how long to breastfeed?

[nic28]

I have a ten month old daughter who I am breastfeeding about 4 feeds a day, some days more when she wants comfort!

I have been asked by so many people when will I stop bfeeding her? All of my friends all weaned by 12 months, but most before, so I feel a fair bit of pressure to start weaning her at 12 months, but I don't really want to!

has anyone else out there felt this sort of pressure or am I just being too sensitive! I am seriously thinking of just keeping it a secret but then I wonder why should I. I would love some advice off any like minded people out there??? :wave:

[Mum&bubs]

You should not have to keep it a secret! :hugs: You are giving your daughter the best thing out there! And she's still only a baby! I'm breastfeeding my 2 yr old and 7 month old so I get those comments all the time. You just learn to ignore them or come back with witty comments :D

I say you breastfeed for as long as you and your daughter want to! It's your body and your bubba's nunu's so who cares what everyone else thinks :hugs:

[MrsTwith3]

If you dont want to wean your bub then why do it just because your friends weaned when they did?
You shouldnt feel like you have to hide the fact that you are still b/f your bubba. Be proud of the fact that you are giving your little one the best start in life.
Im sure someone else will be along shortly to give you all the facts and stats on why and how long b/f is reccomended.

[Oscar's mum]

Just tell them that the recommendation is to breastfeed until at least 2 and that the worldwide average age to wean is 4:thumbsup:

[♥Heaven Sent♥]

Only YOU and you bub can decide when you want to stop,tell them to butt out and that you will stop bf when you are ready too.

Sounds like you are doing a great job :)

[bel_aiden]

congratulations on still breast feeding!!!!
the desicion to wean is between you and your child not for your friends to decide. dont feel pressured.. feel proud!!! ds is almost 17 months and stil bfed, due in 5 weeks with my second and il be tandem feeding... im constantly asked when im going to wean, you should see some of the looks i get when i even say im still feeding.
i just say il feed until atleast 2, as thats the minimum recomended age by the WHO, or until ds wants to wean.

all the best!

[aardvark]

I fed #1 and #2 until after their third birthday, and am planning on feeding DS until he doesn't want it.

I figure a child will breastfeed until they no longer need it, either nutritionally or emotionally. When they stop is not my decision to make - it's up to them.

At 17 months, DS is showng no sign of slowing up on the booby, and I'm still expressing 300-350 ml while I am at work, plus whatever he drinks when I am with him (lots), so he is still getting quite an amount.

[nic28]

Thank you so much everyone, all I can say is that you have all made me feel much better and made me realise that I need to stop worrying about what everyone else thinks...I just can't wait to blurt out some of those statistics to the next person who says something.

Thanks again, I really appreciate all of your supportive advice!