"It's only women in developing countries who are supposed to feed for 2 years"

[MaMight]

It occurs to me that Christmas will run smoother if I mentally prepare some confident, matter of fact answers for the hysterical grilling I am going to get from the inlaws re "STILL" breastfeeding my 20 month old.

Them: You really ought not to still be feeding him at his age.
Me: Well actually WHO recommends breastfeeding until they are two...
Them: No dear, they don't mean you, that's for women in developing countries where the alternative to breastmilk is not as nourishing as some lovely Cow & Gate and a nice ham sandwich.
Me: Leave me alone or I WILL squirt you.

What is the right answer?

"Why are you still feeding that child?"

Because this child likes it. and because I like it.

and why is necessary to give this child the milk made for a calf instead of milk that is made for a human?

My mil bf dh till he was 4 yet I still got comments from her

Weaning ages in different cultures from an American professor of anthropology.

Leningroto - have googled ww weaning age v quickly & found www.llli.org/ba/Feb01.html
also think you could look at WHO & UN for more info

Be grateful - my MIL phrases it as "are you still putting her to the breast?"

Point out that stopping in the winter, with Swine Flu still stalking the nation, would be really risky, and probably lead to sudden death, and then where would Christmas be?

Or tell her to fuck off.

Whichever.

I think that answering a question with a question is quite a good option, ie along the lines of "Why do you ask?" or simply "Why?".

It will put your MIL on the spot and perhaps make her think twice about being so nosey/insensitive.

Sorry PIL, not just your MIL!

You could tell her you want to reduce your risk of cancer - breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and the risk reduction is related to how long you breastfeed for (i.e. the longer you breastfeed the lower the risk). This is particularly relevant to your MIL's views about which parts of the world the WHO advice pertains to, since women in developing countries have lower risk of breast cancer than women in developed countries.

"Because it's what works for us right now." And repeat. And repeat again. And again.

You would not believe how many conversations this has gotten me out of. It can be said with a smile and shrug or with a snarl through gritted teeth as is your preference.

Love the comments from SOH, Babieseverywhere and Giraffes.

Just wondering what you DH does while this is going on.

My in-laws are very pro formula and quite honestly I couldn't care less. We have always made it very clear that its a decision that we all agree on.

There are more of us feeding to the minimum of 2 years than you think. Get DH to back you up and carry on doing what you are obviously enjoying.