How Old Is Too Old, in Your Opinion, to Breastfeed?

with both my kids, I let them self-wean.
My daughter self-weaned at about 2.5 years old.
My son at about 1 year old.

Extended breastfeeding... is up to you.
But, many Pediatricians also do this with their own kids.

In my daughter's case... she was not 'rude' about it. Because, I taught her MANNERS about it: never in public, NEVER pulling my shirt up, NEVER demanding it, that it was MY Boobs... and to ask nicely.

Weaning is up to you and is a personal decision.

He is still pretty young. I definitely would not consider 18 months too old to breast feed. I know some people do it as long as the child wants to, and that is a personal choice, but I personally would not be comfortable breastfeeding a school age child.

When it starts to bother you (probably to the point you start asking this question), then it's time to cut it off.

The real question is when do YOU want to stop nursing? Do you want to stop or are you more concerned about what others think about it? Let me tell you that I nursed my second daughter until she was 3 years 5 months. I was also pregnant with my third child while still nursing my second daughter. Believe me that I got a lot of sideways glances when my daughter wanted to nurse. I resorted to only nursing her at home. My sister, who had no children of her own at the time continuously hounded me to stop nursing my daughter ~ she even thought it was weird. Even my husband, once our daughter was about 2 1/2 yrs old began suggesting I "cut her off." I felt pressured to do it so I tried weaning her. My daughter cried because she wasn't ready and I cried because neither was I. So after a week of preventing my daughter from nursing and making both of us miserable, I caved and began nursing again. I resumed to being happy as did my daughter. Once I got pregnant with my third child, I was at the pediatrician's office for a well child visit for my second daughter (who was still nursing) and even the ped made me feel bad for still nursing a toddler. I hated being treated like I was doing something wrong when in fact, I was doing what I felt was right for me and my child. Shame on those folks who do not "agree" with long term nursing. It's not THEIR decision, it's only the mother's decision to do what is right for her and her baby.

So, you may get a bunch of opinions here suggesting you quit and others may support you to continue. Don't allow people to sway you to do one or the other. What do YOU want to do? What are you comfortable with? When my third child was born, I was unable to breast feed him. We had trouble from the very beginning...he had a weak suck, was not gaining weight, and I ultimately had to give him formula. I tried to continue nursing him while supplementing with formula but his suck was so weak that he couldn't get anything out of me and on top of that despite all the pumping I did to preserve my milk supply, I still lost my milk anyway. I am grateful and consider myself blessed to have nursed my daughter as long as I did. My first born self weaned all on her own by 19 months. Now I am pregnant with my 4th and if I can breastfeed, I will until I'm good and ready to stop.
Do what is right for you and never mind what others think and feel about it.

I think the problem isn't breastfeeding, it's allowing him to have control of your body. He is old enough to gently be taught he can not lift up your shirt. He also old enough to not feed on demand. He should not be able to demand your breast. He also should have other ways of coping. I'm not saying he can't choose to nurse when he is upset. I'm saying he should also have other ways to cope and use those more. (and use nursing as a coping mechanism very infrequently.) If you don't want to nurse him in public, don't. He shouldn't be able to force you. At the age I doubt it's hunger, at any feeding. I think you should start cutting him off, when it is not a mutually good experience. If I were you, I would start now teaching him boundaries when it comes to nursing. He should not be allowed to lift your shirt and demand. I have many friends who do extended breastfeeding and by this age their children know not to ask in public and never to demand. It is YOUR body and YOU control your body. If it becomes a power struggle, it's not a benefit to both of you and then becomes a deterrent.

LOL! When they have to straddle you...

It sounds like it is personally awkward to you, I think you answered your own question.

Although I nursed my 2 boys and think it is a beautiful and natural thing, I would personally be uncomfortable nursing a toddler or having him lift my shirt in public.

I am sure the breastfeeding community is going to chastise me for that opinion :(

Good Luck!
E.

in my opinion- age three is too old. Anything after the 2nd birthday is kind of a gray area. But every mom and child are different. A funny story, my sister struggled to wean, and after her sons 3rd birthday she sat to nurse him for the last time. She asked him, "are you sad this is your last boobie milk?", He said, "I'm sad I'm still drinking boobie milk!" ( When your kid is old enough to express in complete sentences that he is ashamed he is still nursing, its too old.

I allowed my daughter to self wean at her schedule. She self weaned about 4.5 y/o... and unless I told someone, they would have never guessed it.

