Breastfeeding for the Entire First Year

I breastfeed my son for 13 months. I loved it! It was hard at first, but after we got the hang of it, it wsa great! So much easier than formula!!! I cried when he was done (he weaned himself, he didn't even care, lol!) Good luck to you!

I am still breast feeding my 15 month old and plan to breastfeed #2 (who is due any day) for at least 18 months. It will be a sad day for me when it is time to wean completely . By the way, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of 1 year and the World Health Organization recommends 2 years!

I breastfed my daughter for almost 18 months and think it was the best thing I have ever done. I never had any problems and loved it. I think I was more disapointed when she weaned herself. If you can do it then go for it!

I exclusively breastfed both of my babies for over a year. My son was 16 months and my daughter 20 months when they weaned. It really was the best decision i feel like I could have made for them. If they encountered a little cold or bug they would nurse their way thru it and never really get sick. My son never had an ear infection until he was almost 3!

My son was a preemie and I had to pump for 12 weeks straight till I taught him how to nurse but right after I left the hospital (and he had to stay) I had to pump and dump because of getting the rubella vax. His little tummy was so upset because of the formula. The minute he was back on my milk he was perfect! I can't tell you how good it felt knowing I had made the right decision in spite of being told by others to just let them keep giving him formula and get my rest instead of getting up round the clock to pump.

Of course it can be tough because the majority of the feeds falls on mom but I could have cared less about that "burden". The vast majority of babies will accept a bottle of pumped milk so mom can get a break and get out of the house alone.

It was empowering to be able to nourish and grow a healthy baby. I had control over what I put in my body and therefore what my baby got. My kids are great eaters and I think breastfeeding helps that. They get exposed to a variety of tastes via the breastmilk.

Before my daughter was born, I committed to breastfeeding for a year. Because I had difficulty nursing, I expressed breastmilk for 14 months. I am so grateful I did because my daughter was unable to keep solids down until after her first birthday. Since she was getting all the breastmilk she needed, I never worried about her nutrition. My son just turned one year, and despite a tricky start, is still heartily nursing. Happy nursing!

I breastfed my twins for 15 months! When they were first born, the thought of an entire year was too much for me. Ideally, I wanted to make it a year, but I knew I was going back to work as a teacher when they were eight weeks old. What got me through the first year was setting small, realistic goals. First, I wanted to breastfeed until I went back to work in December. Then, I thought I could make it to Christmas break. After that, it was spring break. By that time, I knew I could make it to summer break, and my boys were eight months old then. The rest of it was smooth sailing. During those times when it was time to pump daily, or they were cluster feeding, I kept reminding myself that I was giving them the best nutrition out there, and I was saving a TON of money on formula. Baby #3 is coming in June, and I plan on breastfeeding for a least a year. I figure if I can do two at once, one will be a piece of cake!

I breastfed my kids until they self-weaned.
It was my plan and what I did and believed in.
So did all my friends.

Every Mom & situation is different.

My Daughter self-weaned at about 2.5 years old.
My son did so at about 1 year old.

My Husband was proud of me. He even 'bragged' about it to all his friends.
Culturally, how long a woman nurses, varies as well.

Yes! With DS1, I nursed him 22 months. DS2 is 13 months and I plan to nurse him just as long. The WHO's recommendation is for 2 yrs of breastfeeding and that is my goal.

This is always a hot topic! I breastfed my twins exclusively until they were 18 months old. I also went back to work when they were 2 months old and full-time when they were 7 months old.

One of my daughters was born with some health issues. My pedi told me that she expected to have to see her a lot due to illnesses. She rarely has to go see the doc for anything other than check-ups. Both her pedi and pulminologist say that breastfeeding her probably has something to due with her strong immune system.

If you are dedicated to breastfeeding your child it is one of the best things you can do for her lifelong health.

I breastfed my daughter for 15 months, and plan to nurse the next even longer. If it doesn't work out, that's fine, but good for you for trying! I loved it!

I nursed my kiddo until she was 22 months. I worked nights (11pm-7am) so she only got a bottle if she woke up at night, and it was breast milk. I was on half night shifts until she about 6 months old so I was still home by 3am when she would wake up for nursing.

I think you are doing a great thing!!! I wouldn't change how we did it for anything.

