BREASTFEEDING question????

Question

Hi..

just a bit of curiousity question...I hear about all of these mothers that bottle feed and get lectured and stared at all the time when they go out or by family members...but I am breastfeeding and get the same stares and rude comments..

i don't do it in public or anything but some people have made some ignorant remarks to me when they find out my daughter is still breast fed and my husbands entire family keeps asking me when i am going to stop..

My daughter is now 14 months old and continues to breastfeed and thrive...I know that it is best for her...the pediatric society says AT LEAST 12 months... but at times i get frustrated and annoyed at all of this pressure to stop...

she only feeds 3 times a day..in the morning, before her nap and at bedtime...i feed her regular food if she shows interest that she wants some and i always make her a small plate of what my husband and i are eating so its not like im forcing her to breastfeed...im just letting her wean herself naturally...

whats your opinion???

Answer 1

Don't let anyone tell you what is best for YOUR child.  If you get to the point you don't want to hear everyone's opinion.  Then you can always pump and feed it to her. Its not like she will be going to kindergarten breastfeeding.  Us mothers know our children better then anyone else.  

Answer 2

Don't let what other people say bother you. I have a 16 Month old son and I still breastfeed in the morning and at night before he goes to bed for him its more of a comfort thing and I give him breakfast, lunch and Dinner. I even asked the doctor if there's anything wrong with it and they said as long as your giving milk, water or juice(no more then one cup of juice) the rest of the time then there is nothing wrong with still nursing.

Answer 3

I think it is great that you are breastfeeding your daughter. Every pediatrician will tell you that it is best. Have you thought of possibly pumping? I breast fed my daughter for only two months, I wanted to continue after I returned to work, but it was just too difficult. I pumped for a while and she warmed up nicely to the bottle. I think she actually preferred the bottle. Another reason why I wanted to pump is to give my husband the opportunity to feed our daughter as well. When a child eats, they certainly take note of where they are getting the food from and they rely on that person. Just gave him a chance to show our daughter that he's providing for her as well. Just a suggestion...

Answer 4

The advice from WHO is 2 years and beyond.  The natural age of weaning is between 2.5 and 7.

My youngest boy just weaned himself at 2 years 4 months (and I fed in public everyday) and to me that felt a bit early but it was his decision.

It's amazing stuff, preventing cancer in both your and child, less risk of obesity, diabetes etc.

If it was sold in a shop packaged like yakult or something no parent would hesitate in giving it to their children no matter what age!

It's just weird society hang ups about b*****s and s*x.  They have the problem, it's their issue and why should your child be denied the most amazing food on earth cos of their weird hang up?

Answer 5

As long as you are both happy and healthy, I say it's fine. Now if she were 5, then I would say the comments might be a bit more justified. But 14 months is still a baby who can benefit from breastfeeding. Don't give in to pressure from others. This is your child and you make the decision on what's best for her!