I am still nursing my 21 month old son. How should I handle the comments of others?

Particularly my extended family who thinks my continuing to breastfeed is "weird and extreme". I've explained that the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding to 2 years old, and that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for AT LEAST 1 year.

All of tehm either didn't breastfeed at all or only breastfed for a few weeks or months, so I know their comments come from a personal bias and a lack of information/education about breastfeeding. But to say that would be rude.

How should I handle their unwanted comments and opinions on my choice to continue to nurse my son?

Tell them they can raise their children and do what they want. This is your child and you will do what you want. If they don't like it, tough, they don't need the benefit of your answer.

Tell them straight "Mind your own business"

It's hard not to be rude to ignorant people but it would be best to simply say something like "we're letting weaning happen slowly and naturally". Or state facts if they get rude, like "Studies show that women who breastfeed longer tend to be better educated". That's a fact.

You're doing what's best for your son. They're just probably jealous because they know they didn't do as well. Just be proud of your self and ignore them.

Your child, your right. Do as you please. Have you thought of maybe pumping and placing your breast milk in a sippy cup while in public, all of the benifits, none of the stares and comments. Just a thought.

I'm so jealous! My daughter never learned to nurse (I pumped for 10 months then gave up), I say just tell them, "Hey, this is healthy, natural, and such a wonderful experience for both of us! Is there something wrong with that?"

I cannot believe the commenter who said that your milk is "no good". Sorry to say it, but it's mothers like that who are the ones who make mothers like you - who do the best for your child - feel uncomfortable. They're stupid. Just let their comments not bother you. Understand that they have a lot to learn, your son is a lucky boy, and go on with your business.

You rock.

How come people feel that breastfeeding past a certain age is detrimental to their mental health... but they have nothing to say when 12 year old girls walk around the mall with their belly button rings out and their thongs too.

Well, I'd tell them exactly what you said. If they hassle you about it enough to the point where you're exhausted of hearing it, tell them why you're doing it. tell them the statistics. tell them the benefits. tell them your personal feelings on the subject. If they can dish it, they can take it. And if they can't take it, they shouldn't dish it. This might put them in their place.

I breastfed my daughter for 6 months, which I am really proud of. I know the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 1 year, but I think most women don't give it a good enough chance because they're not educated enough or quit because it's hard and painful. I stopped because I went back to work for a new company and didn't want to ask to take multiple breaks to pump. And I hardly pumped anyways because I was always with my daughter to feed her.

Congrats on sticking up for what you believe in and want to do.

You can breastfeed for uptil 24 months and ofcourse kids don't find it easy to quit. It might take 2-3 months only to quit. I breastfed my son for 27 months. Many ppl found it weird, but who cares. Just tell them that you'll stop whenever you and your baby find it comfortable.

"their comments come from a personal bias and a lack of information/education about breastfeeding"

I don't think it would be rude to tell them exactly this - they're being rude by criticising your choice to provide the best possible nourishment for your son!

you could tell them to keep their comments/opinions to themselves since you've made the choice to breastfeed for as long as you are willing and able to, which is something to be commended for!

ignore them if possible but if they continue then I wouldn't worry about trying to be nice, it's none of their business anyway so just tell them to butt out

there are some very ignorant people and unfortunately the breast has become so sexualized that everyone seems to have forgotten what it's intended purpose is

Tell them he's you son,not theirs.You can bring him up what ever way you feel is best.

I would say that they don't understand the special bond between mother and child when you continue to nurse after a year. As long as you and your baby are comfortable with it then there is no reason for you to stop. And, to thwart their unwanted comments just simply say, "my baby and I are enjoying these moments as much as we can while we can still have them. It would be appreciated if you would stop giving me a hard time about bonding with my baby." Put it into perspective for them if necessary: your nursing child isn't even two, some mothers nurse seven-year-olds!

Tell them to p*ss off. If that's too bold, just ignore them. Your body, your child, your decision. You are 100% doing the right thing. Brava!

