Comments on: Extended Breastfeeding

By: Child-led Weaning -- Let’s Talk Babies -- Tips for parenting, pregnancy, and all things baby…

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:21:44 +0000

[...] it is very common in strong breastfeeding cultures. Child-led weaning is often practiced by extended breastfeeding mothers, those mothers breastfeeding beyond the first year. On average, a child who is allowed to [...]

By: Lisa Mitchell

Lisa Mitchell — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:58:26 +0000

I’m glad you found the information helpful. I was/am in the same boat as you. Everyone I know who breastfed stopped at a year if not earlier. I just decided to do what I felt was best for me and my daughter. She is 15 months old and I am still breastfeeding. Keep strong and feel free to send my a message if you need support.

By: Breastfeeding 11 month old daughter

Breastfeeding 11 month old daughter — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:25:05 +0000

Thanks for posting this information. I’ve struggled with the decision to extend breastfeeding. My 11 month old daughter’s 1 year b-day is fast approaching – one of my friends who breastfeeds is pushing me to wean my baby at 1 year old. I’ve dropped down to 3 feedings a day (morning, noon and night) but am not emotionally ready nor is my daughter (she will not drink my breastmilk from a cup although she drinks water from it during the day). I think I will continue to breastfeed until she is too big to hold or when I see her wanting to be more independent. I do not think I wish to feed her past 18 months, although that is my guess (maybe closer to the end date I will feel differently). It’s hard to talk to people about it because so many of my friends who have breastfed did not enjoy it and could not wait for it to be over – I, however, do not feel the same at all. I just know now that my baby is not ready yet – she has given me no signs that she wants to end. Thanks and keep posting this helpful information!

By: Advice for Women from Women - Mid-February 2009 « Advice for Women from Women

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 03:04:41 +0000

[...] Mitchell presents Extended Breastfeeding — Let’s Talk Babies — Tips for parenting, pregnancy, and al… posted at Let’s Talk [...]

By: Lisa Mitchell

Lisa Mitchell — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:33:17 +0000

Congrats on sticking with extended breastfeeding, especially now that you have two children. I’m glad you decided to post a response, it really helps those who are struggling with negative comments from others and for those trying to decide whether or not to go ahead with extended breastfeeding.

By: a "pervert"

a "pervert" — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:44:05 +0000

Brittany,
Congratulations on your pregnancy and your decision to breastfeed.

Please do some actual RESEARCH on extended breastfeeding including both biological and anthropoligical evidence. If you do, you’ll see that breastfeeding into toddlerhood is not “perverted.”

As for the nutritional information, you are both correct and incorrect. Yes, a child over the age of 2 can absolutely receive 100% of their nutrition from solid foods. However, have you ever met a 2 year old who actually ate all his protein, veggies, and carbohydrates? Most children of this age go through significant periods where they refuse all veggies or all fruits, or limit their protein. The average mom struggles with supplements to ensure her child is receiving good nutrition. The breastfeeding mom recognizes that her milk is the perfect complement to a toddler’s imperfect diet. Additionally, toddlers are exposed to various bacteria and viruses, moreso than infants. Biology tells us that a childs immune system is not fully developed until around age 5. The breastfeeding mom is able to assist the toddlers still immature immune system with her own immunities found in her breastmilk.

You are always welcome to your opinions, but please do not state them as facts. People visit these boards looking for information and may mistake your opinion for an educated view.

On a personal note, I am offended by your comment that moms who breastfeed beyond your personal opinion of what is acceptable are “perverted.” And why, according to you are they “perverted?” Because American society likes to see breasts to sell beer and cars, not to feed children.

I tandem nurse my 17 month old and my 3 yr old. I am not perverted – regardless of what you may think – I am caring for my children based on their specific needs – which is appropriate mothering.

As you will find out soon, mothering is a tough enough job without being put down and called names by other moms… please make that consideration the next time you decide to post.

By: teena

teena — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 20:00:14 +0000

hey brittany, i was wandering if i could quote you on an assigment i am doing, let me know if you dont want me to. ohh and the assignment is on the psychological effects of extended breastfeeding. this topic is really topical, hearing all the different views is ermm lets say interesting lol everyone is REALLY passionaite about thier views.

By: Lisa Mitchell

Lisa Mitchell — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:33:44 +0000

Brittany,

While I agree with you that beyond a certain point breastfeeding isn’t for nutritional purposes, it is during the second year of life, which is what the article is referencing. Extended breastfeeding is breastfeeding beyond the first year.

Extended breastfeeding is a very personal choice.

By: Brittany

Brittany — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:26:09 +0000

I am 32 weeks pregnant and I have planned on breastfeeding my baby since I was around 8 weeks pregnant. I can see breastfeeding up to the first year and then begin weaning him/her off the breast after the first birthday. But I believe the baby should completely be weaned by the second birthday. It is wrong to go longer than that. Using Nutrition as a reason is a bunch of bull… other foods they can eat will give them plenty of nutrition. You want to know why families, partners, and strangers look at you in disapproval? Because other than feeding your baby for a little while, your breast are also a private area that’s shared sexually with your partner! After your baby reaches a certain age, it is perverted to keep your child on the breast! I’m not trying to be mean or put anyone down. Breast feeding is a good, healthy start for a baby. It has benefits for your body as well as your baby’s development. But don’t make society the bad guy for looking at some women in a negative way… there has to be limits! Seriously! Whether you mean it in a perverted way or not(and it likely you DO NOT mean it that way)… it is looked at by others in that way. you need to think about that. For your sake, your partner’s sake, and your baby’s sake… and there are other reasons why it is wrong, but the reason I gave is the main one! Your baby needs to be done breastfeeding before the second birthday! Period, Plain, & simple!

By: Lisa Mitchell

Lisa Mitchell — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:24:12 +0000

Kristin,

Good for you. It sounds like nursing really worked out for you and your son. I think nursing is best ended when one or both of you are no longer interested. If you are ready to stop maybe it is time to begin the weaning process. My daughter is 14 months and I am still nursing. I hope others come on and give you some advice as well. Best of luck to you and no matter what you decide to do you have done the best for your son.