Good for you! I breastfed my son for 19 months. I planned to go to a year but he wasn't ready to wean yet, so we slowly cut down. Yes, sometimes it's demanding or difficult but I would do it all over again in a heart beat. In fact in 2 months I will be starting all over again :) If you've already done 3 months you can do a year no problem. The feedings are going to space out more and give you a little more of a break. Remember sometimes babies cluster feed (eat round the clock), sometimes you will feel like you don't make enough or you will feel that your baby would be better off on formula or milk but just remember that your body is making this special food just for your baby. It is the best thing possible. You are making enough! Babies feed during growth spurts, when they are teething or hurting or getting sick. You make antibodies for your baby and both your bodies know when she's getting sick.
Don't let other people discourage you. I was very modest when I breastfed but still fed my son in public. I never had a remark said to me but I could tell people were looking and whispering.
Teething was not much of a problem for me. My son tested his teeth a couple times and I just yelped like a puppy and said ouch. This is how mother animals let their babies know that action is not okay and it worked like a charm.
I wish I had gotten a nursing necklace for my son to play with because as he got a little older his hand would wander and he wanted to play with the nipple of the other breast. I could not stand this, I think a necklace for him to hold on to and look at and play with would have helped.
Find a friend you can laugh with and vent to, I have some hilarious stories of feeding my little guy.
Also think of what you would like your boobs called in public. Since my son was 19 months old when he weaned he was very verbal. I'm thankful we had a special word for nursing and boobs, it saved me some embarrassment.
Great Job Momma!

I BF'd for 2.5 years and I loved it. Sometimes it was challenging, but I wouldn't change a thing. I actually had to have a lactation consultant work with me for 3 months because I got Shingles 3 days after giving birth and it royally screwed things up. Got back on track about month 3-4 and kept going from there. Go for it and enjoy. Also, it seemed easier to wean gradually when he was older cause he was eating solid foods and it was a natural progression.

I breastfed both my kids over a year, and I'm SO glad i did it. When I look back on it, I wish I hadn't quit so soon, particularly with my second (and last) child. I picked "one year" like it was some kind of magic number, when in reality I think I should have just waited until my kids were ready to stop.

I write for a blog, www.morethanmothers.com. One of our writers is involved with an international breastfeeding group. She's posted LOTS of great info about breastfeeding! Here are a few links:

http://morethanmothers.wordpress.com/2010/09/08/the-abcs-...
http://morethanmothers.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/faqs-abou...
http://morethanmothers.wordpress.com/2010/09/29/nursing-i...

You are a great mom for making this commitment to your daughter. You won't regret it!

Jen

I breastfed both my babies until they were past one year (16 months for my first, 18 months for my second). I was a SAHM with my daughter so it was a little easier (I only had to pump when we had a babysitter) but with my son I went back to work when he was about three months. It was a little difficult finding a place to pump at work, but my boss was understanding and gave me the time I needed to do it (once in the morning and once at lunch was all I needed). Once I got into the routine, it was fine, and I'm really glad I did it. I never had to supplement with either one of them, thank goodness. Treasure the time, it really does go by way too fast! :-)

I breastfed my 3 babies each until they were about a year and a half. I introduced solids at between 5 and 6 months, and they were eating table food at meal time by 9-10 months.

I thought it was great. No one ever questioned my nursing past a year (except my MIL the first time around). My kids are well adjusted and healthy now at 6, 4, and 2.

J.

I breast fed both my kids for just over a year. I started weaning them both a little after their first birthdays. My daughter was weaned by 14 months and my son was weaned at 15 months. I am pregnant with #3 and plan on nursing at least that long again. I never did bottles and because of that I was tied down a little more but it was totally worth it. I loved the experience of nursing and bonding with my babies. Good luck and keep breastfeeding it is wonderful.

I have made it to month 11. :) Only one more month to go, but I may decide to go a little longer if it works out for both of us. I love the extra bonding time... especially now that she's up and about so much more and not as interested in cuddling as she used to be.

I did with my #4, and it's probably the most wonderful thing I've ever done!

I fully intended to do so with my #5 (also 3 months old), but we had a horrible time getting to the bottom of his FTT issues, and he was hospitalized twice before we learned he had serious MSPI. I'm sure we could have worked it out if our circumstances weren't already so overwhelming, but they are! And it completely breaks my heart.

Enjoy every moment of it!!!!

We're coming up on a year with my daughter and she still breastfeeds. I'm starting to introduce a little whole cow's milk here and there to help with the transition, but I plan to nurse until she's ready to stop. I have never understood the need to wean a baby... if both you and she are happy and comfortable, why change?

I breastfed both of my boys till they were 2 1/2. There is really no real reason to stop until they are ready to do so. Breastmilk is good for young babies/children no matter their age. If you stopped the minute you felt like a cow being milked that would probably be like, oh....a couple weeks at most?

Once you get past the initial time period where they nurse alot it really becomes so easy and such a wonderful wonderful bonding time for you both. It gives you both permission to just stop and be with one another and let the rest of the world wait. And when they get bigger and they are on the go exploring their world those moments are truly precious. You will also be thankful when they are sick and cannot keep anything down/don't want to eat anything they will ALWAYS still want to nurse cause that is their comfort mechanism.

I breastfed the whole first year... and I think it was great! The more you can do "regular" feedings... skin to skin... the better.