The times she nursed after 2 y/o wasn't really that much but DAMN did it help many situations. We got out of hospitalization for the rota virus that went around her school really bad - 6 of her friends had to go to the hospital for IV fluid therapy. It also helped tame her tantrums in the terrible 3's stages, and was a way for her to reconnect and calm herself after a day away from Mommy during Pre-K.

I never bemoaned her nursing, because I knew when she no longer needed my milk and body as nutrition and comfort - she'd stop. You can teach many manners to toddlers about limits and boundaries. There is "Wait" and "Let Mommy get comfortable" - these worked wonders with my own daughter and countless others. The "Wait" is simply that - you are in a place you don't want to nurse... you say "Wait until we get home/the car/etc" and then you follow thru with your promise. The other one is also very simple. You are rushing around and you have to tell your child that you need to be sitting and comfortable before they can nurse.

I also find it common that people want to deny their child when they get teeth or are able to finally communicate exactly what they want and I find that extremely contrary and an oxymoron. Usually once your child can communicate with you (sign language or verbally) you are happy and definitely try to give what they want (especially comfort and nutrition wise - ex: Mommy I really want a hug) - but instead because they ask for breastmilk from the breast - it suddenly becomes obscene? I have never understood that line of reasoning.

I nursed my first until he was 3 years old, through my pregnancy with my second and for 2 months I nursed both. My second nursed until 2 months before his 5th birthday. I found out I was pregnant with my third just days after the last time he nursed. My third is 19 months and still nursing strong. I do not plan to wean her and I know she's not going to give it up on her own any time soon.
The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until at least 2 years, longer if wanted by mama and baby. The American Academy of Pediatricians is behind the times in it's recommendation for only a year. In cultures where child led weaning is the norm it is not unusual for a child to breastfeed until in upwards of 7 years old. The United States has one of the worst breastfeeding rates, especially extended nursers, which would be considered past 6 months, not even the year that is recommended by the AAP.
Breastfeeding satisfies thirst, hunger, releases hormones to help you and your child to relax thus why it's a "go to" when upset or hurt, breast milk carries antibodies that help prevent or lessen symptoms of illness in your child. None of these advantages and more do not go away with age. Breastmilk changes with your child. It can change from hour to hour or day to day as the need arises. As a child gets older they get better at getting the milk out of the breast. It is completely possible that in 5 minutes they have completely drained the breast and are full.
I taught all my kids a sign to ask for "nursie". They tap my chest when they want to nurse. I don't let them pull at my shirt, shove their hands down it or anything. When they try I politely ask them not to and to "use their words" which means their sign. You can set limits that make it more comfortable for you without weaning him completely. Same as you can teach your child not to bite earlier on in the nursing relationship and so on. Also as they get older it is OK to tell them to wait a few minutes until you can get somewhere that's better for you. I can tell my 19 month old she can nursie after I go to the bathroom or grab something and come back or whatever. She's OK with it, just make sure it's a reasonable time, a few minutes, not 30 or 40.
You need to choose what is best for your child and for you. I hope you make that choice with knowledge though and I wish you all the best. Congratulations for breastfeeding for 18 months!

You should begin weaning when you are ready. 18 months of nursing is a great gift; don't feel bad if you aren't enjoying it any more.

I nursed my son up until he was nearly 3. Not much in the way of milk, if anything. He would have gone on forever (for the last 6-8 months, it was mostly as part of our bedtime routine), but I was really DONE! I loved nursing when he was little, and knew we were only having one kid, so going a little longer was okay with me.

Whenever it stops working for one party or the other, you should feel okay about beginning to wean.

Best to you,
H.

Hi Natty84,

I think that is a totally personal choice that is affected by a zillion different factors. I do agree with the advice about manners and it being your body that other moms said.

I think american society would give an average of a year - with many moms choosing to nurse longer than that.

One other thing - if he's only nursing for 5 minutes he's not getting much (if any) actual nutrition from you, right? So, why are you doing it? You already know sometimes it's not for nutrition but for comfort and that is a choice you are making. But if he's not getting much nutrition and you aren't comfortable with it, I think you are fine to wean him.

However, I would begin to teach him some other ways to 'self-soothe' and not have him use you as a pacifier. This is a skill he needs to learn anyway.

Good Luck.

In my opinion, when they can walk up to you and take just a few sucks and then be done they don't need to be breastfeeding anymore. At that point, again in my opinion, it is not a nutritional/health necessity.

