When To Stop Breastfeeding
Many nursing mothers are unsure about when to stop breastfeeding. In fact, many feel anxious about weaning. However, this shouldn't be so. There are no hard and fast rules.
A woman is best advised to put the subject of deciding when to stop breastfeeding out of mind. There is no set situation or time when a woman is recommended to stop nursing here child. There is no 100 percent guaranteed substitute to replace breastfeeding, either nutritionally of emotionally. Nor is there a correct approach to take. What works best for one woman and her child will not be as successful for another woman and child.
Most doctors would recommend breastfeeding for at least a year; the World Health Organization suggests two years
Mothers decide to stop breastfeeding for many reasons. Pressure placed upon the mother from friends, peers, family and society is one reason - or any number of reasons. A mother should never 'cave-in' to such pressure. Remember, breastfeeding is the best method of making sure your child prospers, both physically and emotionally. A mother should discontinue breastfeeding when she feels the time is right for her and her child; never for the benefit of others.
Stopping breastfeeding during a pregnancy is another reason why women decide to stop breastfeeding - in fact; it is the primary reason why mothers stop breastfeeding in the developing world. Society has, and does, place a cultural prohibition of breastfeeding during pregnancy. Why this is so is not really known. Again, there is nothing biologically to prevent a mother breastfeeding her child when pregnant so, if you wish to continue during pregnancy, then do so.
Various medical reasons also bring and end to breastfeeding. Breast cancer, HIV infection, alcohol or drug addictions are among the reasons why women stop breastfeeding. Another reason cited is if the child has a medical condition. But, before stopping breastfeeding consult your physician as continuing to breastfeed during a child's illness is usually the breast course of action; your antibodies continue to give your child the protection it needs.
Breastfeeding a child who is 'considered too old' is another reason why mothers decide to wean their child. Breastfeeding a young child rather than an infant is considered taboo in our Western world. And, breastfeeding a child in public is something many mothers begin to feel embarrassed about - especially when that child is insisting on nursing in public situations. This embarrassment of breastfeeding in public is understandable; however, it shouldn't necessarily lead to cessation of breastfeeding. For instance, a mother can continue to breastfeed in private but offer her child expressed milk in a bottle when in public. This avoids any embarrassment a mother might feel whilst still providing the nourishment - and comfort - your child wants. Again, a mother should do what's best her child; a lot easier said than done, I know.
It isn't just other people who will consider a child 'too old' to be still nursing. All mothers will eventually begin to feel this themselves. However, stopping completely and immediately should be avoided. Instead begin weaning your child on solids - or bottle milk - and gradually cut down on nursing. Eventually your child will begin to understand that solids are feeding her physical hunger but mother's breast continues to feed her emotional hunger. As your child explores more and more of her world and gains more independence, the need for mother's breast will diminish. The period between breast feedings should lengthen but the length of time before a child completely gives up the breast may be a long and drawn out affair. The key is patience - and a little gentle encouragement from mother.
When to stop breastfeeding is a mutual decision between mother and child; it is not for anyone else to dictate. The timescale is something that can't and shouldn't be planned. The time to wean your child is something that will just happen. Timetables form no part of the special relationship between a mother and her child.
Please be aware that the information given in these articles should in no way be taken as a substitute for professional advice and does not necessarily reflect the views of Breast Feeding Information. If you have questions or concerns regarding your family's or your child's physical or mental health, please seek other professional assistance. We cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website. Any statements and opinions expressed within this site are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of the site.