Re length of nursing - I feel like I've tried the gamut.
First baby 4 months (on and off but I had NO support and little idea what I
was doing. Only thing I really learned was how great it was and that I was
going to do better the second time.
Second baby 13 months. Made a deal with him that I would nurse til he got
teeth which he did at 12 months. I kept on going until my husband said aren't
you ever going to stop.
Third baby now 10 months, has teeth and still going strong. Plan with him is
to let nature take its course. I am reminded of the advice that we always
give parents about toilet training - don't go by th calender - the child will
let you know when he is ready. I think the same is true for breastfeeding.
There is no magic number - it really depends on the child.
My other statement to mothers is "more is better but something is definitely
better than nothing. THus if a mother only plans to nurse for one month its
worth it as its better thatn nothing. Same is true for partial breastfeeding.
--
****************************************************
* Deena Zimmerman MD MPH *
* Department of Pediatrics *
* UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School *
* 1 RWJ Place *
* New Brunswick, NJ 08903 *
* *
* phone (908) 235-7248 *
* fax (908) 235-7345 *
* email [log in to unmask] (internet) *
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