Nursing Poll

Did You Nurse? If So, How Long?

February 25, 2008

The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of six months of exclusive breastfeeding.

Ideally, they say, "Infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond."

Raised on formula, I like to think I turned out just fine. Unlike my mom, I nursed my babe for eight months.

Did you nurse? And if so, how long did you last?
Source

68 Comments

Nadia24gv 3 years 33 weeks

27 months. I had to wean him. It was one of the saddest things ever. It's been over a year and a half now and he still asks for it. He has always been very tall and he technically didn't "need" it any longer so I decided to stop. The tall comment was to imply how silly we started to look, lol. And wingedkiare, you have a beautiful child.

ohjeeze 5 years 10 weeks

"I think it's interesting that people who were formula fed or who formula fed their children like to say they turned out just fine- because it shows their insecurities."Danielle(celebritybabies) that was such an insensitive comment to make. It is comments like these that make women who formula feed insecure. If someone was telling you that what you were doing was bad for your baby you would be too. It's sad that you feel the need to look down on women who don't live by your standards. And for your information my niece who was exclusively formula fed began walking when she was 8 months and reading by the time she was 20 months. When did Anya start walking and reading?

ohjeeze 5 years 10 weeks

"I think it's interesting that people who were formula fed or who formula fed their children like to say they turned out just fine- because it shows their insecurities." Danielle(celebritybabies) that was such an insensitive comment to make. It is comments like these that make women who formula feed insecure. If someone was telling you that what you were doing was bad for your baby you would be too. It's sad that you feel the need to look down on women who don't live by your standards. And for your information my niece who was exclusively formula fed began walking when she was 8 months and reading by the time she was 20 months. When did Anya start walking and reading?

bajeckabean 5 years 12 weeks

My lil one is only 3 months and has been exclusively breastfed since birth. I'm hoping to continue for at least a year. I've just gone back to work and am pumping all day and breastfeeding her at night while at home. Hopefully, it'll keep working as planned.

rca 5 years 12 weeks

breastfeeding has multiple benefits for both mother and child.mothers that are nursing are sensitive for many reasons.it is very hard work and not enough encouragement is given.they get everyones opinion thrown at them.weening when the baby chooses is ideal and is great when it happens,i do know that too much waste from farming too many cows is one problem as far as pollution goes.i am not judging mothers who do not nurse,you do your best but nursing moms do need less judgements

jennifer76 5 years 12 weeks

It makes me so sad to hear about people who really wanted to breastfeed and weren't able to. There was a time - not that long ago - when formula just wasn't an option. It hadn't even been invented! So, I have to think that with the right support and education, most people really would be able to succeed. It makes me think that the right support and education just isn't available to a whole lot of people. My son had latching issues as well. In fact on Day 3, he went without eating for 8 full hours and started to jaundice. The hospital nurses' solution was to make me give him some formula with a syringe and pack a bag full of formula to send home with me. I called the lactation consultant from my pediatrician's office in tears. She couldn't come to me to help me because the nurses wouldn't allow her in because she was "stepping on their turf". How messed up is that!? So, we left the hospital and went straight to her office. It was a Saturday morning and she opened up the office and went in just to meet us. She gave me something she called a "nipple shield" that essentially looked like a bottle nipple that fit over mine. My son could work that thing even though he couldn't quite get the hang of mine yet. Also, he would fall asleep every minute or two and it was a lot of effort to keep him awake long enough for a full feeding. She taught me a lot of tricks to keep him awake that worked out really well for us. I ended up using the nipple shield for 5 weeks because I was so terrified of trying to latch again and feeling like a failure. I finally was ready to admit it was a crutch and moved on. He was strong enough and big enough to latch properly and we never looked back. Without her, I would have been convinced that I couldn't do it. I just wish everybody had somebody like her. I realize that there are some issues that maybe nobody could help a mom get around. But a lot of things really can be worked out. That said, no one should feel guilty knowing that they put in their best effort and it just didn't work out for them. :hug:

