Hi All, Since I deal (on a monthly basis) with a class at the hospital & an LLL group, I see a variety of mothers. I tend to handle breastfeeding commitment with not a length of time, but from the health angle of just initiating breastfeeding. This is what I emphasize and I also emphasize that the actual breastfeeding experience has to be dealt with on a day to day basis - as setting a time limit (both on amount of time at breast or for length of the breastfeeding experience as a whole) is a recipe for disappointment and possible problems, no matter what the outcome (positive or negative). By handling the breastfeeding experience on a day to day basis, they do not enter the first, trying days with that attitude - 'I have to do this for another 12 (24) months?' They are looking at only today. I mention in the discussion of how long, that it is a personal choice, but must be made with the realization that weaning from the breast before 12 months means baby must be fed an acceptable infant formula (cows milk or toddler milks are not acceptable) which then means a financial outlay and weaning again. I also emphasize in the class that breastfeeding a 3 month old, 6 month old, 12 month old and toddler, is vastly different from the first few days. It won't be the constant intensive situation of 2 people learning and getting acquainted - which is what newborn breastfeeding really is. Mentioning no solids until 6 months old, no supplementing, no pacifer, no bottles and feeding on 'cue' (which makes it sound less like baby is going to become 'spoiled' - and really what 'demand' nursing is) can be taught in a segment on getting breastfeeding established and off to a good start. I stress that this does not mean baby will never eat solids or never establish a schedule, never etc. - that just during the period of establishing breastfeeding, holding off on the 'extras' will help prevent problems or complications in the management of breastfeeding. This also helps parents to see I am not against supplementing and 'extras' (per se) just that in the first few weeks, it can cause problems, if there is not a medical reason for whatever they are asking about. I have to admit that I mention the 1 year AAP guide or 2 year Who Code, only when a specific question is asked. And then I state that human milk is best for the child, no matter what the age, but with a complete understanding of what weaning to formula means, the actual decision is still the mother's. Of course this then opens the door to answering what 'a complete understanding of what weaning to formula' means, which is when I discuss the risks they haven't been told about formula. Never, always and every are scary words to expectant and new parents, I try to avoid them in any discussion. Also I agree with you, from the moment a woman becomes pregnant, she should be educated on the benefits of breastfeeding and human milk and the risks/costs of formula use (which we all know does not occur). I feel that parents who comment on being overwhelmed are just not realistic on 'what they have gotten themselves into' and are the ones who need education, guidance and support. Leslie Ward Vine Grove, KY