Not to mention the insane calorie burn for the mother. A lot of babies are lactose intolerant, though, and do better with formula. When I was a baby, I was actually allergic to milk, not just lactose intolerant. That was fun.

You do know there is very little lactose in breast milk right? Most of the lactose in breast milk comes from the mother consuming dairy products. So if your child is lactose intolerant and you are breast feeding the easiest solution would to be to cut out dairy.

I breastfed my kid till she was a year old. 2 years sounds way to long imo. I dont want my child to be attached to my tit for 2yrs. It is exhausting, and your schedule is tied to your boobs filling up, getting sore and having to feed to relieve the pressure. After a year, I was beyond ready to wean her. But if you prefer 2yrs and it doesnt bother you, go for it. After my daughter yelled "NOOO dada, dats MY num nums!" When he laid his head down on my chest while we were on the couch...yeah

Actually breast feeding does NOT act as a natural birth control. You still need to use some form of birth control unless you want your children that close in age.

Breast feeding has been found to help reduce/stop ovulation in the majority of women. There's been research about it following women in developing countries who don't have access to birth control. Once they wean their child is when they get pregnant again, that's also when the child switches to a different person to co-sleep with.

Please read #93's comment

I've also been told that it acts like a birth control. Which is fine with me because there's not many options while you're breast feeding! Thanks for the comments :) it was uncalled for and I was actually starting to doze off so I didn't think twice about screaming! Haha :) and I'm pretty it sure breast feeding has stopped my ovulation because I haven't had my period in over a year. Sorry tmi but hey had to say it somehow ;) haha. Also the calorie burner is a huge help too! I'm down 40 pounds since I've had my son (I only gained 20 in my pregnancy). And my son is sensitive to dairy so I don't eat much dairy now.

OP, you could get an IUD I think. After the baby comes the mother still has a little pudge on the belly and breastfeeding helps get rid of it (idk the scientific reason behind this but its what I was told by my lactation consultant and it sure worked for me!)

So I just did a little research... the general consensus is that yes, breastfeeding can act as a natural birth control but it is only effective up to 6 months after birth. Planned Parenthood's website says this but after I had my son 2 years ago, I was told by PP, my OB, and the WIC nurse that it is NOT as effective as people believe. Especially if you need to supplement with formula or if you're not able to be there to nurse every 4 hours. Every missed feeding reduces the effectiveness.

#157 I have heard only bad things about IUD as well as the mirena. All the stuff they stick inside you always seems to be the worst for you. :( but when I'm done breast feeding I'll end up getting on the pill again :)

I've been happy with my mirena IUD but yeah they do have some negative reviews. Also, I was told that I could get pregnant again after delivery (and I was breast feeding)

That's ridiculous. A child shouldn't be breast feeding if it can ask it's mother itself for food. God, mothers these days. They base every single thing off of the Internet and what a doctor may think is healthy.

#208 I didnt realise you had a close personal relationship with every mother on earth. ..u must b one busy person with all that plus your judgemental thinking taking up all your time.

#208 get off your high horse and quit judging other mothers.

That is gross. It is creepy to breast feed till your child is two. It show that u cannot stop. If you kid has teeth start getting them off milk. Said person who works with kids.

Babies can ask for it from day one. Hunger cues are a thing, ya know. Look it up. Should we stop giving bottles to babies who can say "baba"? You clearly know nothing about childhood/infant nutrition. Take a look at what all the major medical organizations worldwide have to say about it. Do not breed.

Some babies are born with teeth. You should not be working with kids. Go learn something. I doubt any parent would trust you with their child if they saw your FML profile and this comment. Twat.

Don't you dare call me judgmental. EVERYONE who has replied to this is making a judgement, so that's extremely hypocritical. Don't put words in my mouth either. This is why I hate commenting on here; people are idiots.

My high horse? Assuming that is a judgement as well. So when you stop judging me, I'll stop judging you. Until then, I suggest you stop being a hypocrite.

#235 you are being a judgmental idiot, shut your mouth before you spew off some more dumbass nonsense you know absolutely nothing about. Do your damn research before talking shit on mothers who are doing the best thing they ever could for their babies. Maybe you should stop commenting then and stay off FML. You're the idiot here! ;)

Read #18's comment and you'll understand why I'm not stopping breast feeding "just because he has teeth". If I stopped now he would be put on formula (which I don't feel like spending the extra money for it when I have perfectly fine boobs) and that's pointless. Babies aren't supposed to be off breast milk or formula until age 1, and tons of moms go past a year with breast feeding. And I plan on being one of them. :)

OP good for you! I wish I had been able to breastfeed past 3 months. Ignore the judgemental comments, and do your thing

Heyhooker, you're an idiot. Plenty of babies get their first tooth before 6 months, and babies are supposed to be exclusively breastfed until at least 6 months. The APA recommends continued breastfeeding through at least the first year, and WHO says to breastfeed at least 2 years. OP is doing something completely normal and healthy. OP, good for you for keeping it up while it's getting tougher! I'm due and July and hope nursing will be as successful for baby and me as it has been for you. Keep it up, and ignore all the misinformed complainers!

@21 hey. I'm thinking of weaning my son when he gets around college age, too early right, is that okay with you? Because you know it's going to effect your life so much and I'd hate to put my baby's needs before yours. How dare us breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding mothers forget to be sure everyone else is comfortable before our babies. Said no mother ever.

interesting in many levels