What do you think of breastfeeding a child over two years old?
By liquorice
@liquorice (3887)
April 15, 2008 11:03am CST
My daughter's two and a bit and I'm breastfeeding her about three times in twenty-four hours, although she'd have it a LOT more frequently if I'd let her. She clearly still wants it and it still benefits her physically as the anti-bodies she gets from my milk boost her immune system, which isn't nearly fully developped at the age of two. I didn't plan to b/feed this long but it's something that she's had every day of her life so far, so I feel that for her to give it up would be like losing an arm or something. While she still wants it and it's still good for her health I'm happy to carry on with it, although obviously not forever. I don't feed her when we're out anymore, not because I feel it's wrong, but because I know that some people feel uncomfortable seeing an 'older' child feeding. What do you think about breastfeeding a two-year old (or older) child?
6 people like this
7 responses
@asawanialvin0611 (1877)
• Philippines
16 Apr 08
there is nothing wrong with that..it is free and nutritious, non-allergenic
2 people like this
@histechnoangel (356)
• United States
16 Apr 08
My son turned 1 last week and I'm still going strong with him. I'm kinda waiting to see when he'll be ready to stop... but I don't want to go to 2, personally. I think it's great you feel comfortable with it, though! But- 5 (to me) is WAY WAY too long.
2 people like this
@liquorice (3887)
•
16 Apr 08
That's cool. That's really what's happened with me all through my daughter's life; I'd planned to feed until 6 months but then she was still so keen that I set my next target to one year, but that went by too, and here we are still going strong! It's fair enough that you don't want to go to two, each person should make their own choice.
1 person likes this
@zigzagbuddha (4601)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Hahaha, I still have photos of my daughter in her gold lame mini skirt and her lime green sunglasses, nursing away! She was about 2, and I think it just dwindled away on it's own, maybe helped along a little bit by the fact that it was starting to get on my nerves, hehehe.
@zigzagbuddha (4601)
• United States
8 Nov 08
gold lam-ay mini skirt, not gold lame, hehehe.
1 person likes this
@zigzagbuddha (4601)
• United States
9 Nov 08
Yeah, I'm not much into inflicting my way on others with violence, and refusing sustenance can seem so violent! 
Have you ever seen that video of the guy bringing his fiance home to meet the parents?
Have you ever seen that video of the guy bringing his fiance home to meet the parents?1 person likes this
@liquorice (3887)
•
9 Nov 08
That sounds so sweet, sounds like she was a very cool 2-year old - and it's nice that you have the photos to look back on! Thanks for your reply, it's always nice to know that there are others out there who have nursed toddlers. 
1 person likes this
@liquorice (3887)
•
11 Nov 08
Lol! Yes, it is possible, but I've never heard of a man actually doing it. It's nice of you to consider it though; and with the proposed corset wearing as well, it seems that you're willing to get in touch with your feminine side, which is always refreshing!
Don't worry, I won't send the ear boxing (either virtually or in the post; - although I do like the idea of a postal ear-bashing, it sounds a bit Harry Potterish - but I digress..) After all, your answer is quite a positive one, thanks! 
Yes, it is possible, but I've never heard of a man actually doing it. It's nice of you to consider it though; and with the proposed corset wearing as well, it seems that you're willing to get in touch with your feminine side, which is always refreshing!
Don't worry, I won't send the ear boxing (either virtually or in the post; - although I do like the idea of a postal ear-bashing, it sounds a bit Harry Potterish - but I digress..) After all, your answer is quite a positive one, thanks! 
@foundmyangel (607)
• United States
16 Apr 08
i don't believe there is a set time to ween you child and it is a healthy diet for them. But you have to have a cut off date one day. at that age it is about time to start them on other foods anyways and that is why most parents stop around that age or earlier. I saw a article about ti and have seen a woman that fed her child til they were like 7 or so and it is a greet bond for a mother and a baby but you have to decide if it begins to feel to weird for you to continue. obviously you have already thought about it or this topic wouldn't be here. just nature run its course and it will end on its own as long as you are not trying to force it upon the child. But i would say start off slowly and allow them to try new foods that will satisfy the need.
1 person likes this
@liquorice (3887)
•
16 Apr 08
Thanks for your response. Yes, one day she will indeed stop feeding, and I'm hoping that it will be because she decides to stop rather than me deciding not to continue. I should point out that she does eat solid food as well (since she was six months), and she's a good eater.
Yes, I saw a programme about a woman who was still feeding a seven year old. I think that's great for them if they're all happy with the situation. I can't imagine still feeding her when she's seven, but then when she was born I didn't think we'd be going this long, lol!
1 person likes this
@msmamaof3 (244)
• United States
6 Jun 08
I still nurse my 25 month old 2 to 3 times a day, but at this point it's just comfort nursing.
@liquorice (3887)
•
7 Jun 08
Thanks for your response msmamaof3. It's always good to know that there are other nursing toddlers out there.
Yes, I think that by this age when they're eating and drinking lots of other things too it is mainly for comfort. I think it's also nice to know that it continues to boost their immune system. We do 2 or 3 times a day as well and this amount I can handle quite well.
Yes, I think that by this age when they're eating and drinking lots of other things too it is mainly for comfort. I think it's also nice to know that it continues to boost their immune system. We do 2 or 3 times a day as well and this amount I can handle quite well.