Why so much negative about breastfeeding a toddler?

Question

Why are so many people so negative about breastfeeding past a certain age? I do not understand it. I breastfed my daughter untill she was 2 1/2 and the only reason I stopped is because her father kidnapped her and I did not have her for over a month. By the time I got her back my milk was gone. I want to know how to explain to my husband now (not the same one) that I plan to breastfeed for more than 6 months any how healthy it is for the child. I'm due in Feb. Thanks.

Answer 1

because after 1 year old the child should be starting to eat solid foods and the child should be weaned off of the breast milk by 1 1/2 yo. the dietary needs change after that.

Answer 2

I want to let you know first off that I nursed BOTH of my boys until they were 2 1/2 (one was a biter as he fell asleep also, but that is another story)

The first poster is incorrect about it being "just milk" after 6 months.  Breast milk has antibodies and changes as the baby does, cows milk does not, not only that but the closeness it gives can not be duplicated...especially when you are talking about a toddler who is going through major changes in development at that time.  WHO suggests nursing to at LEAST the age 2...in the USA they suggest until the age of 1.

To answer the question asked, I have often thought about it also.  I know that in other nations around the world it isn't viewed like it is here in the US...they think it is totally normal to nurse a long time.  I also think that it has to do with society sexualizing the b*****s too much...people automatically think that beyond a certain age it turns dirty, which is not the case.  The b*****s first and foremost are put there for the babies to nurse.

EDIT:  Baby girl...that is not true.  I don't know HOW many kids who still get the bottle at 2 1/2 years!

SECOND EDIT:

ONE WAY to explain it to your husband is that when anything happens to the baby (such as falling or getting scared) You will be able to give the baby instant comfort.  My husband was grateful for this!  Not only that but if the baby gets sick, you know that the baby is getting nutrients that most babies aren't getting in the USA...

Answer 3

I do believe it is recommended to breastfeed for 2 years. Breastmilk never becomes "just milk" after a certain period of time. It will always contain live antibodies and will continually be an immune-system-strengthener for your child.

Breastfeed for as long as your comfortable with. Some children will self-wean and just not want the breast after some time. (The more attention and affection they get, the less they will need to fulfill their need for it through nursing). Others will need a longer time before they feel comfortable weaning.

Don't determine before-hand how long you will nurse for. Follow your baby's queues.

Answer 4

Probably for the same reason why there is so much negativity about mothers who formula feed,  it just depends on what you believe.

The baby gets all the nutrients and all the stuff its supposed to get from the bm in the first 6 months, after that it is just milk.  

I'm planning on bf'ing my second child, and if i actually do succeed this time, i'm planning on bf'ing up to a year, 18 months the longest.

Answer 5

wow, people, if you don't know much about breastfeeding, *don't answer*...your intentions may be good, but you could be s******g up an otherwise perfect breastfeeding relationship.

my dd1 was ***EXCLUSIVELY*** breastfed until 8months old. at that time, she started to show interest in foods, so we gave her healthy whole foods, with the occasional puree. she's now 23months and "still" nursing...and i 'll let her self wean even if that takes until she's 4 or 5 yrs old (gasp)

***PLEASE EDUCATE YOURSELVES***

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids...

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

http://www.kellymom.com/parenting/velcro...

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

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

http://www.llli.org/NB/NBSepOct05p207.ht...

http://www.llli.org/NB/NBNovDec97p175.ht...

http://www.llli.org/FAQ/bfpregnant.html

http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVDec...

http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJan...

http://www.llli.org/cbi/bfbookshort.htm

http://askdrsears.com/html/2/T020100.asp

http://askdrsears.com/html/2/T026400.asp

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0...

EDIT: we will follow dd2's cues as well and she will be allowed to self wean.

EDIT #2: i forgot to answer your question, lol. here are some suggestions.

1) just show him all the facts about breastfeeding, "extended" breastfeeding, and self weaning.

2) ask him to come to a la leche league and/or attachment parenting meeting with you. (you should go b/c they are so helpful and usually have great advice in these type of situations and with any other difficulties you might come across. also, you'll meet a great group of supportive friends!)

3) make an appointment with a lactation consultant (which i think is a good idea to also help with you latch in the beginning)

4) make an appointment with a pediatrician who is ***knowledgeable AND supportive*** on breastfeeding

Answer 6

it seems to be a culture thing. some places routinely breastfeed until about 4.

there are always benefits to breast milk and the feeding calms a lot of children.

as long as you and baby are happy, carry on as long as you can.

make sure baby enjoys a healthy mixed diet too.

Answer 7

Just start up a convo about breastfeeding and tell him you are planning let the child self wean, which could go til 4-5 years. Go to kellymom.com, its a great site and should help your hubby understand that its not 'just milk'

Answer 8

that's just overkill.....I did it till my baby started CUTTING TEETH. There's a reason for those teeth, and they're not for sucking milk. It is ridiculous for a big 'ol 2 yr. old to be latched on to mom.

Answer 9

Nature provides moms with breastmilk for so long for a reason.  Otherwise, nature would dry stuff up much earlier.  I just stopped nursing my 2 1/2 year old two weeks ago.  First of all, it's not just a nutritional issue, and not just a health issue for women, it's a bonding issue.  That's a different kind of health issue--emotional, something not discussed as much.  My husband pushed me to wean our toddler for a long time, not really grasping why I kept it up.  He basically had his own agenda (getting my b***s back for his own enjoyment), but only recently when I was having such a hard time giving up that one last mini-nursing at night did he finally get it:  I just plain like holding my not-so-little youngest child for that quiet time at the end of the day.  That half hour of snuggling was as much for me as for her.  I think men understand the financial advantages and the health advantages, but they have a harder time with the emotional advantages.  Plus, in some cases, THEY might be getting comments from their own families or co-workers about baby nursing past a certain age.

Let your husband know, also, that by the time they're almost a year, and older, that while nursing is healthy, it's not so much for mealtime, it's for bonding.  I think as babies begin to explore their world, get hurt more often, and can so easily feel overwhelmed by stimulation and new stuff, they need that little bit of reassuring re-connection with Mom to feel secure and safe.  Not that babies who aren't still nursed at an older age can't get that, because they can, just in other ways if their parents are sensitive to this need.

Answer 10

dont get me wrong here ok. now with that said I am all for breastfeeding. its best for baby. its natural and great but lets face it if the baby was bottle fed he would have been off a long time ago. besides if ur asking this question u already know the answer.....i think breast feeding totally is fine for a yr. then intro other foods and and gradually reduce the breast feeding.

Answer 11

because it really isn't necessary to nurse a child past the first year... 18 months tops...after that it seems it is more of a comfort for the mother then the child

Answer 12

ignorance

a year is suffice, if you want 2 thats your choice..

1st born - 8 mo

2nd born - 13 mo

at which time they started choosing solids - respectfully..