How Long Did You Breastfeed?

I started with the goal of 6 months, then a year, then self-weaning when my son was ready. He was just about 4 years old when we stopped. He was pretty much down to only at bedtime for quite a while.

actual breasts feeding?? about two weeks... how long did she get breast milk?? 6 weeks. she was born 10 weeks early and in the NICU for the first 39 days of her life. she was tube fed my breast milk. once we got out i tried to breast feed, but she had trouble latching and i didn't have a comfortable place to feed her. i had just moved home with my parents. and they weren't supportive at all. and i had to mix the breastmilk she got in a bottle with formula anyways, so at 6 weeks we went ahead and switched. now... when i have another baby i plan to exclusively breastfeed for at least 6 months. i don't know if i will succeed, but i'd definately like to try.

My kids self-weaned.
That is what I planned and wanted to do.

My daughter self-weaned at about 2.5 years old.
My son self-weaned at about 1 year old.

HI--
I'm one of the rare ones who has allowed my children to self-wean. I followed the don't offer, don't refuse method. My oldest weaned himself just after 3 1/2. My youngest just turned three and still nurses upon waking up, nap time, and bed time, and once in a while during the day if he is ill, extra tired, or extra emotional. When I decided to do extended breast feeding I did a lot of research and this is what I learned:
1. The World Health Organization recommends breast feeding for AT LEAST the first two years.
2. All mammal species breast feed through toddlerhood (not infanthood)
3. The milk changes as the child gets older to especially fit their nutritional needs.
4. Allowing a child to self-wean is the kindest way for both Mom and Baby. The child does not become dependent on Mom. Contrary to popular belief, forcing a child to become independent actually causes more dependence because they are forced to do things before they are ready. If allowed to do it in their own time they learn their world is a safe place where their needs are met and they have a solid foundation from which to gain independence. For more on this google attachment parenting. A child will not self-wean before the age of around 2 1/2 unless they are given a bottle or sippy cup on a regular basis. The average age that a child will self-wean world wide is between the ages of 3 and 4.
5. Some children will go on a "nursing strike" when they are teething or ill, but this is different from weaning themselves.
Enjoy the time with your little one! They grow up so fast!!
J.

I planned on breast-feeding my daughter for a year, then it turned in to 18 months because it was going so well, then 2 years. She is 2 years and 3 months right now and she nurses before bed and when she wakes up (2x a day). I plan on taking her cue to wean her, she is not ready yet, I can tell she needs the time with me still. And for me, it reminds me that she is still a baby, I don't want to push her to grow up too fast.

3 years, 5 months. Yeah, it was long, but, no harm, we are well-bonded and he still asks for it occasionally! I felt judged after 2 years, and started lying about it, but, I would be fine doing it again if my child wanted it. The hardest feeding to stop, by FAR, was the middle of the night ones. That was 2 to 3 months of tantrums in the middle of the night.

1st-34 mths.
2nd is 11 months now.

first child, 20 months
second child, 13 months
third child, 18 months
Depends on each child's needs (and mom's needs!)
Best of luck :)

I breastfed my daughter until she turned 3. My plan was to breastfeed for one year but we just kept going. Exclusively until she turned 6 months when I introduced solid food - a few times a day until 18 months old and then twice a day (once before naptime and once before bed) until she was 3. At that point it was more about cuddling - I don't believe she was even getting that much. I got a serious sinus infection just after her third birthday and had to start antibiotics. I told my daughter we couldn't breastfeed anymore and she said (very anticlimactically) "okay" and never looked back. I missed it but was thrilled she was secure enough to not feel deprived. Again, I never planned to go that long. In fact, I used to silently judge women who breastfeed after their kids got teeth. Shows what I knew. Breastfeeding is very personal and only you can decide when to stop. I remember some family members and friends giving me a hard time but I couldn't understand why. It's not like I was whipping it out in public or subjecting anyone to seeing it etc.. Why do people get so upset over something that doesn't affect them and certainly wasn't affecting my daughter negatively? I believe it helped her greatly in avoiding allergies and some illnesses - especially ear infections - she rarely got sick. Anyway, you, as the mom, get to decide how long or how little you want to breastfeed - or not breastfeed at all for that matter. Whenever you and/or your child is ready to stop is the right time. Even just a few months gives great benefits and you can't beat the bonding and cuddle time. Enjoy!

I practice self led weaning. Each child needs Mommy's one on one love, security, comfort and milk at different lengths - tho most will nurse until about 2 years old. I would encourage you to read up on the medicinal properties of breastmilk, and how it protects your very orally fixated infant to older toddler from the many many daycare and school based bacterial and viral infections.

