Testimonials: they chose to breastfeed for a long time

In France, 19,2% of children are still breastfed at 6 months and 5,3% at one year. Low percentages compared to the Scandinavian countries, but increasing compared to the 1990s. Breastfeeding for a long time is now a real fundamental movement.

Feed until 18 months, 2, 3 or 4 years? Before the arrival of infant formula, there was no alternative. But today, more and more mothers are choosing to extend their breastfeeding. And they are no longer just mothers who are “activists” in proximal mothering, who encourage practices that strengthen the mother-child bond. In fact, currently, “few mothers plan to breastfeed for a long time from the start,” notes Claude Didierjean-Jouveau, spokesperson for the Leche League *. But when it works, they say to themselves: “why stop?” “

Of course, the WHO recommendations in favor of a duration of at least 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, then up to 2 years in addition to a diversified diet, as well as the public health messages have helped to make future and new mothers aware of the importance of breastfeeding… and for as long as possible. But not only.

Various arguments

The rise of ecological values, the desire to give the best to one’s child and possible economic constraints are also contributing to the resurgence of prolonged breastfeeding. Just like the more widespread idea that it is possible to continue breastfeeding while returning to work, thanks in particular to breast pumps and breastfeeding rooms in companies. However, not all mothers are ready to play extra time, for fear of being badly judged or of making their child dependent… Or quite simply for the desire to find greater freedom!

The testimony of Manon, mother of Mya, 18 months: “I have the support of the father! “

“Mya’s dad supports me in this breastfeeding. He always tells me that he prefers to see our daughter at my breast than to give her artificial milk, the compositions of which are more and more harmful. He doesn’t have the same relationship with her as I do, but they do a lot of things together and are very complicit. “

Sophie, mother of Léo, 21 months: “My GP told me to stop… I’m going on! “

“If you don’t breastfeed, you are frowned upon, and if you breastfeed longer than average, you are marginal! When my baby was 6 months old, my GP told me that there was no point breastfeeding him anymore! Why would my milk have become irrelevant overnight? I continued ! Certainly, children fed on artificial milk sleep faster and their parents are quieter, but I do not trust the composition of powdered milk and I find breastfeeding more convenient and also more environmentally friendly. , in addition to being free! “

Anaïs, mother of Gabriel, 3 and a half years old, and Thomas, 11 months: “An organization that is not always easy. “

“Returning to work was the most critical time of breastfeeding for my boys. My commercial work forcing me to sleep two nights a week, I nevertheless had to organize myself and equip myself with a good breast pump, a charger and an electric cooler that could be plugged into the cigarette lighter. To express my milk in the car, I pulled up in a parking lot, got into the back and covered the windows with towels. I hated those moments, but the most important thing for me was to give my boys the best for as long as possible: a year for my oldest, ten months for my second. “

Stéphanie, mother of Merwan, 12, Lozena, 11, Tiphene, 7, and Qiao, 3: “My daughter categorically refuses weaning. “

“After 40 months of breastfeeding, I am desperately trying to wean Qiao, but she has no desire to stop breastfeeding at all. If I don’t breastfeed her, she can’t fall asleep and has fits. As I have not encountered any problems with weaning with my elders, I feel completely lost and I feel guilty for forcing her to deprive herself of my milk! I regret that there is not more help for mothers and children to make this transition. “

Barbara, mother of Deba, 11, Adón, 5, and Madiba, 2: “It was exhausting! “

“For a year and a few months, I breastfed Adon and Madiba in tandem. They shared without any problem and it helped them to be particularly united. For me, it was exhausting, especially since at night, the “big one” asked for more than the baby, but it was a real act of love. “

* Author of “Breastfeeding from A to Z” (ed. Erès) 

Read also : “My breastfeeding bible” (LeducS ed.)