Weaning Ages in a Sample of American Women who Practice Extended Breastfeeding

Abstract

This research examined age and method of weaning in a sample of 179 women who practiced extended breastfeeding. The average age for weaning was between 2 years 6 months and 3 years 0 months and ranged from 1 month to 7 years 4 months. Fourteen women had each weaned at least three children, and the youngest children were significantly older at the time of weaning than were their older siblings. Weaning was described as being "gradual" and "child-led" by the majority of women. A smaller, but substantial, percentage of women cited reasons for weaning related to a subsequent pregnancy. Weaning ages for women who practice extended nursing were substantially older than were those of more typical North American mothers and were similar to those in traditional cultures with similar parenting practices.