You've done a great job but he needs to learn better coping techniques when he is upset or hurts himself than sucking at the breast. There are many, many healthy ways that he can soothe that will not damage his self esteem.

Furthermore, if you're done with it - then you have the right to have your body back.

when they are too big to climb into your lap.
:)
most kids will quit at 2-ish, but there's no reason to do so if mom is comfortable with it and little one still wants to. it's certainly not 'creepy' as one person put it. breasts being used for their original isn't creepy, people who sexualize them inappropriately are.
he should not be lifting your shirt without your permission. teach him boundaries and manners.
if you're embarrassed, then stop. but there's no real reason to be embarrassed. you are feeding your child. our weird culture is at fault, not you.
it does sound as if YOU want him to back off, and to find other comforting techniques. it's fine to work with him on that. but you shouldn't feel pressured or embarrassed, and should make sure he doesn't either.
good for you for breastfeeding your baby this long. i wish i had.
:) khairete
S.

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and then continued breastfeeding until the child reaches age 2, and beyond as long as it is mutually agreeable to both mother and baby. So 18 months is certainly not too old.

However 18 months is also not too young to start instituting "nursing manners." I'm sure you already have rules like "no biting", but you can also make rules like "only at home, not out in public" and "no pulling on Mommy's shirt or whining" but that he has to ask nicely (or sign for milk, if you do baby sign).

I nursed my youngest until she was right around 24 months old. It seemed important to her, and as long as she had good nursing manners I was fine with nursing her first thing in the morning, right before naptime, and right before bed time. I think it was good for her emotionally as well as physically since she rarely gets sick. Now she is almost 3 and while she still likes to snuggle with me for 5-10 minutes every morning she is quite independent and not clingy at all, contrary to what some people told me extended nursing would do to her.

I think by the time a child is 5-7 years old, that's old enough to be "too old" to breastfeed. At 18 months, not so much.

You could start moving toward only nursing in the bedroom, or in a certain rocking chair, or other designated spot. This won't help while you are out and he hurts himself, so hold him close and reassure him that all is well and Mama is there. Hang in there! :o)

In most other countries it is normal to see a kid breastfeed (at least at night) well into their second and third year. Most american women think 6 months to upward 1 year is best. Eye of the beholder really. My baby still breast soothes only when she needs to fall asleep. She turned two recently. When to stop breastfeeding reminds me of a joke.

patient says,"Doctor, how long should a mans legs be"
doctor says "long enough to touch the ground"

Breastfeeding is a means to an end, the means, and the end to your discretion and no one elses. Any amount of time, years, and frequency is up to you. Be strong in your conviction of what YOU want.

Wean when you are ready, it is beneficial to him for as long as you do. I personally would make it clear to him when and where you are going to nurse. For us, after about 18 months, it was only before nap time, before bed time and when she woke up in the morning. (always in bed nowhere else) she got the picture pretty quick and she has never since asked or pulled at my shirt in a public place.
You just have to set your limits that you are comfortable with, and go from their.

I breastfed my 1st daughter until she was 23 months. Mainly morning, naps time, and before bed. I don't know how anyone can give a certain month of time that they think is appropriate. When you or your son are starting to feel like it's time to be done, then it's probably time for you to be done. Congrats to you for feeding him this long.

I think 2.5 yrs is pushing it. But 18 months is fine! He is old enough to be taught nursing manners though, for sure!

As soon as there is a mouth full of teeth--that's when I call it quits. I'd go no later than 1 yr.

Too old is when they want to stop or you are no longer comfortable.

I nursed dd till she was 22 months. However, I didn't let her have free access anytime she wanted. She was old enough at that point to wait.

IMO -- You should do it when the amount of negative feelings or actions outweighs the positive ones. Check your scale. It kinda sounds like you are tipping toward more negative than positive and that might be your mind and body telling you it is a good time to wean.

I stopped breastfeeding my daughter when she was 6 months old, after that I pumped and gave it to her in a bottle. For me, personally, when the teeth are starting to show it's time to stop, but I know there are tons of women that breastfeed their babies for a much longer period of time, but that is just not me.

I agree with everyone that it is up to you when you stop.

I think you need to stop breastfeeding before the child will have a memory of it.

I taught second grade and found out towards the end of the school year that one of my students was finally being weaned from breastfeeding and that was causing behavior issues at home and at school.

Good luck with YOUR decision.

I think it's important to make this decision based on WHY you breastfeed your son. As you said, he no longer needs the milk for nutrition...at this age, he should be eating a regular diet of foods. Also, are you considering your desires over what your child really needs?

