I thought we were discussing the emergency filing by some lawyers asking the court to keep the nursing mothers with their infants — because those infants were about to be removed from their mothers.
If you were discussing something else, I apologize.
If you are merely making a distinction in the age of the children who are breast-feeding, it is generally recommended to continue breast feeding at least through 2 years of age, while of course bringing in solid food starting in the first year.
We did that for our 2nd child, the 1st child we broke off near the end of the 1st year because of a serious breast infection that required the use of antibiotics that were not tested for infants.
That was difficult because it required a fast weaning — but we still phased out over a couple of days. I remember the pain my wife was in until her body got used to the idea that there was no more need for milk. I’m guessing my wife remembers that more than I do.
Children can and do wean themselves directly to the cup if they are offered an opportunity. Mine did, each around a year of age. Once they stopped, they showed no further interest and I suffered no discomfort. Of course, that was >30 years ago.