My daughter weaned herself at 4.5 years old... she's 5.5 now and I'm almost 6 months pregnant with #2 - expecting to do self led weaning again. I am a nurse, and plan on getting my Masters (Nurse Practitioner-Midwife) degree in the next 3 years.

I was a single Mother for the 1st 3 years, working full time and going to school part time. Once I had a live in stable relationship with another income (my now husband), I went down to part time work and full time school to get my Nursing degree.

20 months and counting...

AAP recommends 1 year or more, World Health Organization recommends 2 or more.

The last time I fed my 4 year old was only a couple weeks ago, I fed her all through my pregnancy with my now-2 year old, who is nursing about 3 times a day at this point. I have nursed them at the same time many times. Its a beautiful thing to have two kids nursing together and holding hands or caressing each others faces or arms while doing so.

3 years.

When my kid was born, we had a very hard time getting started with BF'ing and I didn't think I would make it 6 weeks...next thing you knew, it was easy as could be. (In the beginning, we had to supplement with formula which was just fine with me).

I'm not hardcore about BF'ing, I feel like every mom & child should do what is best for them. It is a personal decision only, it is not for anyone else to tell you what to do (except medical advice, if needed, of course).

But I do take issue with our society's idea that BFing is something that should not be done for long or that it is something to be ashamed of.

So, BF as long as you and your child want to. It's a time for you two and should be enjoyable for you both.

:)

#1 = 18months
#2 = 15 months
#3 = 26 months

14-15 months. I loved breastfeeding my daughter, but when we were done, we were done.

Just as a random side note: Before I was pregnant with my daughter, I had attended a breastfeeding support with my sister (simply because I was in town helping her out and she was going regularly). I cannot tell you how helpful it was when it became my turn. We had a really smooth start and I'm not sure that would have been the case had I not (unintentionally) learned what I did in that group.

Just a bit past 2.5 years. Gradually weaned and it was pretty easy on my body :)

A little over 2.5 years.

I said I'd try 6 mo. Then my goal was to make it a year (I was working FT and pumping). Then we crossed 2 yrs and she recently weaned. I did a little of letting herself wean (she started "forgetting" about lunch and I didn't remind her) and a little encouragement (making sessions shorter) and we got there in a gentle way that worked for us.

I agree with BP M. - I encourage mothers to try and not get sucked into negativity. People get too easily upset about ounces or teething or age or people's comments. I think our society worries too much and it leads to lower breastfeeding rates, among other things. Find support when you need it and I hope you have a successful and happy nursing relationship with your child. :)

I breastfed my daughter for 2 years regularly. Then off an on until 2.5... I only nursed her when she asked and she eventually stopped asking without a single prompt from me. I didn't have a planned "quitting" time for her. I thought there was NO WAY she would EVER wean herself... She did!

My daughter is 18 months old and we still breastfeed. I plan to go until she's two or if I dry up before that since I am pregnant.

All three of mine were breastfed until after their third birthday or just before. I had planned for 2 years (my mother had bf me that long back in the 70s) but my oldest was very insistent on nursing even past that.

They were all exclusive breastfed until 6mo and then on demand until 12 months. Night weaned around 18 months - that took some doing with the first one. Each of the kids slowed down on nursing on their own.

My first one had "trouble" giving up the very last session (early morning) because that was snuggle time with sleepy mommy. Had to totally change our routine to get her to totally stop, but I was tandem nursing her and her younger brother. My two boys just stopped on their own....

with My first daughter i was ignorant of all the techniques, i never fed her because she wouldnt latch on, i pumped my milk for four months and fed it to her through a bottle. it was INSANE being a 21 year old first time mom, working, pumping and feeding on cue. My supply dried up at 4 1/2 months

With my second daughter im still breastfeeding, she just turned 2 and i weaned all but at night, at night she drinks to fall asleep and periodically wakes up , usually twice in order to suckle and fall asleep again. We co sleep, so this is not bothering me, and she seems to still need the comfort of me at night. I dont plan to do this much longer.

I would recommend breastfeeding past the age of 1 though, however, 1 is a great goal

Congratulations!! i assume you are pregnant, enjoy your blessing!

