In my last blog, I talked about what child led weaning was not. In our culture it is not that common to breastfeed for more than a year and definitely not more than two years. Consequently, many of the things that we do actually encourage weaning when maybe that’s not our goal.
Child led weaning usually takes place well after the child’s first birthday and occurs when the child is both nutritionally and emotionally ready. This means that he/she is drinking from a cup well, eating plenty of solid foods, and is at that stage of development where he’s ready to go off on his own.
Following a child’s cues to wean, generally occurs gradually. Many moms talk about how over time, their child just forgot to ask to nurse. Slowly over time they begin replacing the nursing relationship with other comforts. For one of my girls, we went from reading stories while nursing to cuddling together and reading. It is a natural progression from one relationship to another. Rather than an ending. . .it is a new beginning of a new phase of life.
But Will They Ever Stop?
I’ve heard many moms say, “Gee, if I had let him, he’d have kept going until he’s 12!” While I admit that in theory it is possible, it is highly unlikely. Most children will wean at some time between the 3rd and 5th year. It is interesting to note that a child’s baby teeth or “milk teeth” fall out starting at around 6 years of age. Obviously, most children are ready to wean nutritionally speaking by 18 months at the latest.
Emotionally however, we have found breastfeeding to be a tremendous comfort to our own toddlers. While two year olds desperately fight for their independence, they also still want to know that they are secure and breastfeeding can really promote that type of attachment.