Ask the Lactation Consultant
Q. My extended family is telling me my child is too old to be nursing. Is there any scientific research about the "right" time to wean?
A. Yes! Although weaning age is a personal decision, and also varies widely from family to family, professor of anthroplogy Kathy Dettwyler has done extensive research on the biological norm for the duration of human breastfeeding. Here is her article summarizing her research.
Since circumstances vary widely, it is also helpful to know how impactful breastfeeding can be at various stages. Here is an article by lactation consultant Diane Weissinger, outlining the gifts of breastfeeding to different ages.