Because breastmilk still has benefits, I think it's fine to continue on past a year...but you want to think about why he's doing it...Your son should be learning to self soothe, and to find other ways of comforting himself. just like with a pacifier, he's going to have to give it up at some point. And, with anything, it's important to teach him that as the parent, you are in authority...if your son wanted to eat a gogurt or cookie 4 times per day, would you let him? or, even with something healthy...if your son wanted to eat veggies all day, at some point, you would say, "no, you just ate" or "it's not an appropriate time to eat." this is how your children learn. why is it different with breastfeeding?

i think you can continue the bf as a bonding experience/health benefit for a while longer, perhaps morning and night, but you probably need to start creating some boundaries with it which will help with the eventual weaning process anyway...

I've always joked that if the kid can fix themselves lunch, it's time to wean. :) I did breastfeed my twins until they were 15 months, so I am pro breastfeeding.

I'm a little late on this, and I'm not about to read all 39 responses, but I'll give you my two cents. I agree with the other moms about instituting some nursing manners. My sister-in-law is still nursing my niece, who will turn 2 in March but was very premature. However, they have begun weaning, and whenever my niece wants to nurse for comfort after she falls down or whatever, she does a slow count to ten.

She'll say, "I know you want to nurse, and you may, but we're only going to count to 10." Then, she counts slowly and calmly, and when she's done, she's done. It's also a good way for your son to learn to count. =) I hope this helps. Good luck!

I understand how someone would say as soon as they get teeth to stop (it HURTS!), but I would definitely do it beyond that (they could use the nourishment!) In fact, if you asked me to give a general age, it would be 18 months to stop for most people... but it is up to each person. i don't think feeding a 2 year old is creepy, but older than 3? definitely creepy to me, and some people think it is a little embarrssing to breast feed (or see someone do it) in front of strangers or acquaintances? well, doing it with an older child just multiplies the uncomfortableness by about a million (just my opinion, though- go and do what you do, people!) I got used to doing it wherever, whenever i needed to, though... while being modest about it, though.

anyways... in my own life? I breastfed all my 4 kids, but never as long as I wanted to, due to my very low milk supply after trying EVERYTHNG! all my four girls started talking full sentences very early in life, and I always thought how it would be kinda weird to have a baby breastfeeding that is able to communicate fully to you. it isn't any sort of valid reason or one that makes sense at all, just a very quirky thing about me. i guess i just figure it is a feeding source for babies, and babies aren't supposed to know how to communicate well... lol! i guess my mind just makes that connection:)

As for you, if he hasn't self-weaned yet, maybe you will have to initiate the process. its all up to you at this point. he had the most important first year of breastfeeding and he will be o.k. whenever you want to stop. just a teeny warning: i think it is more emotional for the mom to stop, at least it was for me- a very sad time!

Somewhere between 2 or 3 as the upper age limit although many kids are ready to quit sooner. Nutritionally they are certainly getting the bulk of their food from other sources. I think you can teach him ways to sooth and snuggle that takes the place of the nursing. He certainly needs to learn some manners (no more pulling your shirt up).

If the kid can say "boob" then in my opinion, he's too old! :)

At this age it is appropriate to start setting boundaries for nursing sessions. If it's not really a time that you want to nurse, you can distract him with something else like a toy, silly dancing, or a book. And then say, "We'll nurse at home." In my opinion, breastfeeding can continue as long as it's working for both parties. My sister is still nursing her 3 year old and they are both fine with this. Me? I didn't want to go past 2.

BFing is suddenly a hot topic on here! :-)

And, while I am not specifically going to weight in on an age, I will refer you to another Mamapedia article: http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/9566210437721227265#re...

Both my children "self-weaned" around 15 months. This does not mean that you are overdue or anything like that, it is just what happened in my family. From the above article, one could argue that I "missed" the signs of a nursing strike, but for me the timing of the lost of interest suited me just fine. Neither child was seeking the breast (or the milk) despite being offered so I figured we were done and without constant stimulation, I dried up pretty quickly anyway.

I think you need to do whatever you are comfortable with, but I do agree that once they start getting "too smart" about it - lifting your shirts, throwing tantrums to get you, using it as a clear comfort measure - it would be so over. These situations seem like cries for more "Mommy time" and also would indicate to me that maybe the child has not yet learned the necessary coping skills to handle life's minor boo-boos. Kisses and a good cuddling should fix the trips, slips and falls you are talking about.

