My son is six months old... Breast feeding issues!

Question

My mother in law, who knows EVERYTHING there is to know about anything; (yeah right).. told me that I shouldn't breast feed past a year. I have not thought about not breast feeding yet.. I enjoy the bonding time with my baby and the excuse not to be sexually active! I guess the time is going to come faster then I would like, so what would be a good age to wean him and how would that effect me emotionally..?

Answer 1

i'm sorry. why are you not sexually active???? good god, i am. Juicin' the b***s for 3 months...

You do it when you are ready and think you can accept the transition.  

Answer 2

Wean him when you and him are both ready.  The WHO recommends breastfeeding until 2, and beyond if you are both comfortable with it.

It is hard weaning.  My son self weaned at 14 months (I wanted to keep going!) and I missed the mommy and baby time.  Even the 2am feedings I missed.  It was my only time that was just me and him that no one else could take away.  It is hard emotionally, but just remember it means your little guy is growing up, and that's a good thing too!

Answer 3

It will be very hard to wean your baby if you are the one leading it, instead of your baby.  Even if your baby is leading the weaning, it is a very sad time because you are no longer going to have that special bonding time, but the sadness will pass!

Your mother in law has NO BUSINESS telling you how long you should breastfeed.  That is up to you and your baby!  Plus, she is absolutely WRONG!  The AAP recommends that babies be breastfed for AT LEAST a year, and then continue for as long as is mutually desired by baby and mom.  Sounds like you're doing a great job.  Your baby is lucky to have such a good mommy who knows what's best for him! Congrats on your little angel!

Answer 4

Let him self wean.  Read more about it here:

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/eb...

The basic idea behind self-weaning, besides being what the entire rest of the world does, is that a need met is a need soon outgrown.  If you allow your child to wean on his own, you can be sure that when he stops nursing, he will be ready emotionally and physically.

No one who stays current on the latest research recommends weaning at one year anymore.  The WHO and all other reputable international health organizations recommend that a baby be breastfed for AT LEAST two years.

As far as an excuse not to be sexually active, I can't help you there.  s*x has never been so good for us since I have been breastfeeding.  I feel good about my body in a way I never have before.  I no longer have any shame or guilt issues getting in my way, and it's mostly because I know now that my body can do wonderful things.  It might be too soon for you to be excited about s*x, and maybe you haven't overcome the sexual vs utilitarian b*****s issue.  It should happen in time.  I hope you get to experience that too.

Answer 5

I would start trying to wean at 16-17 month.

Answer 6

Stop when you are ready to stop!  

Answer 7

You can breastfeed your child as long as you want to. Infact most mothers breastfeed till 24 months.

Do what you think is best for you and your child...use what your mil says as guidance only. Only you can decide what's best for your family....