Today my son and I reached 30 months of goodness! The World Health Organization, UNICEF, American Academy of Family Physicians, and essentially every pediatric health organization in the world recommends a minimum 24 months of human milk for human babies (with at least the first six months being exclusive breastmilk).
Bare minimums are typically not enough for me... so I tacked on six months to the 24, and made breastfeeding for 30 months my goal. I strived to do nothing that would inhibit our nursing relationship or my milk supply (no pacifiers, no supplementation, no forced night weaning, no artificial hormones, no close consecutive pregnancies, etc.) and everything I could to ensure we were successful (early pumping when there were issues, lots of babywearing, lots of sleep sharing, exclusive breastfeeding till 10 months, baby-led weaning, etc.)
Today, I admit, I am elated, because this goal has been reached! Not without trials along the way (especially in the early weeks when my son was not latching/sucking properly due to birth trauma), but with rewards and benefits that far outweigh any culturally-derived challenges we've had to overcome.
When I posted our photo in celebration on Facebook, I ventured a guess as to how long it would take lactiphobic onlookers to flag it for being 'obscene' and my account would be removed... But in a beautiful twist of happenstance, as soon as it posted, several other mommas were encouraged to share photos of their happy, healthy nursing toddlers. And so, we decided a photo gallery is in order to celebrate the many joys of nursing our little ones for a normal duration of time.
In Mothering Your Nursing Toddler, Norma Jane Bumgarner writes,
Nursing for the child is a kind of 'fix,' but a healthy one. It is not addictive [...] but just the opposite. The child's craving diminishes over time. It is no wonder that some families call mother's milk 'joy juice.' Nursing has all the restorative powers of a morning cup of coffee without the 'caffeine jitters.' It is as relaxing as an evening cocktail, with no bleary aftereffects.
Sucking is a necessary restorative for rapidly growing little people, so much so that most children who do not nurse seek an alternative - bottle, pacifier, thumb, fingers, hair, blanket-corner, etc. They show us through the persistence of such behaviors that young children need the calming and reassuring effects of sucking as much, or more, than some adults need our 'pacifiers.' They are so young, so unfinished, so without experience in this world, while at the same time they are undergoing enormous growth and change.
Comfort from sucking is a blessing given to babies and little children which helps ease them through the physical and mental upheaval, greater than that of adolescence, that propels them from the womb into childhood in just a few short years. Children can be awakened and relaxed, soothed and pacified through sucking. [...]
The best place for this sucking to happen is in mother's arms, at her breast, where it is entirely natural. The simple act of sucking within the embrace of mother and child, is transformed into the complete act of suckling, where there is give and take and understanding between mother and child. And of course, the child receives a bonus not possible with substitutes - the gift of his own mother's living milk, made specifically for this moment in the child's life. [...]
When children talk about nursing, they talk about something very warm and special to them. Nursing is their soul food.
If you'd like to include your beautiful little one in our Joy of Nursing Toddlers Gallery, send to: JoyofNursingToddlers@gmail.com
If you're a mom or dad seeking additional information on healthy baby nutrition and the natural progression of human weaning, here are several great places to start:
Natural Weaning ~ Norma Jane Bumgarner
A Natural Age of Weaning ~ Katherine Dettwyler
Natural Weaning Age ~ Linda Palmer
Mothering Your Nursing Toddler ~ Norma Jane Bumgarner
How Weaning Happens ~ Diane Bengson
Baby-led Weaning: Helping Your Baby To Love Good Food ~ Gill Rapley & Tracey Murkett
Breastfeeding Older Children ~ Ann Sinnott
10 Reasons to Nurse Your Todder
Adventures in Tandem Nursing: Breastfeeding During Pregnancy and Beyond ~ Hilary Flower
Natural Family Living (one chapter) ~ Peggy O'Mara
Take Charge of Your Child's Health: A Parents' Guide to Recognizing Symptoms and Treating Minor Illnesses at Home (one chapter) ~ George Wootan & Sarah Verney
Our Babies, Ourselves: How Biology and Culture Shape the Way We Parent (one chapter) ~ Meredith Small
"I stepped out of the shower and was attacked by a wee boy on a step stool while his sister made funny faces in the mirror!" ~Bianka
Came via facebook. Love this post!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on making it to 30 months!
