Can I stop breastfeeding at 19 months?

Can I Stop Breastfeeding at 19 Months?
Stopping breastfeeding is a significant decision for many mothers, and doing so at 19 months is entirely feasible. By this age, many children are well into their toddler years, and the dynamics of nutrition and bonding evolve. Here’s a closer look at the considerations surrounding this choice.
Nutritional Needs and Developmental Stage
At 19 months, your child is likely consuming a variety of solid foods, which means breast milk is no longer their primary source of nutrition. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that while breastfeeding can continue beyond the first year, it is often supplemented with a balanced diet of solid foods. This transition allows for a gradual weaning process, where breast milk serves more as a source of comfort rather than a nutritional necessity.
The Weaning Process
Weaning can be approached in several ways, depending on what feels right for both you and your child. Some mothers choose to stop breastfeeding abruptly, while others prefer a gradual reduction in feeding sessions. The latter method can help ease the transition for both mother and child, allowing time to adjust emotionally and physically.
Emotional Considerations
Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition; it also fosters a unique bond between mother and child. As you consider stopping, it’s essential to acknowledge the emotional aspects involved. Many mothers report feelings of sadness or guilt when weaning, but it’s important to remember that this is a natural part of the process. Engaging in extra cuddles or special time together can help maintain that bond during the transition.
Physical Changes
Stopping breastfeeding can lead to various physical changes in your body. Expect alterations in breast size and shape, which may take time to stabilize. Additionally, some women experience discomfort or engorgement as their bodies adjust to the absence of breastfeeding. Gradual weaning can help mitigate these physical changes and discomfort.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
If you have concerns about the weaning process or your child’s nutritional needs, consulting a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance. They can help ensure that your child continues to receive adequate nutrition through a balanced diet and may offer strategies for a smoother transition.
Conclusion
In summary, stopping breastfeeding at 19 months is not only possible but can also be a healthy choice for both mother and child. By considering nutritional needs, emotional bonds, and physical changes, you can navigate this transition in a way that feels right for your family. Remember, the decision to wean is personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

How often should a 19 month old breastfeed?

Once or twice a day breastfeeding sessions can continue for months and even years, depending upon the child and mom. Toddlers breastfeed for comfort, in addition to nutrition. Breastfeeding can work wonders when baby is hurt, sad, upset (nursing is a great tantrum-tamer), or sick.

Is it okay to stop breastfeeding at 19 months?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.

Will toddler naturally stop breastfeeding?

Natural weaning
One thing is certain: all children eventually stop breastfeeding. They grow and change dramatically in the first few years of life, and their interest in nursing changes too. Children want to nurse only as long as it fulfils a need for them. A need that is satisfied goes away.

What happens to your body when you stop breastfeeding a toddler?

It’s quite common to feel a bit down after your last feed, even if you were looking forward to weaning. Your hormones might take some time to return to normal. Some women begin ovulating as soon as they reduce night feeds or begin to wean. For others, ovulation and periods take several months to return.

Will I lose weight after I stop breastfeeding?

It’s normal to store extra fat during pregnancy to be used up while breastfeeding. Mothers vary in when they lose this extra weight. For some it is in the early weeks, some later and for others it’s not until after they have stopped breastfeeding.

Why does my 19 month old want to nurse constantly?

Some toddlers still want to nurse “all the time.” If that works for you, that’s great (all children do eventually taper off on their own!). But if you need some space between feedings, that’s OK too. Some parents only nurse at nap time and nighttime. Others only do so at other set times each day.

How to stop a 19 month old from breastfeeding?

How to Stop Breastfeeding — at 1 year old, 14, 15, and even 18 months?

• Take away one feeding at a time
• Eliminate the easiest feedings first
• Offer a meal instead of nursing.
• Give a cup at each meal, and place either breast milk or cow’s milk in the cup.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

But Dr Max Davie, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, says there is limited evidence of additional nutritional benefit beyond the age of two. “By the age of two, a child should get all the nutrients required through their diet so there is no additional benefit to breastfeeding over this age.”

How to tell if milk supply is drying up at 18 months?

Some signs that your baby isn’t getting enough milk when they feed and may indicate a supply problem include the following:

1. Not producing enough wet/dirty diapers each day.
2. Lack of weight gain.
3. Signs of dehydration.

Why is my 19 month old nursing so much?

Toddlers breastfeed for many of the same reasons babies breastfeed: for nutrition, comfort, security, for a way to calm down and for reassurance.