I had a friend who brestfed until her son was 4! EVERYONE commented on it and she simply said, "that's a sensitive subject, let's talk about something else." People did continue to talk behind her back, but they didn't comment to her anymore.
One little insight here. Keep in mind MANY people are creeped out when moms breastfeed older kids (2-4 year olds) right in front of them. You might want to go into another room if you're breastfeeding past much longer. My friend who breastfed her 4-year-old stopped getting invitations to people's homes because she let her son pull up her shirt and nurse right in front of us (not if there were men in the room, of course).

Who cares what they say??? I breastfed my son until he was 18 months old and he's a very healthy kid. Even though as he got older he really only breastfed before bedtime so there was never anyone there to make those rude comments to me. I say push forward and do what u think is best for your child...u won't regret it, it's your decision not theirs!!!

Stop explaining yourself and your choices to them. They don't have to agree with you, but you are Mom period.

I would say "yes I am still breastfeeding and I will continue for as long as it is comfortable for both my child and myself. Now I do not wish to talk about this any longer."

If they are rude in your home ask them to leave. If they are rude at other times stay away from them you don't need their negativity and neither does your child.

He is almost 2 I would start to introduce foods to him, I think when kids get older they need more vitamins then just milk
alone !!
You are right thew it's your business what you do and how long you do it, if you feel this is right then it's right !!

You know what ....good for you! He will be a healthy child. They should be proud of you. Advise them the facts of the benfits of breastfeeding and that this is YOUR choice not theirs for YOUR child. :) Good luck and great job. Mom of the year to you.

dont tell them your business.. but he is almost 2... even so its your choice.. just say "we're weaning" but its about that time anyway.

My son is 32 months old and still BFing. I tell people that as long as he's weaned by college, we're good! That usually shuts them up!

OK, you got 3 months to go...then he will be 2 and time to use the bottle. Most people are aware of all the pros to breastfeeding, and as long as you do it in privacy no one should care, but after two, you need to switch to bottles. I've heard of mothers who nurse up to 3-4 years which is waaayyy too old, and that is just sick. How do they all know so much about how you feed your baby anyway? Some things are best kept to yourself.

If it's so wrong, why do you still have milk? If breastfeeding was supposed to be stopped by a certain age, your milk would also stop comming in.

I wish I had someone like you around when I was *trying* to breastfeed. No one supported me, and thought it was a waste of time, and that's what formula's for...

Someone said as long as they're not breastfeeding by college...I think that works!

just say my bobos are broken that is what i said to my son.

just continue to do what you are doing and let them think whatever they want. You are the mommy and you get to raise your son however you'd like. This likely won't be the first or last time they don't agree with something you will do and I'll tell you now-stop caring!!
By the way, I have been completely floored at peoples narrow mindedness and ignorance when it comes to breastfeeding. I never seem to get over my shock at their stupidity and righteousness.

Wow, the commenter who said your milk is no good.. that was just stupid. I think you are wonderful for breastfeeding that long! I went 15 and 18 mos with my two children and I wish I would have went longer.

I would definitely find some kind of group like La Leche League or support group for breastfeeding moms. It's so hard to find people you can relate to when you are from a "bottle feeding" family!

You sound like you have told them everything you should about AAP and WHO. I would tell them that it is your choice and it's not up for any more discussion.

I have to tell you that I am a little weirded out by someone breastfeeding a child for that long. I only did it for a few months. Currently, I am breastfeeding, but for a four month old.

It hasn't been until in recent years that the true benefits and encouragement of breastfeeding have been praised by this country. It is purely a cultural thing on why people, like myself, are weirded out by this. I commend you for doing this. Breastfeeding is a true commitment that you should be praised for.

Although you shouldn't have to answer to your relatives, perhaps you should confront their comments (when made). Ask them why they would criticize you for providing a nutritious lifestyle for their (nephew, grandson, cousin, etc.). Hopefully this will embarrass them enough to make them stop, although I'm sure it won't change their opinions. At least you wouldn't have to hear them anymore.

i don't blame them, 21 months is too long your milk is no good.