ReplyDeleteI am very excited about the gallery, I shall email you now. :D
such happy little bubs getting noms. :)
ReplyDeleteI nursed my first till she was 27 months. My second is almost 33 months and we still nurse once every evening. It's our wind-down time (well, sometimes she's a bit of a monkey, but still). And ah, the joys of nursing 2.5-y-o. Sometime she's humming a little tune while nursing. Other times, she'll pull off, inspect my nipple, decides she's done with that side and say..."Put this one away, Mommy. It's all gone. I want this side now." Ohhhh-kay. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI know she's my last baby, so I'm in no rush to wean 100%. The one-a-day deal works for us.
Sounds just like my 18 month little one.
DeleteLovely pictures, I'm so pleased I found this blog! Thank you for brightening up my day! I also came via FB to see the pics!
ReplyDeleteI am still nursing my 1 year old and have no intentions of stopping until she is ready to stop! It is such a special thing and I feel our bond so much more strong because of it! <3 <3 <3
Beautiful! I love the gallery!
ReplyDeleteMy still nursing 30 month old toddler is asking to see the pictures again. She says she likes nursing mommies. I admit, I am ready to wean, but I am not rushing it for this sensitive child. My first chose to stop at about 15 months or so. #2 & #3 were weaned around 27 months each when my husband & I took short vacations. We'll see what happens with this one. These are beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteI am a grey haired granny these days but I love reading about the well remembered days of breastfeeding. My four 'babies' are now aged 38 to 28 and all were breastfed for four years and the the first two and last two tandem fed for a year giving me 14 years of non stop breastfeeding. We also believed in sleeping with out children until they were ready to leave the family bed so we shared a kingsize bed until the youngest was five and her sister was nine. Not a bed wetter, night walker or pacifier between them and they are all still good mates and like us too along with three breastfed grandchildren. I never intended to feed so long coming from a nine-month stint with my own mother but I always wanted happy babies and I could not say no. Most were weaned by mutual consent but I look back and believe they would have loved to have fed longer and I wish I had been able to handle more time. We are not hippy types, just educated and aware middle class folk who wanted to give our babies the best possible start in life. I still have a great set of boobs, 36D, and I am sure in another culture I would have suckled another four with ease. Sadly I see little long term breastfeeding in today's enlightened world that pushes women back to work as soon as possible and lets them believe that they should wait as long as possible before starting their families. Ultimately there is only family and jobs and careers disappear into nothingness. One of the best bonuses for me as a long term feeder was that my periods did not return for two years after each baby so contraception was a breeze combining breastfeeding with the Billings Method. (google it if you are ignorant of how your body works) The first two were born in hospital but the last two were freebirthed at home. Guess which I prefer? Good wishes to all breastfeeding mothers and please, please never say No!
Wonderful comment!!
DeleteDon't you love the positive passionate support today's moms have for baby led weaning?
DeleteI know they still have their social roadblocks, but with so much social media to encourage moms they can find more acceptance for listening to their hearts when making weaning decisions.
Anonymous, your story and mine are almost identical all the way down to the third and fourth births occurring at home. Guess which I prefer? Thanks for sharing your story.
Today's moms will be wonderful examples for the next generation. Who couldn't love all of the happy faces in the pictures? I will keep supporting them and applaud their efforts of making long term nursing the norm.
Keep up the good work mom's and remember "The breast is best".
Beautiful gallery! My daughter and I are nearing 24 months very soon. I'm so glad for the nursing relationship!
ReplyDelete^^ what a wonderful gallery...and I love the comments, too!
ReplyDeletePractically having a let down just seeing this page. The babies and moms all look so happy, and the deep contentment is so obvious. This is really encouraging to see, as my 16-month-old is getting molars and is very toothy at the breast right now.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet. How lovely to know so many babies are so loved!
ReplyDeleteNot a Mom yet (it wasn't me who believed I should wait this long, though I'm glad I waited to be so well informed), but these pictures are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am, however, cringing a bit at the sight of teeth and twisting while turning their heads... if not painful, that must be a bit uncomfortable. As toddlers, they don't seem to try to get as much in their mouth, and I would imagine that might cause some soreness if they're on the edge...
I think it's so adorable how they hug the boob! :) I'd put a heart here but I don't know if greater than or less than symbols are allowed...