My daughter didn't try solid food until 6 months... and was about 50% food/ 50% breastfed at one year. She didn't get sick at all! She weaned down to just nighttime feedings at 18 months, and weaned completely at 21.5 months, although our "goal" was originally her 2nd birthday. (I weaned her because I am pregnant and breastfeeding and pregnancy exhaustion just proved to much for me to keep it up.

Whatever you do, try to work with your pediatrician. In the end you make the decisions... but a good pediatrician can help you get the most out of breastfeeding for your baby!

AND one last thing... get ready for a few comments... about at six months along you'll probably start having people ask when you are going to "wean" and maybe even questions that seem invasive or rude comments like "Well, don't you want your body back?" or "well you cannot breastfeed them in college!"

Don't worry- if it isn't one thing it is another (no matter WHEN you wean lol). I am just giving you a heads up that for whatever reason breastfeeding or bottle feeding and what comes with them seems to occasionally bring out the NASTY in people... sigh!

Do what works for you, and if plans change- stand proud with whatever decision you settle on. Do what you feel is the best for you and your baby- and it'll all pan out great in the end!

Good Luck!
-M.

I breastfed for 17.5 months -- no formula. Best thing I've ever done. But, that is just me. That decision is not for everyone. I would do it all over again too. Just know that you will be more tired -- takes a lot of energy to make that milk.

I loved that time with my daughter, was glad I was able to do that for her. But, if you're not able to do it, or if you decide to wean earlier than a year, that is perfectly fine too. Also, keep in mind that some kids wean themselves earlier than a year and that is fine too.

The best advice I got about breastfeeding was to take it a month at time and see how things go for both myself and the baby. That worked really well.

Good luck!

I stopped just past 11 1/2 months with my first and wish I'd gone the full year but he was fine on whole milk and table food and had started biting painfully while nursing.

My second nursed until 13 1/2 months and I plan to nurse my third until at least a year.

I had no issues with nursing that long--I think it was awesome for me for weight loss/returning to pre-pregnancy (uterus, etc.) combined with exercise and healthy diet. There is a lot of research that indicates that breastfeeding reduces your risk of cancers and other health issues later in life. There is more than enough evidence that breastfeeding is the most healthy thing for a baby in the first year.

I pumped at work since I worked full-time and the only time one of my kids had to have formula was when my second was very ill and throwing everything up and I was away for a weekend conference (so he still had to eat after he threw up the milk I had left and ran out and my in-laws had to resort to formula, which he also proceeded to throw up--poor baby--that was a BAD weekend!).

My kids are not too attached to me--they are pretty happy visiting with other people and kids, so no excessive attachment issues, just normal attachment.

I slept more. A lot more. Nursing in bed is the best!!

The ONLY downsides I could think of from my end were having to buy special bras (expensive, but some people do fine without), the discomfort if you have to wait to nurse or pump, the fact that your husband has to be a little careful touching your breasts if he doesn't want to get sprayed, and knowing that no matter how much weight you lost, you still will have to buy smaller tops after you wean the baby.

Overall, it was incredibly easy for me to go close to or past a year nursing. It is very easy to just grab your child and go without worrying about bringing bottles or milk or formula.

I bf both of mine until 18-20 months. I am pregnant with #3 and will nurse at least a year. Obviously I enjoyed nursing my babies, I stayed home and found it to be very convienent, easy way to be with my children. I trust the overwhelming research showing how nutritious and healthy it is as well, especially doing it for at least one year. My husband and family fully supported nursing and I think that can make or break the experience for some moms. If you have other questions or want some more info about my bf experience, email me. Good Luck!

PS: After reading some other responses about only nursing with no food for the first year I want to add that I didn't do that...sorry to misunderstand your question...I never did jarred baby food and waited until 6 months to introduce food, very haphazardly too, not daily or anything, just a mashed banana or sweet potato a couple of times a week when I was in the mood :)...Mine didn't eat enough table food to shorten nursing sessions until about 9 months - once they could sit in a seat by themselves and feed themselves with their fingers. Overall, I did very little feeding by spoon. I do know that it was between 11 and 12 months that they were completely dropping a mealtime nursing b/c they were eating enough table food.

I did twice and I am so glad! It wasn't always easy and sometimes it was downright difficult but the benefits both emotionally and physically are so numerous it was absolutely worth it to me.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends AT LEAST a year and the World Health Organization says at least 2 and for good reasons. It seems strange to some in our culture to bf for more than a few months simply because we aren't used to seeing it, but breast milk continues to be extremely beneficial even into toddlerhood; in fact the longer you breastfeed, the greater many of the benefits are!

I plan to go at least 2 years next time :)

When I decided to nurse, I thought I would do it for one year. Then read more and decided that wasn't nearly long enough. (Sorry so long.... You can skip all the details but PLEASE READ THE LAST TWO PARAGRAPHS. :)

I nursed my son exclusively for the first six months (no other food), then slowly introduced cereal, veggies, then fruit. It is important to do it in that order, first cereal to get them to get used to the new action of moving the tongue to swallow food, then veggies to get them used to them and interested in them, then fruit so they will have a balanced palate. I wish I would have waited longer (like until 9 months or so) before introducing foods.

