For all those extended nursers and nurslings out there...

[SILLYFACE]

Just thought I'd share some 'expert' advice I was 'lucky' enough to receive today!
My DD is quite a small baby at 13.5 months she is only 18.13 but she is healthy and thriving. So I took her to be weighed today, mainly because I desperately want to get her into a forward facing car seat.
 "How many milk feeds is she having?" said the expert. "Three a day" I replied. " How much?...she needs about a pint a day." " I have no idea - i breastfeed." Expert: "Really? Ok well if you are still happy?" Me: "I've cut out the afternoon feed due to nursery. She seems pretty happy with morning and evening feeds.' Expert: "well when she starts to ask for it...it's time to give up!"
Well since she has been pulling on my shirt for the last 3 months is that 'asking for it'? So I've been forcing her since she has developed the comprehension to associate mummy with snuggles and milky cuddles? I know some 10 month babies who can sign for milk or even use their own words/sounds.
Am I totally over reacting or is this advice just based on a personal opinion. I've had many awful encounters with health visitors but this has got to be the worst!

[Erin M]

Expert: "well when she starts to ask for it...it's time to give up!"

Totally ridiculous. 

I would view "asking for it" as more of a milestone!  It's amazing when they learn to communicate their needs.  If it's working for both of you, go with it.  WHO recs are to feed until 2 anyway. 

[gogomama]

I agree that that is a completely arbitrary sign to stop. Your child being able to communicate her needs doesn't indicate that she is done with breastmilk at all..no idea where she would come up with that. You should definitely continue as long as you feel comfortable.

[aisling]

Omg!  That is ridiculous  advice.  Hugs.

[ZacsMumme]

Omg!  That is ridiculous  advice.  Hugs.

^^ this!

[~ Vik ~]

Omg!  That is ridiculous  advice.  Hugs.

YES!!!

I nursed well beyond 2yo and of course he asked for it! As long as you and your lo are both happy there is absolutely no reason to stop.

[CCCmom27]

They seem to come up with some silly stuff!  Mine said 'when he can unbutton your shirt it's time to stop!'  Maybe my DS was just slow to learn or it was his lack of interest in dressing/undressing himself but I'm pretty sure he was like 3.5 years when he started unbuttoning buttons!  He stopped nursing at 26 months.  Nurse how ever long you both want to 

[becj86]

By that argument, I should've stopped at about 6 or 7 months. DS would crawl up and grab at my shirt then latch onto my shirt if I didn't get a boob out.

Nurse how ever long you both want to 

^^ This!

[~Sara~]

By that argument, I should've stopped at about 6 or 7 months. DS would crawl up and grab at my shirt then latch onto my shirt if I didn't get a boob out.

Ha!  Yes, DD tried to latch onto anything that was bare skin   She pulls up my shirt now and signs for milk.  I think that advice is archaic; don't worry about it!

[becj86]

She pulls up my shirt now and signs for milk. 

LOL! just wait til she can evaluate the best way to get to your boobs depending on your outfit and can actually get them out of an underwire bra and latch

[Shiv52]

Just nonsense. Hugs x

[amayzie]

I was just talking to one of my friends today who has an 11 month old and warning her that the MINUTE they turn one- if you are still breast feeding you are clearly a CRAZY HIPPY CRAZY LADY!!

[becj86]

FWIW, my doc just asks each time I visit with Logan if I'm still feeding and just notes it in her file. She usually makes a positive comment and moves on Maybe they just expect crazy hippy ladies where I live

[amayzie]

Maybe they just expect crazy hippy ladies where I live

a) queensland b) far north... pretty much a given

[becj86]

a) queensland b) far north... pretty much a given 

Riiiggghhtt... I am not very hippy at all Though the other two ladies I know who have fed/are feeding past 12 months are quite alternative.