Just curious - how long did you breastfeed? (after the first 3 months)

[Anonymous]

My DS is 6 months old now and I have been breastfeeding him from the start. I went back to work 2 months ago and pump twice at the office and we supplement some with formula (and recently introduced solids).
Due to several upcoming international travels I am thinking of reducing the BF'ing and especially the pumping over the next 2 months. However - if you look for information about weaning on the internet (sites like Kellymom etc) you mainly get information to encourage you to continue breastfeeding and opt for a 'natural' weaning process. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends BF'ing until the age of 1.
Therefor, and I know this is an often debated here, but I am just curious: after the initial period of 3 months how long did you breastfeed your child?
One thing that I notice already is that our son is more and more distracted during breastfeeding and it therefor takes a lot more time. I could see that this might become problematic, as he will be more alert, more playful etc.

[Anonymous]

I breastfed for 6 months with both my sons. I went back to work when they were 3 months old and found that my supply really decreased (I am a teacher and with my schedule it was hard for me to pump regularly). Neither of my sons really seemed to mind when I stopped, but I was a little sad especially with my now 9 month old since he is most likely our last child.

[Anonymous]

still BF my 8 month old.

BF my daughter until she was 2.5.

[Anonymous]

I'm not breastfeeding but pumping and trying to give my 7 month old breastmilk exclusively with few solids. I travel now and then for a week at a time but thankfully froze milk earlier on when my baby's demand was low and milk supply high. Now I produce just enough for what she needs each day, no surplus. I'm going to keep pumping until it becomes impossible, but I know the baby will be fine if he needs to supplemented. I think first 6 months are crucial, after that's it's all gravy. My personal goal is to keep pumping until 1 year. Wish me luck!!

[Anonymous]

I was in a similar boat - pumping and supplementing with formula, and baby just not that into it anymore.

With my DD (first child) I bf'd until she was 10 months old and wasn't interested.

With DS (2nd) I bf'd until he turned 1 and also decided he didn't want anymore

In both cases, I was down to just 1 nursing session a day because I got tired of pumping at around 8-9 months. My supply was definitely decreased and so the baby was nursing more for comfort than for a lot of milk. It naturally ended when she/he didn't want to waste time trying for more milk. In neither instance was I aware that it was the "last nursing session" or I probably would have been sad and forced the issue.

[Anonymous]

BFed DS1 for 18 months (went back to work when he was 3 months and quit when he was 8 months, so I pumped and BFed during that time). DD nursed for 13 months. And I am currently BFing DS2, who is five months old. I plan to let him BF until he wants to be done, or until he's 18 months, whichever comes first!

[Anonymous]

I bf until DC was 2. But DC started drinking cow's milk at 18 months (wouldn't take it any earlier).

[Anonymous]

I'm in the same boat as the OP. Baby is six months old, still nursing whenever I'm with her, and getting expressed BM and formula while I'm at work. I'd guess she gets 70-80% breastmilk overall. I'd like to cut back, and nurse just in the early mornings (so I don't have to wake up when she does!) and for her last meal of the day. So I've gone from pumping three times during the work day to two. And soon, I think I'll cut back to pumping once at the office.

I have the same problem with EBF: she's so wiggly and distracted that she's not focusing on her meal. Even in a quiet, dim room, she still de-latches to play funny faces with me, or stroke my hair and clothes, or practice her raspberries. All adorable, but not great for filling her tummy! If I wanted to nurse her for two minutes at a time, four or five times an hour, that might suit her. The upshot is blocked ducts, or hungry-cranky baby, or both.

[Anonymous]

I breastfed DS until 9 months, after having gone back to work at 6 months. I found that my supply really dropped once I went back to work. I think that you do the best you can. Don't beat yourself up if you decide to stop - you have to make the decision that's right for you. Just because some other mother breastfed until age 2 or more does not mean that you need to. You've done a great job breastfeeding this long.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP & have also heard that your baby has received the majority of the benefits of breastfeeding if you do it for 2 months.

[Anonymous]

I'm in the same boat though my DS is only 5 months. I think I'm going to shoot for 8 months. I pump 2-3 times at work and then BF monring before work and multiple times at night. My problem is that DS has stopped sleeping well and uses the boob for comfort. I'm waking up CONSTANTLY, so I may need to start cutting back with the BFing and feeding him a bottle at night to try and fill him up more. I don't really want to give up BFing before 8 months, but quite frankly, the pumping and constant night feedings are driving me crazy. I think you should probably just do what is best for you. Six months is really good and you should be happy with that.

[Anonymous]

I lasted till 10 months when I found it was taking too much of a toll on my body. That's also about a month after I found out I was pregnant again. I was pumping at work first twice a day then later just once a day. While my office was supportive in what they were saying, I knew they didn't really like it. I was keeping shorter hours and finally I just had to stop. I'm just about ready to have #2 now and I plan on BFing as long as possible. Not everyone is cut out to breastfeed into toddlerhood. Many moms feel guilty for not breastfeeding longer but these are choices we have to make to keep our sanity and physical well being.

[Anonymous]

28 months, until DC self-weaned. I wasn't working all of that time, however, so it was easier for that reason.

[Anonymous]

I weaned my twins at 14 months. I went back to work when they were 4 months and pumped for their daytime bottles.

[Anonymous]

pumped for twins -- wow!

I am pumping for my DS now, and it is my least favorite part of working motherhood.