Anyhoo.... My son never tasted formula. I flat refused to ever give him any. I read enough to know that my breastmilk was the ONLY thing I wanted my son to have AT LEAST for the first year, then however long after that it was agreeable and comfortable for us both.

He did not have cow's milk until around 18 or 19 months. I pumped and supplied my milk to his daycare until then. After which, I nursed in the morning, when I picked him up, sometimes again in the evening, then at bedtime so he was still getting my immunities, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

We slowly dropped nursing sessions, first the evening one, then the after daycare one (he was too active and busy and wanted to play). We were nursing upon waking and at bedtime, then he started to wake up "on the go" so we dropped the morning session. At 33 months, I started some medication that was not PROVEN safe for nursing mothers (doc said studies showed it "should" be okay, but was not proven so). Since there was question in my mind, I decided to err on the side of caution and stop the nighttime session.

The way we weaned - over a long period of time, and sessions becoming shorter - there was no pain for me when my milk went away. It was an easy and natural process for us both. We are very close and have a wonderful bond. I would not trade it for the world!

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a MINIMUM of one year. This is by no means a cutoff point! The World Health Orginization recommends a MINIMUM of two years. Again, not a cutoff point. The longer you go, the better for you both. (Yes! There are benefits for mama as well! Including lower risk of ovarian and breast cancer!)

Here are some articles on nursing beyond one year. They call it "Extended Nursing" but in many countries it is the norm, not 'extended' at all!
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html
http://www.babycenter.com/0_extended-nursing-is-it-for-yo...
http://nursingbaby.com/nursing/extnurse.htm

I'm guessing you're asking if we exclusively breastfed for an entire year without adding solids? I've read several studies that says it should be the primary food up to 1 year, but my daughter was very frustrated by the time she was 7 months and needed more food. I never introduced cereal, just fruits and veggies until 1 year. My son, on the other hand, went several more months to about 9 months with only introducing a very small amount of other foods. My daughter, 20 months, is still breastfeeding on occasion, and eats anything that is not nailed down! My son still does not eat very much, he eats like a bird. They are complete opposites, so just see what signs your daughter shows you--she'll tell you exactly what she needs and when.

havnt gotten to the whole year yet, but have been going strong for 8mths now!!
im deciding whether to go longer than that or not...
good luck!

Hi J.,

I wanted to BF my son for at least a year. We had some struggles in the beginning that were remedied by a nipple shield - a "short term" solution that we ended up using the whole time, but oh well... - and I really thought it would be a big deal. When I was pregnant I was fearful that I would hate it or feel smothered by having to be an open buffet 24/7 (and bc of the La Leche League book that made it seem like that was a mom's sole reason for existing). In truth, I just can't believe how fast that time went by. DS self weaned at 16 mos and now I miss it - a lot! lol

I remember when my son was your daughter's age and everyone always said things like "it's only a season / phase", "this too shall pass", "enjoy every moment because it flies!"...and I would feel bad for NOT enjoying every moment bc I was so tired or sick of leaking all the time, etc. But seriously, everyone says those things because they are absolutely TRUE. Now infancy is behind us and I really feel like I just blinked. Mercifully, nothing about it seemed to last unbearably long.

When DS was 9 1/2 mos, I returned to work full time and pumped during the day and continued to nurse am/pm. At that point, I didn't mind bc I was thankful to have the time w/him bc of being away all day. It was such a nice, peaceful time when we could reconnect.

Congrats to you for nursing! It is a great sacrifice, but you'll never regret it. If you've had it relatively easy thus far, I would encourage you to keep at it because it changes and evolves as your baby grows, making it a unique experience at each stage. I remember thinking when DS was 10 mos that I was glad I had stuck it out bc I would have felt robbed of the chance to experience what it had become at that age: a time of snuggles, laughs, nose-honking (ha!) and sweet touches.

Congrats on your new baby - enjoy!

I bf my DS for a year, then I weaned him and he took cows milk. Im currently breastfeeding my DD, who is almost 4 months. I plan on bf'ing for over a year probably just because I enjoy it and she was born extremely sick and is doing great now. My son also never ever got sick when he was bf and he never got any ear infections or things like that. He was also always in the 100th percentile for weight, and very healthy.

I'm from Canada, where it's recommended that you nurse for the first two years. I made it 16 months with my first. He was a voracious eater that was often exhausting, but also wonderful. He was wonderfully chunky, healthy and happy. I pumped a little to so that his daddy (and grandma) could share in in the bonding and it also gave me a little more freedom to get out every once and awhile. The only negative was that he wasn't a great sleeper until he was weaned and I didn't lose all the baby weight until then either. My second is 6 months old now and we're just starting to introduce complimentary foods. But I really hope that she'll nurse for at least close to the same amount of time.
Just a little word of caution though. I have a close friend whose daughter is 3.5 and she's still nursing- a lot. The problem is that she often nurses her whenever she gets anxious or upset. Instead of guiding her as to how to deal with the way that she's feeling, she tries to solve it by immediately giving her the breast, effectively turning it into a crutch.

