heard the term until this evening.

Incidentally, DS calls it "boat" (who knows why?!) so no embarrassment at all! He is well aware that boats float on water so I've no idea where it came from.