I have to say, I don't know if I could do it once they kind of thin out like the little guy in the third picture, but I've read some mothers say it just happens, children grow when you're not looking. :)
It definitely looks uncomfortable but it really isn't. My nipples (as well as others I see in those pictures) became more soft and pliable as time went on and now, after 26 months, she can pull them like taffy and I don't even notice. When they're nursing their tongue covers their bottom teeth so they can't clamp down. You really don't feel the top teeth either. The only time she's ever bitten me was if I didn't "detach" her when she fell asleep. Her muscles tighten and she bites, but that doesn't happen often and it is easily avoidable by not allowing her to nurse after she's fallen asleep.
DeleteTomorrow we reach 24 months!!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise that it causes so much drama in parent circles... Until I hear mums commenting on 3 year olds having bottles as ok, but weaning at 6 or 12 months because they think it's wrong to feed a toddler. Not in my world...
precious pictures, wish i'd gotten in on this i have sooo many :P
ReplyDeleteThese pics brought a smile to my face. I'm currently nursing my 17 month old and we're still going strong. It's a beautiful thing :D
ReplyDeleteWe need these pictures mixed in with others - from immediate pp on - in all the media on child feeding. Folks need to see this and we need to normalize breastfeeding for the early years. After all, WHO says AT LEAST 2 years is optimal and AAP says AT LEAST 1 year AND as long as the mother and child desire. And, these are lovely pix.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see these bright-eyed contended children! 'Joy juice', yes indeed. In my survey, one little boy called it 'Happy Milk!' And toddlers transform into children who still need and relish human milk. Keep on moms and the culture will change!
ReplyDeleteAnn Sinnott
'Breastfeeding Older Children'
Thanks for posting this! It's great for folks to see what breast are actually for!! If we could take sex away from the breast, maybe more moms could and would nurse for longer. Many people over the years have been appalled at my extended nursing and it's been hard, But I wouldn't have changed a thing. I nursed my oldest until he was 5yrs and I am currently tandem nursing my 4 yr old and 11 month old. In our society that is totally crazy, but what I have seen is my children nursing together and being close and so sweet together. I think it helps build their relationship and really helps with the jealousy that most people experience when a new baby arrives. I just haven't had that. I tandem nursed my 3 youngest ones and it was a real blessing to all of us. I wish more moms could expereince the joys of extended nursing, by being more supported. Thanks again for posting this and the photo gallary!!
ReplyDeletei wish i had a pic of me n my 13 month boy to contribute, i only have a couple of him nursing when he was alittle baby
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see this post it makes me so happy I stuck with my decision to still nurse my 24 month old daughter! Thank you ladies that have stuck with this amazing god givin ability to nurse our children!
ReplyDelete"Preaching to the choir." I breastfed my home-birthed twins for 4+ years (child-led weaning). I took flack from people, but did not care. La Leche League's "Womanly Art" was my biggest comfort. My girls are now 25 years old and they still remember nursing, and call my breasts "baby pillows" where they love to lay their head. It breaks my heart when people I know choose to not breastfeed; it's difficult to hide my disappointment and try to be supportive anyway. A friend recently had twins and after a week said, "It's too hard; my milk didn't come in enough," etc. Being a new mom is hard enough without being shamed or scolded by others. Love to all the moms and kids. Check out the hilarious and touching video of the woman who nurses her 7-year-old daughter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHRyRCHuQ7g
ReplyDeleteSo excited to see this gallery! I thought I was the only one (before I had a FB account) when my youngest son was 3 years old. I tried to wean & he wasn't ready, so we went another 6 mos.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, melted my heart, thank you for posting :o)
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if this is what is wrong with my 3 yr old. I breast fed until he was 14 months old and then stopped because my husband said it had been to long. Now it seems like my child goes through these withdrawls and screaming fits when I'm not around, even when I am in the house. What do I do?
ReplyDeleteMy daughter decided she was done nursing at 14 months. Mommy cried more than she did lol. Son on the other hand is now 29 months, and still nurses once a day (before bed) and now and then at naptime but thats waning. Actually had a WIC worker tell me I "needed" to wean him because he was a year old. Our amazing pediatrician (when told of this) says "Pfft! so long as hes getting other things in addition to nursing, theres NO reason you *need* to wean him" and encouraged us to continue till he is ready. So lucky!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help but smile and even giggle a couple times. Batman! C'mon, how can someone not giggle? My little one is 18 months, and still going at it!