I breastfed my first for over 12 months - started weaning on her first birthday - so she was almost 13 months when we stopped. I was working and pumped and sometimes had to supplement, but I'm so glad I did it. When I look back, I realize how much work it was, but while I was doing it, it was so natural and didn't seem like an imposition. Plus we traveled a lot when we only had one and it was so much easier to nurse than lug around bottles and formula. (Then we had twins and I nursed 6 months - lugging around bottles and formula for two is a pain - but then it's almost impossible to discreetly nurse two babies!)
If you want to do it - go for it!!

I nursed for 14 months and it was the most rewarding thing I have ever, ever done. My baby girl was never sick that entire time. Lots of my friends kids got multiple ear infections who were not nursed. Go for it! You will be so happy you did it! Good luck! :)

I did it for my daughter (my oldest). I planned to do it for my son (our second), but unexpectedly became preggers with our third and my milk supply crashed. I could not support the milk production and the pregnancy. I plan to go for a year for our third.

I LOVED the time we spent together!!!

I hated pumping - I am a working mom and had to pump about 3 times a day to keep enough milk available for Daddy for the next day and make sure I was not engorged during the day. But, the best part of my day was coming home and nursing! :-)

~C.

I breastfed my 1st until she self weaned - past 3 y/o. Breastfeeding her that long had many benefits. She never got as sick as her peers - if she even got sick at all, it helped ease the 2 and 3 y/o tantrums and melt downs, separation anxiety was very muted due to the fact she got plenty of one on one Mommy time, she was more curious and outgoing than the majority of her peers and she's had no issues with overeating or choosing junk over nutritional meals.

Don't limit yourself to one year... take it in pieces. You start goal is 6 months, reach that - things going well - make it to 1 year. Things are still good, you realize your toddler is still your baby - go another 6 months... keep raising it until child self weans or you feel you can no longer breastfeed.

The first 3 months are the hardest - so you made it to that and you should be smoothing sailing from there!!

I did it with our youngest. I only direct breastfeed for the first 3 months, then I started expressing the milk for the rest of the first year. It was such a money saver and healthier nutrition for her that I kept going. I also had my husband buy me a portable hand pump for when we were out of the house more than two hours so I could express under my shirt in the vehicle. This came in handy on long trips, vacations, visiting people etc. As long as it doesn't disrupt life and a person can commit to it ; then i say go for it. It was easier this time around for me because I got to be a stay at home mom this time around for the second. Wonderful experience.

Son is 27 months and still going strong! Do it! You'll take flack for it, you might start to get tired of it and will assuredly have to work through biting, but it's SO worth it for yours and baby's health! It's really helped through the teething and seasonal allergies and other than those things, my son has never been sick!

Definitely introduce solids along with it though!

I did and believe that it was GREAT for my son. He was healthy and fat. We have a wonderful bond and I really enjoyed nursing him. Once I stopped, he lost all of his baby fat because he has alot of food allergies and it turns out he is allergic to milk. I have to admit that it was hard on mommy though. :) I am a working mom and it was very difficult pumping some days because I work in the field. I am pregnant again and not sure I will do it an entire year this time. I want to, but i am not going to put as much pressure on myself this time. Good luck mommy.

Congrats J.! I exclusively breastfed my daughter for a year. I then introduced whole milk, but still breast fed for another three months or so just because that was what she was used to and it took a while for us to both let go.

For me, this was the most amazing part of the first year. It was such a special time and I loved it and miss it (she is almost 18 months now). If I told myself that when she was 1-3 months, I wouldn't have believed it because I had quite the time. I now know that everything I experienced was typical and normal for a breastfeeding mom.

I would just say roll with the punches. There will always be changes. From growth spurts, to disinterest because of other things going on. That happened for us around 6 months. I changed her nursing times to before naps and bed and one other time while watching tv ( please do t judge too harshly there).

Keep up the good work! I definitely think it will pay off for you in the long run. Also, as she gets older and when she drops her "dream" feed that usually is from10-12, I would pump at this time and freeze. I got a small freezer for temp use and used this milk for babysitters, and when my husband wanted to feed her. I ended up having a lot more in the end that I didn't know what to do with. I thought I would give it to her in a cup but she wasnt interested in that.

If you want to speak with a professional for tips an advice, I would recommend Judy Eatburn, a lactation consultant. She was very helpful and encouraging to me.

