Father of DD doesnt want extended breastfeeding... what to do...

[SatSandesh]

So my DD father doesn't like the idea of extended bfeeding. DD is 7 mos now and we've been exclusively bfeeding... Also we are not together so I think he is thinking he will get some time with her if we are not breastfeeding. He says things like "if she can talk she shouldnt be breastfeeding... that's just wrong"

Its REALLY really important to me to breastfeed until when ever she is ready to stop... Any ideas?  Maybe I am thinking too far into the future but I just worry that we wont be able to continue our breastfeeding relationship. Plus at 7 mos she is totally crazy about breastfeeding and I can see how its doing wonders for our relationship and her ability to relax. 

[sosurreal09]

I don't think he really has a say in it. It's what's best for your child IYO and there is plenty of research to back that up. (saying it's normal, healthy, has many reasons for emotional and physical health etc) I mean really what CAN he do?

[Super~Single~Mama]

My ds's dad and I split when ds was 10mo.  DS had regular visitation, including overnights, after the split without any real trouble.  We did do it fairly gradually, and only did one overnight at a time for a month or so, and then increased it to 2 nights at a time.  DS nursed until he self weaned right around his 2nd birthday.

[SatSandesh]

True. I guess I will just print out some pro extended breastfeeding articles when we get to that hurdle...and hope he understands. I was nursed until I was 5 1/2 so it's so important to me! thanks for the advice :)

[Super~Single~Mama]

Honestly, what you do with your child during YOUR time, is none of his business.  Really.  As long as its not interfering with his ability to form a meaningful relationship with his child, it just doesn't concern him.  My ex tried to make the argument in court that my BF'ing was interfering, but the custody evaluator came out on my side and said that it was perfectly normal for my ds to be nursing at 16mo.

If you haven't already though, I would consider getting a visitation schedule worked out through the courts - it doesn't have to be a terribly adversarial process, it can be agreeable if both parties are reasonable (my ex wasn't, so it was very difficult, but I won).

[Asiago]

I don't know if you are in need of anything like this, but it is available if so:

http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detletter.htm

[sosurreal09]

Don't forget even the WHO says to BF until at least 2 y/o and that it greatly increases immunocological benefits for the child, to nurse at least that long.