breastfeeding 11 month old

[bugboo]

 I breastfeed my 11 month old four times a day.  Is this too much? I just read that by  12 months you should feed 2-3 times per day.  
My daughter wakes at 5:00 am and goes to bed at 7:00pm.  She eats three meals, plus snacks.  She would BF 5-6 times per day if I allowed.  Should I try to decrease to three feeds ?
Advice from seasoned moms and pros welcome!

[Midwife]

I think this is a purely personal decision.  

By the age of one year breastfeeding should be purely supplemental, ie your child should be getting his/her nutritional needs met by normal table food with the breastmilk a plus!

Do whatever makes YOU & your child happy!

[starbuckozzie]

I have a 22 month old who is still feeding 2-3 times a day. He is very happy and healthy and eats a balanced diet in addition to the feeds. Don't worry about how many times a day, just go with whatever makes you both as comfortable as possible. Breastmilk is very very nutritious and doesn't become any less good for you as you get older. If it helps, remember that the average age for weaning worldwide is 4 years, so yours sounds very normal!

I remember agonising over this same thing and I have to say that I learned to pretty much ignore the literature as it was often confusing and contradictory. A doctor eventually explained to me that books are often years out of date with the current research. They're a good place to start but I wouldn't treat them as gospel.

I firmly believe that a mother's instincts are the best way to go rather than following a book.

[You're doing well]

I breastfed mine for over 4 years (just once daily for the last 2 years or so), my child started solids at 8 months, and there really aren't any hard and fast rules as to how often they should be nursing at that age. She's very healthy, has always been solid and eats very well, and still remembers nursing fondly.......Some breastfeeding consultants feel that solids are really supplemental until around a year of age, something to experiment with.  All children are different, and some are ready to digest a variety of different foods earlier than others. Some children may have sensitivities to certain foods and may instinctively hold off eating too many solids until they're ready to protect themselves from allergies. Some wean themselves much earlier, and might not need it as long. A friend's child refused solids until 12 months of age and it turned out she was gluten intolerant and had just done the right thing. I believe we can trust our children to know their needs. Breastmilk really has no disadvantages compared to other foods, it continues to be highly digestible and full of antibodies, good fatty acids etc. The iron (lactoferrin) in breastmilk is highly absorbable, but if you're worried about it, you could add a teaspoon of Floradix daily.
The bonding and comfort factor is also something that will greatly contribute to your child's development.
WHO recommends 2 years and beyond, the American Association of Pediatrics says at least 1 year, preferably longer if desired.
If you feel comfortable nursing, you can carry on doing it, otherwise find a gentle way to reduce. Once your child starts walking, she might develop other interests, although some do need additional ressurance when they take the next step...
Do trust your own feelings, too!!
Regarding toddler nursing, there is some interesting research by anthroplologist Dr. Karen Dettwyler and some good articles at mothering dot com.
And give yourself a big pat on the back-you're doing a great job!!

[expat mom]

I breast fed my son for 4yrs(just 2xper day for the last 2yrs) and my daughter for nearly 3.  They have been so healthy and I atribute this to long term immunities they developed from long term breast feeding.

Both of my kids have only 3 cases of stomach flu(they are 14 and 11) and they have travelled to many exotic places.  They have also only had 2 or 3 ear aches in their life.  My family(that was not breast fed, myself included, had many cases of ear aches, strep, and stomach viruses and kids).

Some people question comforting children this way, but I certainly feel this type of close cuddling and comforting attachment is a real blessing.  In less developed societies, that have not embraced artifical means of pacifying and feeding, the average age of weaning is 5yrs.  If you and your child are happy with the arrangement that is all the permission you need.  If not then you will need to look for some other way to comfort your child when they wake up or go to bed.

I think what you are doing is fantastic.

[expat mom]

Please excuse my typos and I did not have kids along with strep as a child!  I meant to type as a child.  Don't want to give anyone the impression that I was a wayward child having kids while having strep!!!

[bugboo]

Thank you for taking the time to reply!  Your posts were very supportive (which is helpful when my family is not so...).  I am now feeding  3x per day and will continue this until I feel ready to decrease further.   I really appreciate your thoughts and encouragement.  I love the time spent feeding my child and am happy to continue.