My daughters nursed until 23 and 26 months! It is the perfect food or supplement to food, keeps them healthy, and is a huge factor in bonding. I'm so happy I did it for that long! You'll miss these days when it's over. Good for you! It is easier, having a constant food supply with you in public, traffic, etc where you cant make a bottle, and it's so much cheaper!

I nursed my oldest until his second birthday. My youngest will be a year old very soon, and we are still going strong with the breastfeeding. We nurse on demand. While there are times I do wish that I wasn't quite such a human pacifier, I love the bond that breastfeeding creates between my babies and me.

I think it's great that you're committing to the whole year. It's so healthy for them! I could only go to 6 months because I couldn't produce enough milk for how much my baby wanted by that time.. He was always hungry! Even when he could eat solids. SO, good luck to you! That's great! Keep your milk supply up and it should be a breeze! Good luck with the teeth! ;)

It is hard work. But in some ways so much easier. I cosleep though so it makes night feedings easier. (starting off in own crib but then just happen to fall asleep in bed). I've know women though who's milk supply decreases when they return to work or baby just wants more. Or they just get tired. I'm tired but my baby refused bottles when her teacher went on maternity leave at 8 months and now I can't get her to wean (she's 18 months)! I was always 1 year and nothing more. She fooled me! You're doing a great job but if you can't make it a year that's perfectly normal too! Don't let anyone tell you differently!

I did with all three of my boys. I went back to work after 12 weeks with each of them and pumped at work. It can seem like a long time at times, and there will be some struggles along the way that are pretty routine (cutting teeth, nursing through growth spurts and illnesses) and you'll get through them. I weaned my first after his first birthday because a million years ago that's what everyone did, but my next one weaned at 17 months (I was pregnant again) and my third went over 2 years. You're doing a great thing mom - keep up the good work, and congrats on your little one!

I breastfed until my son's first birthday. I never had problems with supply and my son didn't really bite so no problems for me. It is extremely healthy for you and your baby and you will save so much money not buying formula! I work full time, so I did have to pump twice a day at work, but it was well worth it. If you aren't a stay at home momma, make sure you invest in a really good pump- electric, double. It is well worth the money and you will make it up in about 2 months not buying formula.
If not working, a single hand pump works just fine to for pumping for times you are away (like date night, doctor appointments, etc)
Biggest benefit to me, besides the wonderful bonding experience, was the weight loss. I gained 50 pounds while pregnant and was down to pre-pregnancy weight at 6 months after with no dieting or major exercise plan.
My dad was kinda weirded out I nursed for so long, but he got over it. My husband was very supportive when he discovered how fast you go through a can of formula and how much it costs! He was also thrilled at how little our son got sick compared to my niece 5 days younger who was not nursing.

There are a lot of responses so I haven't read all. If someone didn't share this piece of advice yet, I would just recommend that you continue taking your prenatal vitamins or include an iron supplement while you are BF. Sometimes, not always, the iron content changes. That is what my pedi recommended to me after 9 months of bf (and I did bf exclusively up to 16 months with my second).

I just kept giving myself milestones so that if I didn't make it through the entire year, I'd be okay with it. Three months, six months, nine months, a year. I loved it! Was very fortunate that it was super easy to wean my daughter. Am now nursing my three month old son and am sure I'll do a year again. Cherish the bonding time...don't feel bad if you don't do a year. Do what you feel is best for you and baby!

My DD was just over 2.5 when she weaned. I pumped for most of her first year and worked FT from 12 weeks til she was 16 mo. or so.

I thought it was WELL worth doing, and after the first few months it was pretty easy. It was a lot easier to just grab my shawl and go (or duck into a dressing room) than it was to lug a bottle. I ran out of pumped milk on an outing when she was about 4 mo. old and I figured I'd get over myself and nurse in public. Of course, a cover is completely optional.

I don't think DD was any sicker than any other kid, and when she was truly sick (like down with a stomach bug) my milk was the only thing she could keep down. Breastmilk is a "clear liquid" as far as doctors are concerned.

I did! For 2 years actually for each of my children. I highly recommend going to some local la leche league meetings or Attachment Parenting meetings to be around other moms who are breastfeeding. It is really, really helpful for that social support, even if you don't have any challenges or problems.

Hi J.,

It is wonderful! It can be hard at times, but when they start eating solids it gets easier. I would reccomend trying to use bottles with pumped milk as little as possible. Our bodies just respond better to the baby. I have beast feed both my daughters, the first one a little past a year and now with this one who is almost 11 months.

I nursed 3 kids: 20 months, 13 months and 18 months. Nurse as long as you can and you WANT to, it's up to you and your daughter! Easy, healthy, convenient and free, it doesn't get any better than that! Enjoy :)

I am currently doing it with my 18 month daughter and will continue to do so until she's two or weans before that since I'm pregnant. It cuts down on the risk of cancer in you, free, great for bonding, no bottles to prepare unless you pump, no cans of formula to tote around along with the baby water. What wouldn't be great about breastfeeding. I don't honestly know any cons.