13 months. She started cutting back all on her own around 9-10 months, then she was down to 3 times a day, then 2 times a day (morning and night). She was already eating most kinds of regular food at the point she started cutting back. Then she self-weaned over the last month. She still wanted me to whip the boob out, I guess just to see if it was still there and available, but she didn't really want it. Plus, she had always taken bottles as well as the breast, and I guess she figured bottles were easier. We gave her goat's milk (Meyenberg Farm's brand), because it's most like breast milk nutritionally, and she had an allergy to cows milk.

I wasn't ready to give up breastfeeding when she started cutting back and then just quickly gave it up entirely, but I had to pay attention to the signs and I had to respect that weaning was what she wanted to do.

I'm 5months pregnant now, and planning to BF until two years old (ISH) but allow Baby to wean themselves. I'll go to three if Baby wants. No one around me is supportive of extended BF'ing, and I have chronic pain which makes the DR's think I'll "give-up".

But my family has a reduced potency protein (immune system) deficiency. Reduced potency means every member of my family will have it the def. and the ability to pass it on but only some actually will have a severe enough form to have problems caused by it. BF'ing is the best way to naturally boost the immune system so it's very important to me to keep going as long as Baby will!

I breastfed until my daughter was 21 months old. I EXCLUSIVELY breastfed till she was 6 months, and was down to 50% food and 50% breastfeeding when she was 1 year old. After that we slowly weaned down to just 1 nighttime feeding when she was 18 months old.

Whatever you choose... be proud and happy with yourself! 2 weeks is just fine, 6 months is just fine, one year is great... 2 years is fantastic too!

I think it is wonderful that any mom breastfeeds.. no matter how long! Just trying is commendable!

My *plan* had been to BF at night 'till my daughters second birthday... but I weaned earlier because I got pregnant and It was just too tiring for me to maintain! I don't have any regrets!

Good Luck!
-M.

By the way- I LOVE the site: http://www.kellymom.com/

It is great for finding advice and information about breastfeeding in ALL of its forms, from exclusive, to part time, to extended and is a great help in deciding what to do for your family!

17 months and still going. So nice to read about everyone extended breast feeding.

My son weaned himself at two. He stopped due to us traveling and there was just too much going on for him to worry about it, I could have continued when we got back, but didn't push it (I was ready to be done as well). When I first started, my goal was 1 year. When I got there, it as 18 months, then it became two years. Hopefully your breastfeeding relationship is so good you will want to continue as well. Plus, with child led weaning, it just happens, no crying/missing it.

My first I can't really count since he bottle and breast fed (had a car accident when he was a newborn and had to pump for 2 months...lost a lot of my supply) with my second I nursed him until he was 18 months. I am nursing my third and plan to nurse until she is ready to wean.
L.

I nursed my first for a year and planned to nurse my youngest for at least a year as well. But, we really only made it for four months :(--I got my period when he was 2 months old and he stopped gaining weight about then too...he still nurses once or twice a day, but I don't think he gets much...

Well, I hoped to breastfed exclusively for 6 months, then I thought if we can get to one year....I would be thrilled. One year came and went and it was just so easy and natural (even the pumping when my supply seemed to be dwindling) that I went to 15 months. It would have been easy for us to go on and on, but I just knew I was done at that point.

One year for both my boys.

9 1/2 months with my 1st daughter. It was an abrupt end because I had been very sick while travelling alone for the weekend and got dehydrated. She went right to cow's milk and did not try to nurse when I returned. For my 2nd daughter she is now 15 months old and still nurses in the morning before work and after work, and off and on during weekends. I will nurse her until she self weans. I would actively wean her if she gets to be older than 4 or so.

Hi, mine self-weaned at 9 and 10 mos, respectively. If you work at it you can keep them on the boob longer than that, but in my experience and that of my friends (contrary to what many have said here) most kids start to lose interest by about a year, or even sooner IF they are eating more solids than breastmilk/formula by then (which they should be by 12 mos).
Good luck and congratulations!

A little over two years with each of my three children.

12 weeks (first dau) and 10 weeks next. It wasn't for me and I couldn't pump at work,

#1 & #3 13 months
#2 9 months. he was a biter, and was just done at 9 months.

With my first til he was 14 months, second about 20 months. It is hard work, but so worth it if you can do it! I recommend a meeting with a lactation consultant. Check out Milkalicious in Aliso Viejo or The Pump Station in Santa Monica - both are great stores for BFing moms.

My first daughter I breastfed until her first birthday, my second until she was 14 months.

Still going at almost 15 mos. Hadn't thought I would go past 6 mos. and here I am. Will go now until she stops most likely.

