Liz, I'll put a slightly different spin on it for you by giving you the example of what happened to me and my babes.....Olivia was BF and weaned the minute she tried solids (at 6 months) and totally refused the boob and I was devestated.

Charlie flat refused the boob at the same time that he started solids, which was also the exact same time as I unexpected'dly fell pg with Lexie. Again, I was heartbroken.

(I had always planned on getting to at least 12 months with both of them)

However, I look at Olivia now, nearly 3, she is so perfect, I honestly don't think she suffered at all.

Charlie....well, you couldn't wish to meet a happier more content little boy. He is 18 months, adores his little sister, and he is so happy.

So, I guess my point is, that, in my circumstances, the only person that "suffered" for their "loss" of extended BF, is me, the Mummy, because I did initially feel guilty.

But now I don't at all, becasue I can see that all the timings and circumstances happened for a reason, and my babies are not phased by any of it at all!

That is just my personal take on my circumstances. I would have loved to BF till over 12 months, but it was simply not meant to be in my case, and no one is suffering becasue of it at all, now that I have 'let go" of my "guilt".

Not sure if that helps you any?