Good luck working this out. You are a wonderful Mama for all you have done.
~C.

Its a personal decision. Whenever it isn't working for one or both of you, thats when you need to start weaning. IMO, I think you are totally fine to be B/F at 18months. Most do it til age 2 around the world and beyond. I think when it comes to 6 and 7 year olds, its time to stop-but to each their own. I just personally don't think its appropriate at any age beyond 5. Good for you for breastfeeding though!

Molly

I nursed til mine were a year old - I think once a child has teeth, especially back teeth then their body is ready for solid food exclusively.
I think if you are embarrassed and annoyed with it, it is time to stop

I'm a mom of two - I stopped nursing my first at 7 mths and I'm currently nursing my 6 month old with plans to stop after at the end of April. I've never posted before but tonight I really enjoyed all the responses....the camaderie, the support....just kind of made me feel warm and fuzzy!! Ha, jokes aside, I enjoy being a part of an online community of respectful mothers commited to raising their children the best way they can.

For me, 1 nursed all for about 1 year, with my last one going for about 14 months mostly just before bed those last 2 months or so. I think when it's uncomfortable and embarrasing for you, you know it's time to cut him off. I think 18 months is long enough. You've done a great job, but it's time for him to learn to cope in a different way. I know there will be plenty that say let him nurse as long as he wants, but since you are asking for opinions, I think you should wean him now. Maybe just do it before bed for a while, and try to comfort him in other ways when he is hurt.

I would say three at the outside although I just can't imagine my three year old nursing!! But I think that your son is old enough to nurse in the morning and at night, that is what most moms I have known who nurse past 12 months do. I think introducing a lovey for comfort etc, would be good. I know I would not want my child demanding of me and both mine are darlings but get little attitudes!! Probably why I stopped at a year with both of my sons!! Good luck, I am going to read your responses, but I think just morning and night at his age are good and probably around two is as far as I would have ever gone, but I have seen some moms go until three or so. Take care and kuddos for nursing so long!!

My oldest was 2.5 when we stopped. I talked to him about it but it was time - I was done. And he was old enough to be OK with it.

He was pretty much like yours at 18 months and I was able to ramp down to just morning & night with some careful interaction. Right now, I am nursing #3. He's 13 months old. He mostly nurses at night but he also wants to nurse if he's sleepy or scared or hurt.

It's really between you and your baby. How old is too old? Hmmm...personally, I think when he says "Mom, I think I've outgrown this." Otherwise, I don't care how long anyone else nurses. There is no "rule".

I stopped when my daughter was 6 months partly because I was going back to work and partly because after being bitten a few times that was it for me. lol I think as long as you feel happy with it thats fine, but if it is getting awkward and you think your son is just using you for comfort then I would start to wean him off it. It is so beautiful when they are little defenceless babies but when they can walk over and lift your top up themselves its time to stop. jmo. :-)

I was on a plane trip once and a woman and her 3 year old were sitting behind me. At one point the little boy told his mom. "Pick up your shirt, I want your boobie."

Okay, I thought. Maybe it's time to give it up finally.

But that's just me. You've gotten lots of great answers on here, and I would agree it's about what makes the both of you happy, and if he can be taught when it is appropriate, and how to ask. Personally, I think the idea of still nursing a child beyond the age of 2 to be a little weird, but again, that's just me. If you live in a 3rd world country where breastfeeding might be the best source of nutrition a child has and it helps act as a natural (though not 100%) means of birth control, I can understand it. Otherwise, once they are eat all solid food, they should be able to learn to comfort themselves by other means.

But again, that's just me.

I nursed my daughter for 18 months, but definitely would have gone to at least two years old if the opportunity to wean her hadn't presented itself(I had to go out of the country for 8 days).

In retrospect, I think somewhere between two and three is my limit. I fully agree with Bug...nursing manners are imperative! I can't think of a single instance where my daughter behaved that way...and she was a steady nurser right up to the end.

Suckling for comfort is no different than using a rubber soother/pacifier. People just find it awkward. Breastmilk does continue to provide nutrition...it just isn't needed as the main source of nutrition as your child gets older.

My opinion is about a year, so you've passed that! LOL

I'd say it's time to wean him off. Breastfeeding is important for the nutrition, not just soothing. Time to find another way to soothe him!

My goal with my daughter was a year, but I only made it about 6 weeks haha I had so much going on at that point it hurt when she latched on, so I just weaned her off to formula.