I think you should do what feels right for you and your child. I "planned" to bf until my son was 1 but he had other ideas! Your question is a good one but how do you define "breastfed"? My son still nursed right before bed until he was almost 3. He did that one session since he was 2 1/2. Before that it was once before nap and one before bed since he was 2. Weaning was a partnership and was a natural progression. Everynight I told him it was going to be less and less and he was ok with that. One night, after the previous night was "2 seconds", he just didn't ask. He never asked after that. For me, I was proud of our relationship and I didn't have pain nor was I sad.

I nursed my daughter for 15 months, she weaned herself, and my son for 19 months.

Updated

I nursed my daughter for 15 months, she weaned herself, and my son for 19 months.

My first- 6 mos (I dried up b/c I was pg w/#2)
My second-14 mos (I dried up b/c I was pg w/#3)
My third-10 mos (he was a biter and pretty much weaned himself)

I made it just shy of 2.5 years. It was a struggle, particularly in the beginning, since he's allergic to dairy, so any time I slipped up he'd break out in hives. By 2.5, he'd mostly lost interest... he'd ask sometimes first time in the morning, but I just started distracting him then and everything was fine.

18 months until he self weaned

15 months with my 1st son and 22 months with my 2nd son

33 months :o)
Go as long as you can! The health benefits for your baby AND for you greatly outweigh any inconvenience.

I planned on breastfeeding my daughter for a year. When she was about nine months old I just kinda dried up, I guess this is something that has happened to a few ppl in my family. I am going to try for a year with my next but obviously not sure if I will be able to make it that long.

My daughter i only breast feed for a month:( for some reason i wasnt producing enough milk and dried up i guess since i didnt want to eat. But im currently pregnant and determined to breast feed for the whole year. If i cant eat im def. going to alot of water down for the milk.

I breastfed my first 2 daughters for a year each. My third is 4 months old and I'm planning on going the full year again.

I was willing (and still am) to go up to 18 months, but they weaned on their own and I wasn't going to force it.

My oldest about a year. My youngest I thought I'd do the same. We're at 18 months and a week.

Ten months and still going. I have the same plan as you to breastfeed till 1yr.

Almost 15 months, I planned on just a year but he still wanted to feed, so I did. I think as long as baby still wants to and you want to you should! :)

I breastfed my first daughter for a couple of months but we had some serious problems including severe PPD and supply issues and I couldn't pump worth spit. I had to stop for my own sanity and both of our health. We were both much happier after we stopped. With my third daughter we breastfed until she was six months old and she weaned herself because of continued supply issues in spite of every effort to increase supply. She was underweight by all accounts and unsatisfied, and was much more content after we started to supplement to formula. Then of course that was just the end of breastfeeding completely when she realized that milk was in good supply. She started to put on and keep on weight.

In each instance I had the support of my LLL counselor. I had hoped to make it to a year minimum with each, but was happy that I had breastfed as long as we did. I didn't breastfeed my middle daughter because my experience with my first daughter was so truly traumatic and scarring. We ended up with other problems that would have made nursing her difficult if not a nightmare anyway since she had/has serious gastric problems and sensory processing disorder related to her Autism.

1st child - 11 months
2nd child - 8 months
3rd child - 4 months

Notice the trend? I liked breast-feeding and I didn't like breast-feeding. I don't really miss it.

BF only for 6 months, then she weaned herself one week before her 1st bday!! Good luck to you :)

I was going to breastfeed my first for a year but dried up when she was 9 months (I broke/dislocated my arm). The trama killed my supply. I'm aiming for a year with the second baby.

My first child - about 14 or 15 months until she naturally self-weaned

My second child - about 9 months due to an unexpected pregnancy that dried me up quickly

My third child - currently nursing at 6 weeks old, but I planned to go at least 1 year again.

~C.

My first until almost a year--he cut teeth right at 11 months and simply could not nurse without painful biting, but by then he was on table food most of the day and drinking whole milk with no trouble.

My second nursed well into 13 months.

My third I plan to nurse at least a year and then we'll see, but probably not much more than that.

I hadn't spent any time around kids before I had my daughter, and I knew they started solid food at around 6 months, so I planned to breast feed for 6 months (silly me!). Then I learned that they need breast milk or formula until they're a year old, so I planned to go for at least a year, aiming for 18 months. I went back to work when she was 6 months old, and the pumping was a real struggle, but we made it to a year and she never had formula. At a year I stopped pumping but nursed when I wasn't at work. I gradually cut down until I was just breastfeeding her right before bed. At 17 months, I was ready to be done so we just stopped. I thought it would be hard on her, but she just cried about 2 minutes the first night and that was it (my husband took over the rocking and putting her to bed so she wouldn't be confused why I wasn't nursing her).

