Is it okay to stop breastfeeding at 19 months?

The Decision to Stop Breastfeeding at 19 Months: A Personal Journey
As parents navigate the complex landscape of child-rearing, one of the most intimate and personal decisions they face is when to stop breastfeeding. For many, reaching the 19-month mark can prompt questions about whether it is appropriate to wean their child. The answer, while nuanced, ultimately hinges on individual circumstances, preferences, and the well-being of both mother and child.
Understanding the Recommendations
Health organizations provide a framework for breastfeeding duration, but they also emphasize the personal nature of the decision. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond, alongside appropriate complementary foods after six months. Similarly, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that breastfeeding should continue for at least the first year of life, with the option to extend beyond that based on mutual desire.
These guidelines highlight the benefits of breastfeeding, which include nutritional advantages and emotional bonding. Breast milk continues to offer essential nutrients and antibodies that can help protect against infections, even as children begin to eat solid foods. However, the recommendations are not prescriptive; they serve as a guideline rather than a strict rule.
The Personal Nature of Weaning
The decision to stop breastfeeding at 19 months can be influenced by various factors, including the mother’s comfort, the child’s readiness, and lifestyle considerations. Experts agree that there is no “right” age to wean, and the process can vary significantly from one family to another. Some mothers may feel ready to transition away from breastfeeding due to personal circumstances, such as returning to work or experiencing physical discomfort, while others may choose to continue for emotional reasons.
Sarah, a lactation consultant, notes that the weaning process can take as long as both mother and child desire. She emphasizes that the timing should feel right for both parties, suggesting that if a mother feels ready to stop at 19 months, it is perfectly acceptable.
Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding beyond the first year can still provide numerous benefits. It can enhance the child’s immune system and support their emotional development. Additionally, many mothers find that extended breastfeeding fosters a unique bond with their child, offering comfort and security during a time of rapid growth and change.
However, it is essential to recognize that every mother-child relationship is unique. Some children may naturally begin to self-wean, showing less interest in breastfeeding as they explore new foods and experiences. This self-weaning can be a sign that the child is ready to transition, making the decision to stop breastfeeding at 19 months feel more organic.
Conclusion: A Personal Choice
Ultimately, the choice to stop breastfeeding at 19 months is a personal one, shaped by the needs and circumstances of both mother and child. While guidelines from health organizations provide a helpful context, they do not dictate individual experiences. As parents weigh their options, it is crucial to prioritize what feels right for their family, ensuring that the decision is made with care and consideration for both their own well-being and that of their child.

How to wean a 19 month old from breastfeeding?

Gradually reduce the number of breastfeeding sessions. Start by dropping one feed at a time, perhaps beginning with daytime feeds before tackling bedtime or morning feeds. Don’t offer the breast at routine times, but when starting the weaning process, don’t refuse when asked.

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding too long?

For example, duration of breastfeeding experience has been shown to correlate negatively with parent-reported antisocial and aggressive behavior in children from 4 to 11 years of age [43]. These effects on antisocial behavior appear to extend well beyond childhood into adulthood.

Will a 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.

Can I 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.

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.

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.

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.

How do I know if my toddler is dry nursing?

Today’s term is ‘dry nursing’ – when a child suckles at the breast without (or with minimal) feeding. It often happens at the beginning of the breastfeeding journey with babies who have been unable to breastfeed or have been separated from their mum.

What is the most common age to stop breastfeeding?

As the AAFP notes, according to anthropological data, the natural age of self-weaning (meaning weaning determined strictly by the child) is about 2.5–7 years old. Obviously, not everyone wants to nurse that long, but it’s nice to know it’s an option that’s normal and actually pretty common all over the world.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

There are many professional associations that recommend breastfeeding beyond 1 year, but to date there is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful in any way. There is currently no known age when breastmilk is considered to be nutritionally insignificant for a child.