He is old enough, he is not using you for nutrition just comfort. Help him find new ways to comfort. In my opinion I have always felt that if they can ask for it using words, it is time to ween. I know some people think we should let them nurse forever, but I think it is important to teach our children better ways to comfort once they no longer need breast milk for nutritional purposes.

I know you have enough responses, but wanted to share this. A friend of mine had a classmate of her Kindergarten daughter whose mom came up to nurse him every day at lunch. It was very disruptive to the class, everyone knew and it did cause some problems for the child.

In my opinion if there old enough to ask then they are to old to breast feed. I don't breast feed past 14 to 15 months. Thats pushing it there to. But now this is my opinion others may feel different.

IMO, 1yr is good, 18mos pushing it, 2yrs they are old enough to stop! After that it is personal preference and choice.

I personally think there is no age limit as long as you and your child are comfortable with it.

Looks like you've gotten a lot of answers already - guess this is a hot topic :). I weaned my oldest at 12 months (because that's what I was told was right back in the stone age - it was too early). My 2nd self-weaned at about 18 months because I was pregnant. My youngest nursed past his 2nd birthday, maybe to 27 months? IMO anytime between ages 2 and 3 is a good time to taper off extended nursing. I would recommend gently teaching him nursing "manners" that you are comfortable with and restricting nursing to times that work for both of you Good for you for going this long!

I nursed my 3 girls until they were all at least 2 years old. The last one the longest until she was 26 or 27 months. I wanted to go as long as I could for all those great health reasons. I stopped because I was worn out and my milk was thinning with the last one and I no longer had big "milks". Milk is what we call it at my house. :) I enjoyed the bonding. It is totally up to you.

IMO when they are old enough to lift up your shirt, it is time to stop. Maybe
just nurse him when he wakes up and before he goes to sleep.

when they start walking and trying to talk... then they are considered a toddler and not a baby anymore. just my opinion... if you want them to have the "milk" then just pump and give it to them.

i saw this episode of tyra where she had ladies that were breast feeding kids after 3.... there was a girl that was 12 and asked her mom if she could get more milk supply for her birthday gift... kinda weirded me out from then on

Hmmm... Totally up to you. If you like it and he likes it, keep it up.

In my opinion, 4 is too old. But that is my opinion and if the child is happy and healthy, no problem.

I nursed my son till 1 and had to stop for health reasons. My daughter is currently one and I have no intention of stopping any time soon.

Katherine Dettwyler's "A Natural Age of Weaning" article says:

One often hears that the worldwide average age of weaning is 4.2 years, but this figure is neither accurate nor meaningful. A survey of 64 "traditional" studies done prior to the 1940s showed a median duration of breastfeeding of about 2.8 years, but with some societies breastfeeding for much shorter, and some for much longer. It is meaningless, statistically, to speak of an average age of weaning worldwide, as so many children never nurse at all, or their mothers give up in the first few days, or at six weeks when they go back to work. It is true that there are still many societies in the world where children are routinely breastfed until the age of four or five years or older, and even in the United States, some children are nursed for this long and longer. In societies where children are allowed to nurse "as long as they want" they usually self-wean, with no arguments or emotional trauma, between 3 and 4 years of age.

Dettwyler goes on to explain that she (and others) have spent a ton of time researching the weaning ages of animals (who don't have cultural matters weighing in on weaning decisions) and speculating on what the biological weaning age of children *might* be. They looked at issues like length of gestation verses length of breastfeeding, time it takes to double or triple weight verses length of breastfeeding, even introduction of molars to the length of breastfeeding.

Using those criteria, they decided that the "natural" age of weaning for humans was probably somewhere between 2.5 and 7 years of age.

Whatever you decide, make sure it's YOUR decision. Set aside what you think others might think, and do what is best for your baby and yourself. When YOU become uncomfortable with this...it's time to ween him. Replacing the comfort he finds from nursing will be important, so when the time comes, be sure you've worked that out. Maybe gradually decreasing the feedings over a period of weeks or even months would be helpful also...until he's down to nap and bedtimes. Good luck!

I nurse mine until age two. I exclusively breastfeed for 9-12 months. But when they're older, I only nurse at home and only 1-3 times a day. My son now is 9 months old and reaches down my shirt and tries to latch on through my shirt when he's impatient BUT he's only like that at home. Not in public, thankfully. Anyway, do whatever makes you comfortable. I wish you the best and congrats on breastfeeding so long. =)