Good luck to you. It's a great thing to do for your baby, but it's a big commitment on the mom's part and not always easy.

First - 3 months exclusively breastfeeding and then pumped till he was 9 months. He was tounge tied and had latching issues, so bottle feeding him with breastmilk was easier for the both of us. Then due to vacationing, I dried up at 9 months, plus I was pregnant with second.
Second- 9 months and still going strong. Exclusively breastfeeding, hates bottles and pacifiers. Plan on introducing sippy cup and maybe wean her by a year, but have a feeling that she will self wean closer to 2 years of age. I don't want to push it. So we will see what happens.

My first until 9 months. He abruptly refused the breast, and I realized I was pregnant with #2... The hormones made my milk tase different and he didnt want it after that! My second son is almost 5 months, and I plan to breastfeed him until hes 1 :)

I nursed my oldest until she self weaned at 20 months...I was 7 months pregnant with #2 and I'm sure my milk change motivated her. I nursed my second until 19-20 months. I am pregnant with #3 and plan to nurse at least 18 months.

19 months...because I was pregnant again :)

First one was two years and one week, second one is 1and eight months and im still breasfeeding her

#1 = 9 months (wanted to make it to a year, milk gave out)
#2 = 6 months (wanted to make it 6 months, really struggled make it happen)

Child 1 was 13 months but supplemented with formula when I was working after about month 8. Very sad at the end.

Child 2 was a little more than 18 months, little supplementation since I worked less. Just about right for me.

I breastfed my twins for 15 months, and I work full time, too! Currently I am expecting baby #3 and I plan on going another year.

I breastfed my oldest until she broke the skin and it was just to much, about 2 years. We are at 5 months with my youngest, and it was terrible for the first 2 months. If I hadn't had my daughter, I never would have stuck it out. I finally understand why people bottle feed! =) Remember, it doesn't have to be all or nothing. Even once a day is wonderful for your baby!
Good luck!
R.

I breastfed my daughter until she was about 15 months; like Kate D., I was pregnant at the time with my son and it didn't seem like she wanted it anymore (although by that time, she was pretty much only nursing at naptime and bedtime). With my son, I breastfed until he was 18 months. He was only breastfeeding at naptime and at bedtime, and he was drinking regular milk from a sippy cup, so I decided to try and wean him (I rocked him to sleep at naptime and cuddled with him at bedtime) and he was fine. I wasn't really planning on weaning a specific time, just decided to do it whenever they seemed ready for it.

Oldest DD, 9 months because my job....
Younger DD, 14 months because morning sickness with recent preg.

First one 2.5 years. Too long for me, honestly, but it was good for him. Number two was 14 months, but the last eight or so were more for comfort than nutrition as I had supply issues. My last one we're up to 7.5 months. We'll go as long as she wants most likely.

16 mos and counting...

My son is almost a year and I plannd on about 6 months..lol I am still nursing him however because he never took a bottle! We are working on weaning though. I think a year is enough.(for me anyway)

First - 8 months; Second - 1 year.
For both - pumped while I was at work from month 3+. For the second everything was easier, including a much more comfortable pumping arrangement and work schedule.

17 months for my first. My second stopped on his own @5 months. I pumped until he was 1 year

My first almost 18 months when she self weaned. I plan to BF the second again as long as he/she wants to.

10 months and 15 months.

First one was 15 months, second one was 27 months.

I supplemented with both, but I breastfed my first for 4 months and my second for 6 weeks.

Two years, five days. His doctor cut him off for me and it was easy, we just stopped.

He didn't think I was even producing milk anymore and he was just using me as a human pacifier. At almost four he's still sees me as his human pacifier but now we just hold hands. On the UPSIDE this child has never been sick other than the icky teething stuff. Not even an ear ache.

I PLANNED on letting him wean himself but that just NEVER happened. It really did help when he was teething. He'd nurse and fall asleep when he was cutting teeth and a lot less crying.

Kids are so different and I really lucked out with mine in this area...good luck!

Hello!

My daughter - one year - she's now 25
My son - 2.5 years - he's now 11
My second and last son - 1 year - he self-weaned - broke my heart! woke up one morning and refused the boob!! never went back! URGH!!! :) boo hoo!!

We just past the year mark, and will probably go until she's done... there are lots of benefits to extended breastfeeding (though you certainly don't have to, just something to consider!)

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html