jennifer76 5 years 12 weeks

It makes me so sad to hear about people who really wanted to breastfeed and weren't able to. There was a time - not that long ago - when formula just wasn't an option. It hadn't even been invented! So, I have to think that with the right support and education, most people really would be able to succeed. It makes me think that the right support and education just isn't available to a whole lot of people.My son had latching issues as well. In fact on Day 3, he went without eating for 8 full hours and started to jaundice. The hospital nurses' solution was to make me give him some formula with a syringe and pack a bag full of formula to send home with me. I called the lactation consultant from my pediatrician's office in tears. She couldn't come to me to help me because the nurses wouldn't allow her in because she was "stepping on their turf". How messed up is that!? So, we left the hospital and went straight to her office. It was a Saturday morning and she opened up the office and went in just to meet us. She gave me something she called a "nipple shield" that essentially looked like a bottle nipple that fit over mine. My son could work that thing even though he couldn't quite get the hang of mine yet. Also, he would fall asleep every minute or two and it was a lot of effort to keep him awake long enough for a full feeding. She taught me a lot of tricks to keep him awake that worked out really well for us. I ended up using the nipple shield for 5 weeks because I was so terrified of trying to latch again and feeling like a failure. I finally was ready to admit it was a crutch and moved on. He was strong enough and big enough to latch properly and we never looked back.Without her, I would have been convinced that I couldn't do it. I just wish everybody had somebody like her. I realize that there are some issues that maybe nobody could help a mom get around. But a lot of things really can be worked out.That said, no one should feel guilty knowing that they put in their best effort and it just didn't work out for them. :hug:

zebeckras 5 years 12 weeks

It's funny that this can be such a sensitive issue... to all the people who tried and had to stop nursing their babies, I sympathize - I never made an abundance of milk due to early latch issues and an inverted nipple on one side. We struggled and struggled, it hurt like the dickens, and she could only nurse on the left side for the first two or three months. I pumped on the right side to keep some supply there and kept trying, eventually she got the hang of it, and I was able to nurse her exclusively for the first three or four months and we only had to supplement with formula a little bit by the time she was six months and could start solids. As I said in my earlier comment, I loved nursing and so did my daughter, we went for about 21 months, but even pumping every day at work I ran out of enough milk to give her for bottles at daycare so formula was just a necessity. So latch issues, supply issues, all these things are very real and it hurts to encounter the attitude that you're hurting your baby if you DON'T breastfeed, as if it's always your choice and as if the only excuse is that you're being selfish. I know the only way I got through the first three months was by saying "I'll keep doing it for one more week" and gritting my teeth. But there's definitely an "ewwwww" response that some people have to nursing and I don't cotton to that, either. I was planning on weaning by age two but my daughter lost interest a couple of months before that... but I had no shame or guilt that I was still nursing her. I nursed in front of family members and friends, in a couple of restaurants, and in church on multiple occasions. I never knew if anyone had a problem because fortunately no one ever said anything, but if they had it would have been THEIR problem and not mine; nothing can make me feel like it was inappropriate to feed my baby. I was discreet and she was hungry, end of story. I also don't feel that a child being old enough to ask for it means it's gross... to the baby it's a form of both nourishment and intimacy. They've grown up with it and it's very natural to them. How is it gross to ask for a snack, or a hug? To the baby this is on the same level. I thought it was adorable when my daughter would come up and say "Nuss?" Sometimes she'd even grab the Boppy and bring it over to me. :D

zebeckras 5 years 12 weeks

It's funny that this can be such a sensitive issue... to all the people who tried and had to stop nursing their babies, I sympathize - I never made an abundance of milk due to early latch issues and an inverted nipple on one side. We struggled and struggled, it hurt like the dickens, and she could only nurse on the left side for the first two or three months. I pumped on the right side to keep some supply there and kept trying, eventually she got the hang of it, and I was able to nurse her exclusively for the first three or four months and we only had to supplement with formula a little bit by the time she was six months and could start solids. As I said in my earlier comment, I loved nursing and so did my daughter, we went for about 21 months, but even pumping every day at work I ran out of enough milk to give her for bottles at daycare so formula was just a necessity. So latch issues, supply issues, all these things are very real and it hurts to encounter the attitude that you're hurting your baby if you DON'T breastfeed, as if it's always your choice and as if the only excuse is that you're being selfish. I know the only way I got through the first three months was by saying "I'll keep doing it for one more week" and gritting my teeth.But there's definitely an "ewwwww" response that some people have to nursing and I don't cotton to that, either. I was planning on weaning by age two but my daughter lost interest a couple of months before that... but I had no shame or guilt that I was still nursing her. I nursed in front of family members and friends, in a couple of restaurants, and in church on multiple occasions. I never knew if anyone had a problem because fortunately no one ever said anything, but if they had it would have been THEIR problem and not mine; nothing can make me feel like it was inappropriate to feed my baby. I was discreet and she was hungry, end of story. I also don't feel that a child being old enough to ask for it means it's gross... to the baby it's a form of both nourishment and intimacy. They've grown up with it and it's very natural to them. How is it gross to ask for a snack, or a hug? To the baby this is on the same level. I thought it was adorable when my daughter would come up and say "Nuss?" Sometimes she'd even grab the Boppy and bring it over to me. :D