Hi J.!
I breastfed my first child for six months and my second child for a year! I absolutely think going the whole year is the way to go! But if you get to a certain point and want/need to quit, then don't beat yourself up over it! Sometimes it doesn't work out that you can go for that long and sometimes it does! Good luck to you!

I have two boys and had two very different experiences with breastfeeding. My first was breastfed with formula supplements for 6 months. I had difficulty with getting him to latch on at first and then for various reasons, my supply was low. At 6 months, I was feeding one bottle of formula per day. I was ready to be done.

My second was breastfeed with an occasional bottle of formula (never finished a can of formula) for 13 months. Such a different experience. I was sad to be done, but needed to do so for myself and get back on some medication that I could not take while breastfeeding.

In the end, it is a personal decision. If you enjoy it and feel like it works well with your situation, you will probably keep it up. Best of luck to you!

My son will turn 1 on tuesday. I am nursing while I type. I am starting to wean him though. He never took a bottle. My only advice is give her bottle every now and then if you don't already. I enjoy breastfeeding but he is really attached to nursing so weaning is tough and he is still figuring out the sippy cup and I think if he took a bottle he would have an easier time with the sippy and weaning would be easier because I could give him a sippy full of milk. It's a wonderful thing to breastfeed so keep it up!

I did with my first 2 and am 4 months into it with my third. I loved it. It's cheap, convenient and I LOVE the fact that it's something ONLY I can do for them :o) It means that I get extra snuggles.

The *only* thing I didn't like about it was that I couldn't leave for more than a couple of hours between feedings. But if you pump and store milk, then that solves this problem. I was just too cheap to buy a breast pump! lol

Good for you for choosing to breastfeed your baby!

Go for it! My only recommendation is to not only breastfeed exclusively but still introduce cereal and baby foods. My neighbor only nursed and once her daughter turned 14 months she was under weight and had major set backs on trying the learn to eat. I nursed 3 of my 3 boys until 13 months or so and they still ate table food, baby food, whatever like crazy and just nursed less and less until they didn't need it.

I nursed my first until she was 15 mo old (I found out we were expecting our second when she was 14 mo). Number two also nursed until about 15 mo. Our third is six mo old and she has had two bottles of formula in her life. (My first had formula a few times...less than 10 bottles I'd say. My second refused ANYTHING that was not ME until nearly 8 mo! No bottles, food, or even expressed milk!) Sami loves solids and has a varied palate, prefering whatever we are having. My other two are 6 and 4 and eat anything.

Really did not have a choice with my 2nd chilid. She outright refused a bottle and pacifier. I nursed her for a full year, but also introduced solids at the right times. Nursed 1st child for almost 7 months. Both great experiences.

I breastfed my son for the first year, but had to supplement a little with formula starting at about 8-9 months. I had health problems and could not pump enough for him to have at daycare.

I breastfed my daughter exclusively for the first year. I nursed her "on demand."

This could be a coincidence, or it could be from the nursing, but my son had 4-5 ear infections in the first year, starting at about the time he was 8 months, and my daughter had one ear infection the first year.

I say, if you can do it, keep it up!

I exclusively BF my daughter until 13 mos. It only gets better. We are on baby #2 and I hope to do the same. I work part time and I even think it is worth it to pump and give bottles that way if you can. It is so nice to know exactly what I am putting in my babies' bodies.

I made it 10 months, then I was tired of it and wanted my body back. So it took about a month or so to finally wean my son. I think its a great thing to do for sure! Just make sure you give bottles (of bm) often as your daughter gets older. That was our biggest challenge was to get my son to take a bottle.

I breastfed my almost 3 year old for 18 months- that's when he was ready to self-wean. He's never sick.
I'm currently breastfeeding my 11 week old.
I'm a working mom, so I also pump at work.
I highly recommend it!

I breastfed both of my sons for about 14 months each. They were great nursers and it was a wonderful experience. There are definite ups and downs- from super sweet bonding and healthy babies to growth spurts and teething. The benefits far outwieghed any drawbacks. Both boys weaned themselves- and it was so gradual, there was no engorgement for me or difficulty for them. My youngest is 15 1/2 months. It's nice to have my body back, but honestly, I miss it. Enjoy your little one. Time goes by so quickly.

Oh, I did do cereal, baby food, solids, etc. At the appropriate times after exclusively breast feeding the first 4-5 months.

First born self weaned at 19 months
Second baby nursed until 3 years, 5 months AND I was pregnant with my 3rd child.
Third child was unable to suck properly, despite working with a lactation specialist so I had to supplement with formula.
Currently pregnant with the 4th...intend to breast feed as long as she wants and I am comfortable with.

No reason to stop unless you and baby want to. Good luck!

I did- I loved it. I think it's different for everyone. If it makes you and child happy, and is not a stressful thing- then go for it! I work, so I supplemented with formula when needed (sometimes I just couldn't pump enough- my supply wasn't very high). Good Luck!

