Maryelle--well said! I find similar reactions from new moms when they consider nursing a toddler. When you nurse a baby 12 or more times a day, it is difficult to imagine "having" to do that for 2, 3 ,4+ years! I tell moms that once you get past a year or two, you are not "breastFEEDING" so much as "nursing" to fill needs other than nutritional. And I tell them that picking an arbitrary time to wean is much like choosing the date baby will walk, potty train, talk, etc. A question occurs to me, especially for those of you for whom English is a second language--is there an equivalence between "breastfeeding" and "nursing" in other languages, or is this just an Americanism? It is such a lovely synonym here that describes more than just feeding at the breast, and also works for those who are reluctant to use the word "breast" in public speaking!!! Have a great day! Melissa Vickers, IBCLC [log in to unmask]