full term breastfeeding questions

[qldmum]

Hi. Just wondering, when people coment along the lines of, 'are you going to wean them soon', what do you say? dd's father said that the other day (the first time he's said anything and it I thought someone had said something to him for him to say it) I just said, when she's ready. But it really bugged me, especially as they then went on to have a laugh about how she would be 20 and still feeding. I think it hit a nerve because she has really turned in to a little child lately. She's 20mths but she is really tall and looks older. It makes no sense to me to do anything other than feed her if thats what she wants and Im able, but as she's my first and Im a single mum I don't always have the confidence in my parenting to be different (I don't know anyone who co-sleeps or breastfeeds over 1 - thats why I love talkiing to you ladies), Anyway (blablahblah) If it comes up again, I wanted to be able to say why its the right thing to do, so any advice?Also, do they naturally cut down their feeds? My dd feeds all the time still.

[Bumble]

You are doing really wonderfully just go with how you and your DD feel , she will stop when she is ready and im pretty sure the cut down think will just happen in its own time.
I have only been feeding for 10 mths but the way my bobbie monster is going i would say by 20mths he will still be going strong too.
Again well done :yelclap: you should be very proud of yourself :D

[punkbaby]

As bumble said go with it she will wean when shes ready, my girls were 18months and 14 months, ds was 4 months. I got those comments too, Oh they are walking now its time to stop. I pretty much just said i will stop when they stop and left it at that.

Congrats on going so long though thats awesome!!

[draught]

You are looking for what to say?
You can baffle them with science - the WHO recommends breastfeeding until at least 2 years, it has been shown to increase intelligence, decrease the chances of obesity and allergies and you believe in giving your child every advantage possible in life, etc, etc, etc. (and yes I know that bottlefeeders can come up with studies to the contrary but that is not what this thread is about - this is about arming yourself with some answers that will show them that you are doing a great thing and that they need to learn something about it before laughing etc).

[Pippi Longstocking]

Heh Draught, I was just about to write pretty much exactly what you said. There are many many good reasons to breastfeed until the child self weans. There is no good reason NOT to. It's an easy choice to make...

GO the boobies! :smiliedance:

[the_queen]

Yes, the scientific fact route is one option (and a great option - it tends to shut people up :D)

OR... you could go the "you think I'm crazy?? You ain't seein NUTHIN yet" route... and say "oh well at this stage I'm planning to make sure she goes to a university that is really close to home, I'd hate to have to travel too far every few hours" and then stare them down :laughing: Give them that "i DARE you to say something" look. :p


:hugs: You're doing a great job, have faith in your own wisdom.

[lukaelmo]

No one ever passed a negative comment on my BFing either of the boys, as a matter of fact just the opposite...

However, when people did ask me if I were feeding my bubbas I used to say, "I'm doing it for the fabulous cleavage... look at it, I'm never going to stop :D.

[AM]

When asked "Are you going to wean them soon?"

I just say "No" and smile to myself, I am just not interested in justifying myself to ANYONE, so I don't.

Look at my breastfeeding tickers...can you believe how long I have been nursing? I can't! :)

[♥Heaven Sent♥]

I agree with apprenticemumma i don't feel that i have to justify to anyone why we still choose to breastfeed.I expect the same respect from them that i give to them like i never question other peoples parenting styles.

These are my kids and i will parent them the way i know how.

I would just let them know that you are going to bf until your dd weans and leave it at that.

Remember you are doing a great job,what our boobies are made to do :p

[our little treasures]

I got those comments as well but more "oh!! Your still feeding". I would say "Oh god yeah" just matter of fact and not at all worried what they may think.

My dd1 was fed for 141/2 mnths and ds 17mnths and they weaned themselves as I was pregnant and couldn't keep the milk during this time. I was devastated as I had always wanted to be a tandem feeding mum but actually love that my 2 weaned themselves and I never denied them!

I think your doing a fab job and remember to have a conversation with your dh about his remark. Comments and jokes made by your partner need to be stopped. If he is wanting to know he could discuss it privately.