My 4.5 year old nurses about once a month, so of course you have my vote. He was a champion nurser until about age 3 when he chose to nurse considerably less.

My 2.5 year old nurses once a day before his nap.

In time you'll realize your baby doesn't nurse simply for nutrition, but for comfort and closeness with you. And filling this emotional need is every bit as important as filling an empty stomach.

Find a La Leche League group in your area (go to llli.org and find your state) and connect with other mothers. This helped me immensely when I felt I was all alone.

So, go you!! Keep it up!

Without going into how long I breastfed each of my four children I will give you this advice. Stop when you are no longer enjoying it, that is best for both of you.

What I mean is when you feel like you are a cow to be milked, stop. When you are not getting enough sleep to function, stop. When you feel like you are doing something you just don't want to do, stop.

The longest I went with any of the four was teeth, no way I am going to be a teether for my kids. :)

I exclusively breastfed my daughter for the first year. I loved it! She thrived and was rarely sick. She started foods at 6 months and when she weaned herself went straight from breast to sippy cup. Keep it up!

My daughter weaned herself at 11 months. I didn't go into it with a goal in mind, since she was my first (and only). I would have continued longer and was sad when it ended, but I was getting really sore from her newly cut teeth and the fact that for an unknown reason one of my breasts stopped producing, so the other never got a break!

I breastfed my daughter until she was 15 months and had no problems whatsoever. I think if you can do it and are willing, you should definitely do it.

I breastfed my first daughter until 9 months, with no solid food until 6 months old. She naturally started weaning herself from the breast and was less interested in breastfeeding so I lost my milk supply within one month.
With my second I breastfed him until 14 months.
The key is to not introduce any formula, you're gonna hear people suggesting to you to feed a bottle of formula at night time so she can start sleeping at night...etc My advice to you, is avoid formula and just stick to breasfeeding. You might find yourself doing it a lot, but after the 5th or 6 month it will get much better.

I did it. I weaned her at 13 months, she did a shark roll while attached with teeth. I decided that her basically trying to bite off my nipple was letting me know that she was ready to wean.

I breastfed two of mine exclusively for 12 months without introducing any food to them until after their first birthday. They were healthier than my two that I introduced food to them sooner. I introduced food to my 5th baby at 10 months and only breastfed until then and he's only had 2 minor colds his entire 1st year so far. My other exclusively BF babies only had antibiotics once in their whole lives. My two who had food younger were on antibiotics a lot their first year. But I breastfed all of them for two years... I think it's a great idea if you can do it. =) My babies were all "obese" too...LOL Docs words...LOL

My milk dried up at about 6 months with our first because I was doing daycare and NOT feeding on demand. We had also started her on cereal and baby food at about 5 months. She also received bottles from time to time.

With our second I breastfed ON DEMAND and EXCLUSIVELY for 9 months. We introduced baby food at 9 months but even after that, there were days where he would choose to only nurse. He never received a bottle. (Nursed till 18 months.)

Our third is now almost 7 months old. He is still being fed ON DEMAND and EXCLUSIVELY breast milk. He has received a bottle ONE time. I am again planning on holding off on baby food for another month or two.

I feed my babies anywhere. I don't think you have to stay home or pump to breastfeed. God made us this way. A small blanket will do! Good luck to you! And don't let others push you into giving your baby a bottle or food. BREAST MILK is the best and main nutrition for the first year!

I've BF'd both my kids right up to the first year. Two completely different kids and experiences. The first used BF'ing as food and comfort. The second only for food and started to self wean when solids were introduced.

I think you are at the "hardest" part of BF'ing now. It just gets easier as baby eats less often (depending on the baby) and your body much easier to baby's eatting needs (less engorging and leaking...in my experience).

I do suggest that you surround yourself with others who have the same opinion about BF'ing (as well as your pediatrician). It was NOT viewed as the best for baby a generation ago and it can make it annoying to say the least to hear others give their opinions against it.

Pros: Natural, "best for baby and mommy," easier than bottles if you are the sole care provider, cleaner, FREE
Cons: Your body continues to adjust with hormones, you may struggle with waiting to diet (I gained weight with both while BF'ing), baby seems to take longer to sleep through the night (in my experience....but couldn't compare if MY children would sleep better with formula....never did it). You have to be the sole provider of milk....or pump....which is still demanding. If you work, you have the added stress of pumping at work...or finding the time to do it. And finally, it may not be socially acceptable depending on where you live.

Best of luck to you and your baby. Congrats on being a mommy and choosing BF'ing.

I felt the same as you, however, both of my kids self-weaned before a year and I was ok with it. Good luck! Breastfeeding is terrific, but don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work out that you make it a full year... or the flip, if your child wants to bf for longer than a year.

I BF for an entire year and she started eating some baby food and solids around 8 to 10 months.