When to stop breastfeeding.... ?

It's up to you but if you stop breastfeeding you need to continue with the formula until 1 year. At 1 year you can give her cow's milk if she has shown no allergy to dairy.

Is there another reason she may be refusing the breast such as teething? Might be hurting her gums?

I don't know your situation but if I were you I'd keep trying to offer the breast and if you're having difficulty then ask a plunket nurse for advice.. if she's feeding fine then why don't you continue until 1 year? Just curious

I had supply issues, and despite double-pumping, and taking domperidone, I never had enough to exclusively breast-feed. I gave up breastfeeding 6 weeks ago, as she was just getting gassy for the last 2 weeks because the milk wasn't there.

Although at the time, I would have liked to continue longer, I'm now glad that I stopped breastfeeding when I did, as feeding times are now much more relaxed - I'm not fighting to get her to take the breast when she's hungry and wants more than I can give her. I think if you've managed to breastfeed for the first few months then you've given her the main immunity boost that she needs - and formulas are pretty good these days.

I just had a visit from Plunket today and she remarked on how incredible Grace's growth had been, and how well she's doing in general, so we must be doing something right

nicola-ann, I'm sorry to hear you had a breast infection and couldn't breastfeed, but really, what is wrong with breastfeeding as long as you want to? I personally am not for feeding for more than a few years, but as long as you are happy and the child is happy, really, what is the problem? In private yes, not in public..

I breastfed for 13.5 months and felt that was a good length of time.

Alisha Im not 100% sure of the best way to stop but for me I went cold turkey and just stopped expressing. It did hurt for a few days but good old cabbage leaves worked wonders. You could just stop and express a little to relieve the pain but you will continue to produce milk until you stop expressing.
Nicola-Ann I totally agree, 5 is way to old to be feeding still and I maybe stepping on someones toes by saying that but sorry its just not right (in my opinion only)

I was watching Desparate Housewifes and didn't find the breastfeeding at 5 very nice. I think 2 is old enough. But then again everyone is alowed there own opinions on how long you should.
I breastfed till 5 months, but from 3 weeks Andrew had to be comped as he would take everything from me and he was still hungry.
One thing I don't like is people that can breastfed have no problems and stop because it is ruining their life. I had a friend who stopped breastfeeding at 6 weeks as her husband didn't like her having to get up all the time to feed their son. Hello that is being a parent to a young child. Ok i'll stop now.

I was really angry when she told us she was stopping feeding. As I really wanted to feed Andrew exclusive for a few months but couldn't. And there is someone no problems (other than her husband) feeding and just stopped.
It's not snowing here in Palmy but it sure feels like it is. The wind is so strong, glad the wood box is filled up and tonight when hubby comes home he can fill it up for us!!!

Hi Lisha, I was just wondering if there was any reason you wanted to stop breastfeeding? To be honest it sounds to me that your girl Lucy is just getting enough from one side when you feed her.
I clearly remember my son Alex just having one side when he started having solids as he just didn't need the extra top up of my other breast and everything just adjusted all by itself.
I'm still feeding him now and he will be20 months old in a couple of days. Lol I'm NOT going to be feeding him until he is five! He is just about weaned now as he only has a feed in the morning now & that's it. He seems to just like to watch his little brother Blaire feed now.

Anyway I will stop rambling. If you are ready to finish up with the breastfeeding, then I would suggest doing it gradually so your breasts can adjust & shut down production