M. Sugarman et Ka. Kendalltackett, WEANING AGES IN A SAMPLE OF AMERICAN WOMEN WHO PRACTICE EXTENDED BREAST-FEEDING, Clinical pediatrics, 34(12), 1995, pp. 642-647
This research examined age and method of weaning in a sample of 179 wo
men who practiced extended breastfeeding. The average age for weaning
was between 2 years 6 months and 3 years 0 months and ranged from 1 mo
nth to 7 years 4 months. Fourteen women had each weaned at least three
children, and the youngest children were significantly older at the t
ime of weaning than were their older siblings. Weaning was described a
s being ''gradual'' and ''child-led'' by the majority of women. A smal
ler, but substantial, percentage of women cited reasons for weaning re
lated to a subsequent pregnancy. Weaning ages for women who practice e
xtended nursing were substantially older than were those of more typic
al North American mothers and were similar to those in traditional cul
tures with similar parenting practices.