Funny this should come up.  I had a call yesterday from a mom who has a 12
month old who is very allergic to various foods, but especially dairy.  Her
questions were related to ways to get sufficient protein and calcium for
him without the use of dairy (also a concern about fats).   Anyway we
happened to mention BF and she said he weaned himself at l0 months--very
abruptly and she was not happy about that.  When I asked if she knew why he
weaned, she said he bit her and she yelled.   After that he would not take
the breast and would not even take a bottle if she held him in the cradle
position...   So, she quit.   Obviously, due to his allergies he would have
been better off continuing, but mom did not realize that she could have
managed this situation differently.     I would have advised her to pump,
use cups and offer the breast after a while under drowsy conditions, or
when he seemed more interested or receptive.   Certainly could have kept
the milk flowing for another few months.