ember rose 5 years 12 weeks

My son is 7 months old and I never nursed. I realize that nursing very popular right now but I wanted to share the fact that formula feeding has worked very well for my family. Not breast feeding does not seem to have any negative impact on my son. He is very far ahead on all of his developmental markers. In fact, he is currently standing up and has learned how to climb the stairs (at 7 months!) If he was any quicker I don't think I could handle it. I don't feel guilty at all.

milosmommy 5 years 12 weeks

I tried I really did. My son was fed breastfed the first week of his life, then he got sick with a blood infection and was in the hospital for 2 weeks. I pumped all the time and brought it to the hospital for him. During which time I got a breast infection which is a little like hell. After he came back home we tried so hard to go back to breast-feeding, but even with the help of a lactation consultant it ended up being traumatic for the both of us. He wasn't getting the milk as quickly as he'd like so he would kick and scream and hit me. He wanted nothing to do with my breasts. I felt awful. I eventually gave up because that was just too much to make us both go through. Turns out he would have had to be put on a special formula anyway because he has a milk allergy. I feel like at least he had breast milk for 3 weeks as opposed to nothing at all.

roxtarchic 5 years 12 weeks

We also had "latching issues" so I pumped for a month.... but after getting mastitis and not producing as well after that, we moved to formula... and it TORE ME UP because I wanted sooo much to breast feed him, and we TRIED, got a lactation consultant in, (and SHE couldnt even get him to latch on after three hours)... it was sooo upsetting and frustrating...for the both of us. and then we switched to all formula (after a few more pumps) and you do feel strangely GUILTY on top of being upset but honestly... he's fine & it's been almost 3 months since i stopped nursing (and i didnt even cry typing this so honestly if youre having problems it will be fine)...

jhitt78 5 years 12 weeks

I am still nursing my 10 1/2 month old, just in the morning and night. It seems she is slowly weaning herself, which makes me sad. She is becoming very independent!

macgirl 5 years 12 weeks

I wasn't very successful nursing my first son 9 years ago. It was traumatizing and I finally gave up at 6 weeks. I was bound and determined to make it work with my new son. Knowing exactly what went wrong the first time I armed myself with knowledge and resources to make it work this time. Baby had the same exact latching issues and then to top it off he was a lazy nurser. Soon as that nipple was in his mouth he would take to sips, give it a few licks then doze off. Unfortunately the help that I got from the lactation consultants wasn't reproducible by myself. I needed two extra hands and a lot of effort to keep him on and eating. I turned to pumping and he was a happy guy taking it from a bottle. This is such a hard topic for so many people. I wanted more than anything to nurse it was really frustrating. I cried every day. I can understand why some of these comments are hurtful for many.

licorice81 5 years 12 weeks

I read the book, Skinny Bitch, which provided the best ammo (for me personally) as to why you should continue nursing after 1 year. They argue, simply and successfully, that we are the only species that drinks another species milk. That cow's milk is designed for baby calfs and human milk for humans. So even when my pedi starts in on me about starting the weaning process (son is 14 months), I just told them that as long as I am still making milk for him, he will get it. Very simple but true.

licorice81 5 years 12 weeks

celebritybabies 5 years 12 weeks

I think it's really important to also point out that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says it's best to breastfeed for -at least- 12 months and longer if mutually desired. So anytime someone gives you a hard time about why you're "still" breastfeeding, you should tell them what the AAP says and that you prefer to give your baby the real thing over a substitute.That said, any amount of breastmilk your child gets is good. So if you breastfed for 1 week or 3 months or 6 months, your kid has gotten that much in natural immunities and it's more they would get if they never had your milk. And there's no reason to not do both if that's what you want to do- supplement with formula during the day and nurse when you're home.

