Hello!

I am current bf my 9 month old daughter and would like to know when is it right to stop. I thought it was normal to bf till after 1 but lately I have had a lot of people including the doctor and health nurse suggesting it is time to switch to formula. She is a healthy baby and weighs 8.9kgs. She does have food allergies which is another reason why I want her to bf for as long as possible. Am I right to keep bf or is it time to switch to formula?


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  • What a strange advice from the doctor and health nurse ! I would ignore their advice and breastfeed as long as you and your daughter want. There are many benefits to extended breastfeeding.
    https://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/


  • Keep on breastfeeding! The WHO recommends until 2. Follow the lead of Bub, when they want to wean they will wean.


  • that is totally up to you. I would have thought that if there was no breastfeeding issues then 9 months is still quite young.


  • A friend of mine breastfed her baby till nearly 3 to save money I guess ( as buying formula is not cheap ) so really it is up to you . The only problem is if you leave it really late is that you may have a hard time weaning off the breast as the child may refused to use the cup or bottle as he/she is so used to feeding from the breast . Normally the medical professionals like to start weaning them off from one year old but I think it should go for no longer than 2 years old simply they are old enough to have cows milk and it allows them to start feeding themselves from the cup /bottle .


  • You keep breast-feeding as long as you feel comfortable. There are so many people willing to jump in and give an opinion on when its “right” to stop. But you stop when your ready! world health organisation recommends breastfeeding for 2 years. But if you want to stop now then thats great! its totally up to you and your little person to make that decision


  • you answered your own question, you want to keep breastfeeding so dont stop . You will know when its right take no notice of what is suppose to be rightor wrong….there is no right or wrong theres whatever works for you


  • whenever you are both ready


  • The longest you can give breast milk,the best.I am from India and in our place mums give breast milk till the age of 3 or 4 year old.Those kids are more healthy and immune to almost all diseases.So try to give as much long as you can.


  • I wouldn’t let other people’s opinions make you stop. Its free, and the best option for you child. unless you are having issues or she is. I breast fed till 15 months with my son. My original goal was 6 months then when I made to that I thought might as well go to 12 months then swap to cows milk. So I did and just did a couple of feeds a day till my milk dried up, took 3 months.


  • I personally would keep breast feeding, formula (if you dont “have” to use it) is a money spinner for the big companies. As long as your DD is also eating solids, so that she gets her nutrients from somewhere. The iron in breast milk drops off at about 6/7months so that is why the push for anything. I breast fed my son till be abruptly weaned himself at 11 months old. I will breast feed my daughter until at least one unless she does what my son did! If in doubt, call the Australian Breast Feeding Association 1800 686 268. Do what you feel is best for your child.


  • If you know what her food allergies are, I wonder if it is advisable to reduce or eliminate them from your diet while you are breastfeeding her. She may be getting some that way too. Formula can be just as difficult. You could try several before you find a suitable one and have a very sick baby in the process. I know of one lad who is allergic to all dairy…..and soy.
    The only one suitable was only sold in selected pharmacies.
    A friend of mine’s daughter had very bad asthma as a baby/toddler. The only milk she could have was goat’s milk. One day somebody gave her own child and the girl cow’s milk then suddenly remembered and contacted the Mother immediately. Luckily the girl was Ok with a small glass of milk and didn’t let her have any more.


  • Do whatever is right for you :) WHO recommends breastfeeding to 2 years and beyond. However you should do what works for you!

    I’ve been breastfeeding my son now for 19 months (after not being able to breastfeed my first child). Initially I was aiming to try to breastfeed til 3 months, then 6 months, then 12 months… but we are still going lol. I have no time frame now. It provides my son with lots of comfort, helps through the night particularly while sick/teething, so we’ll just roll with it :)

    It’s great to hear from your reply on here that you plan to keep going. It’s great to live in a country like Australia where we have choice :)


  • You feed you your baby daughter as long as you can , when feeding her takes it’s toll on your health that is when it is time to consider your self as without a healthy mum, you cannot look after your baby. I fed my son till he was 7 months , because he wouldn’t sleep and I didn’t have a mothers group to lean on, and so I reluctantly weaned him. My daughter was a great sleeper and I fed her until she was 17 months and I started to get worn out, so that is when I felt I had done my best.


  • Ultimately you have to do what feels right for you and your daughter. I wasn’t able to give my daughter formula, even Soy ended up with us in hospital overnight. I bf her until 2yrs old. Had absolutely no intention of doing it but it just happened that way. And I am so glad I did. There are so many people who aren’t able to, I really felt privileged that I could. Have to admit though, there were times I wish I could have given her formula ☺️


  • The right time to stop breastfeeding is when you and baby are comfortable to stop! If you are both happy then there is no need to stop now. I happily breastfed my two until they self weaned at around 18 months old :)


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