Is it okay to stop breastfeeding at 20 months?

The Decision to Stop Breastfeeding at 20 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 20-month mark can prompt questions about whether it is appropriate to wean their child. The answer, while nuanced, ultimately hinges on individual circumstances and preferences.
Understanding the Recommendations
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond, emphasizing that continued breastfeeding offers significant benefits even after the first year. These benefits include enhanced immunity and nutritional support, which can be particularly valuable as children begin to explore solid foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics echoes this sentiment, suggesting that while exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months, continuing to breastfeed alongside solid foods until at least age one is ideal.
The Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding beyond infancy can provide emotional comfort and security for toddlers. It fosters a unique bond between mother and child, offering not just nutrition but also a sense of closeness and reassurance. Experts note that even at 20 months, breast milk continues to deliver essential nutrients and antibodies that can help protect against infections.
Personal Choice and Circumstances
However, the decision to stop breastfeeding is deeply personal and can be influenced by various factors, including the mother’s comfort, lifestyle, and the child’s readiness. Many mothers report feeling societal pressure regarding breastfeeding duration, but it is crucial to remember that what works for one family may not be suitable for another.
As one expert puts it, “When to stop breastfeeding is your choice,” highlighting that the weaning process can be as gradual or as swift as the mother and child desire. This flexibility allows families to tailor their approach based on their unique dynamics and needs.
Navigating the Weaning Process
If a mother decides to stop breastfeeding at 20 months, it is essential to approach the weaning process thoughtfully. Gradual weaning can help ease the transition for both mother and child, minimizing potential emotional distress. Signs that a child may be ready to wean include a decreased interest in breastfeeding or a preference for solid foods.
Moreover, mothers should be prepared for physical changes as their bodies adjust to the cessation of breastfeeding. These changes can include alterations in breast size and shape, which may take time to stabilize.
Conclusion: Embracing Individual Choices
Ultimately, stopping breastfeeding at 20 months is not only acceptable but can also be a healthy choice for many families. The key lies in understanding the benefits of extended breastfeeding while also recognizing the importance of personal choice. Each family’s journey is unique, and what matters most is finding a balance that supports both the child’s needs and the mother’s well-being. In the end, the decision should be free from external pressures, rooted in love, and tailored to the specific circumstances of the family.

How often should a 20 month old breastfeed?

Your toddler is likely nursing a few times per day, although some continue to nurse around the clock. We support continued on-demand breastfeeding as long as it works for the baby and the parent. At this age, solid foods are becoming the primary source of nutrition, and the solid food meal should be prioritized.

Why does my 20 month old still want to breastfeed?

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

Can I stop breastfeeding at 20 months?

The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond. There is lots of nutritional value in breastmilk beyond the one year mark and it’s perfectly ok and even beneficial to continue until age two or older. That said, if the mother wants to wean, that’s ok too.

What is the average 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.

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.

Does breastfeeding a toddler burn calories?

Maternal health benefits
Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of certain cancers (like breast and ovarian) and help you maintain a healthy weight since breastfeeding toddlers takes energy (and burns calories).

Is it okay to breastfeed a 2.5 year old?

It’s entirely normal and natural to breastfeed an older child. In Australia, 28% of children are still breastfeeding at 12 months. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that children be breastfed for at least 2 years.

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.

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.

Are there benefits to breastfeeding past 2 years?

Breast milk continues to provide good nutrition and immune protection to your child during the second year of life and beyond. It’s easy for your baby to digest, and doesn’t need to be purchased or prepared. Extended nursing also offers health benefits for the nursing parent.