celebritybabies 5 years 12 weeks

I think it's really important to also point out that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says it's best to breastfeed for -at least- 12 months and longer if mutually desired. So anytime someone gives you a hard time about why you're "still" breastfeeding, you should tell them what the AAP says and that you prefer to give your baby the real thing over a substitute. That said, any amount of breastmilk your child gets is good. So if you breastfed for 1 week or 3 months or 6 months, your kid has gotten that much in natural immunities and it's more they would get if they never had your milk. And there's no reason to not do both if that's what you want to do- supplement with formula during the day and nurse when you're home.

stina829 5 years 12 weeks

I'm still nursing and I plan on keeping it up for at least a year. I didn't know that babies lose interest in it though... (Am I dumb??? lol) Maybe I'll just keep it up until he loses interest. My son is also getting formula during the day. I've tried and tried to pump and I just can't seem to get anymore than 1 oz. It drove me insane! So while I'm at work, he gets formula. But about 3 weeks ago, he started acting so hungry all the time and nursing and formula weren't filling him up, so my dr suggested to give him one bottle of formula a day that had cereal mixed in with it. That worked on filling him up, as well as the fact that he gets a little bit of fruit at night. He's a little piggie, lol!!! Anyways, sorry, went off subject. I'd like to nurse as long as possible and I honestly don't care what people think about it. I'm trying to do what's in the best interest for my son. Even his father (who is not in the household with us) thinks I'm ridiculous for still breastfeeding at 4 months! I told him to get over it, lol.

stina829 5 years 12 weeks

I'm still nursing and I plan on keeping it up for at least a year. I didn't know that babies lose interest in it though... (Am I dumb??? lol) Maybe I'll just keep it up until he loses interest. My son is also getting formula during the day. I've tried and tried to pump and I just can't seem to get anymore than 1 oz. It drove me insane! So while I'm at work, he gets formula. But about 3 weeks ago, he started acting so hungry all the time and nursing and formula weren't filling him up, so my dr suggested to give him one bottle of formula a day that had cereal mixed in with it. That worked on filling him up, as well as the fact that he gets a little bit of fruit at night. He's a little piggie, lol!!!Anyways, sorry, went off subject. I'd like to nurse as long as possible and I honestly don't care what people think about it. I'm trying to do what's in the best interest for my son. Even his father (who is not in the household with us) thinks I'm ridiculous for still breastfeeding at 4 months! I told him to get over it, lol.

anniekim 5 years 12 weeks

Jennifer 76--great point and thank you.I am happy with my decision (really my daughter's decision!) to nurse until my oldest daughter stopped on her own. She just did at age 3 3/4.But, I sure don't talk about it to many people--even fellow moms.There is a lot of negative attitude out there about extended nursing.Quoting WHO advice to someone who says "gross" just doesn't cut it.

anniekim 5 years 12 weeks

Jennifer 76--great point and thank you. I am happy with my decision (really my daughter's decision!) to nurse until my oldest daughter stopped on her own. She just did at age 3 3/4. But, I sure don't talk about it to many people--even fellow moms. There is a lot of negative attitude out there about extended nursing. Quoting WHO advice to someone who says "gross" just doesn't cut it.

LiLRuck44 5 years 12 weeks

Jennifer76 that's a great point. I don't think very many women are confident that the nursing system was designed to work. From the get go we hear about how it didn't work for many mothers, not to feel guilty if you can't, etc. and I think it puts a damper on people trying. Looking back, I think the reason I had such a difficult time with my supply for my daughter (I still did it, but it was hard) was that I wasn't eating/drinking enough. Seriously, how many of us drink 64 oz of water per day? If we aren't nourishing ourselves properly, or even extra, it stands to reason that we can't nourish the babies. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't picking at food or anything, I was eating and drinking a lot, I just don't think it was enough.

LiLRuck44 5 years 12 weeks

RobinFabulous 5 years 12 weeks

33 i breastfed only my oldest. the one that now has autism, the one that had the ear infections, the one with the milk allergy. for 2 months (6 weeks on the breast and 2 weeks frozen breast milk). the other 2, the typically developing ones, the 2 that are healthy were bottle only.Hum. I breastfed my child with Autism as well, and his doctor constantly still praises me for giving him the very best start in life. Did you know they are finding that children with Autism that were breastfed are usually more high functioning than their peers who were formula fed?Like I said earlier my oldest was formula fed, but my youngest (child with Autism is in the middle) was breastfed as well and she's extremely advanced and thriving :-)

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