Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These answers are not typical, OP. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/facts.html

But you should do what’s right for you and your baby.

These numbers are survey data, i.e., what women end up doing IRL, not a reflection of what they should or should not be doing based on evidence.

The AAP policy on breastfeeding

reaffirms its recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.

Note that this is not a recommendation that breastfeeding stop at 1 year, but that it be continued for at least a year and thereafter as long as it's working for both mom and baby (no mention of MIL preferences, LOL, or anyone else's for that matter).

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827.full#content-block

If your MIL gives you a hard time and you feel like talking to her about it (which obviously you don't have to do to justify yourself), you could mention that each year of breastfeeding decreases your risk of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and breast and ovarian cancer.

My kids each nursed past two years old, but I was able to take enough leave from work that when I went back to work, they'd nurse in the mornings and evenings and I didn't pump. But it's always about whatever works for each mom and baby, and there's certainly no rule that says you can't combination feed with some nursing, some formula, solid foods, whatever. There's never a time when breastmilk doesn't benefit your baby or toddler with antibodies, nutrition, comfort, etc. And you can always change it up.

That's why I said OP should do what is right for her and her baby. But what OP asked is how long people breastfed. All these people nursing toddlers are not typical.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These answers are not typical, OP. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/facts.html

But you should do what’s right for you and your baby.

These numbers are survey data, i.e., what women end up doing IRL, not a reflection of what they should or should not be doing based on evidence.

The AAP policy on breastfeeding

reaffirms its recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.

Note that this is not a recommendation that breastfeeding stop at 1 year, but that it be continued for at least a year and thereafter as long as it's working for both mom and baby (no mention of MIL preferences, LOL, or anyone else's for that matter).

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827.full#content-block

If your MIL gives you a hard time and you feel like talking to her about it (which obviously you don't have to do to justify yourself), you could mention that each year of breastfeeding decreases your risk of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and breast and ovarian cancer.

My kids each nursed past two years old, but I was able to take enough leave from work that when I went back to work, they'd nurse in the mornings and evenings and I didn't pump. But it's always about whatever works for each mom and baby, and there's certainly no rule that says you can't combination feed with some nursing, some formula, solid foods, whatever. There's never a time when breastmilk doesn't benefit your baby or toddler with antibodies, nutrition, comfort, etc. And you can always change it up.

Anonymous wrote:These answers are not typical, OP. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/facts.html

But you should do what’s right for you and your baby.

reaffirms its recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.

Anonymous wrote:DC1 self weaned at 18 months, was down to twice a day from about 14 months on. He loved his milk bottle until we took it away around age 3, and then just wouldn't touch milk after that.

DC2 is 14 months now and LOVES nursing. She nurses 5-6 times a day. I don't even know where to start, but I think I'll let her nurse until about age 2 or so. I know it's a big comfort thing for her right now. She'll go off to play with her brother happily for an hour then come for some nursing and cuddles for 10 minutes, and go off again.

Anonymous wrote:Why does your MIL think six months is normal? If it’s going well and both mom and baby are happy, breastfeeding is just so much easier than bottles and formula. If you’re going back to work, pumping is a pain and you have to deal with bottles but if you’re with your baby the next months/year are golden!