Women choose when to wean their children from breastfeeding, and there is pressure from society to do it as or before children transition from infants to toddlers. Many women choose to breastfeed longer. Reasons include the opportunity for close contact and cuddling with the child, the child’s vehement opposition to weaning, and a mother’s gut feeling that it isn’t time to wean yet. Children who are allowed to decide for themselves when to wean will do it anywhere from age 2 1/2 to 7. Breastfeeding an older child makes women feel isolated as they do something against society’s norm. Online support communities exist. As breastfeeding moms go public with their choice not to wean their toddlers, face-to-face support and friendship will grow in this community of women.
Read more: Breastfeeding Toddlers and Small Children
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