ReplyDeleteAww just the most awesome photos - my wee girl is 14 months and even though I work full-time she still feeds from me in the evenings and night-time and in the morning. I am being encouraged to wean her but I really don't want to I love feeding her so much and she loves it too. She is definitely my last baby so I want the feeding and closeness to last as long as possible. Thanks so much for sharing your photos :)
ReplyDeleteMy 22 month old and I were looking at these pictures together and he just kept smiling(the biggest smile) and saying "mom" "baby" . I kept thinking he was going to want to nurse but he turned around and gave me the biggest hug, and then looked at me and said, "Mama" I think seeing the pictures made him feel love and security, because we all know nursing is not just about food, is about a special bond between mommy and child. :)
ReplyDeleteI needed this, thank you!! I am a LLL member and have been bf for 8 1/2 months now. His teething is killer but I am stronger than surrendering and I keep a healthy diet for my milk supply. I plan on naturally weaning when he's ready and I love this site for inspiration, I almost cried! Thanks mama!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome. These are *beautiful*. Thanks for collecting them!
ReplyDeleteI put together a gallery of my best bf photos here http://lovingearthmama.com/2011/05/04/wordless-wednesday-brestfeding-gallery/ although I got to say I am jealous of and inspired by all the ones here with great eye contact with the babe. May try and get me some of those, too!! :D
Cheers,
Gauri
Very sweet pictures! I have nursed for over 12 1/2 years and am pregnant with baby #7. The longest I nursed a baby was 30 months or so.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for adding the picture of my 23 month old nursing <3
ReplyDeleteMy daughter weaned herself at 14 months, but I was able to nurse my son until his 3rd birthday. I truly wish I had allowed him to wean himself, and intend to follow child-led weaning if I am ever blessed to have another baby... Congrats on meeting your 30 month goal! :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE the pics. My older one nursed until he was a little past three. He was an avid avid nurser until he turned three, but abruptly cut back to almost nothing when his brother was born & he didn't like the "new milk". My younger one is still going strong at 16 months - like still at least every 2 hrs almost around the clock. It seems like forever (at least it did to me) when you are in it...but when it is over, it feels like it flew by. There have been soooo many times I felt like stopping - wanting my body back, tired of the criticisms, etc - but in the end I do not regret a single moment that I have spent nursing my kids. It is so special & it is a road you travel but once.
ReplyDeleteI love all of these sweet, happy faces! Thank you for putting this together!
ReplyDeletemakes me so sweetly emotional, thank you for posting you pictures!
ReplyDeleteLoved looking at the pictures, so many mums and toddlers breastfeeding - lovely! :)
ReplyDeleteHad to share this on my page. I strongly support toddler BFing but I am struggling with getting my husbands support. He cringes at the idea of me going to even 2 years (my youngest is only 5 months).
ReplyDeleteI love this!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!!! My son is 4 months and we hope to self wean ... I look for images of joyful nursing so my hubby loses his reluctance for extended nursing seeing as he is baby led in every other way! I love that we challenge our preconceived notions everyday!
ReplyDeleteThis was absolutely beautiful! I love the parts about how important suckling is to young children, and how, when they aren't breastfed, they find replacements. Some children are using paci's til 5 years old! Which would be understandable if it were that child suckling at the breast until 5. But paci's any longer than the first year can cause dental & speech problems.
ReplyDeleteI am still nursing my 15 1/2 mo and I am aiming for 2, but of course, it is not set in stone. :) This was a wonderful inspiration to not aim for the minimum. Thank you!
Oh how I envy these Mums!! My youngest self weaned a couple of days before she was 17 months. I tried my hardest to get her to continue but in the end she got really cranky so I let it go. She doesn't suck her thumb/fingers, has never used a dummy, I tried a bottle of EBM but she didn't know how to use it, I did it all. I miss it so much! But I got what I wanted: she weaned herself when she was ready. But then again, she is my super independant baby! Well done super mums for having the privilege to feed your children for so long!!
ReplyDeleteI am very happy to see this. I don't always feel supported in my decision to continue nursing my daughter through my pregnancy. She is 25 months and still nursing strong. Along with her twin brothers who are now 3 months old. I feel blessed to be able to nurse all three of them, although it does have it's challenges at times. I wish more people would embrace nursing beyond babyhood.
ReplyDeleteLove, Love, Love this post and the photo gallery! Each child in the photos looks so happy and content...it's wonderful! I bf my toddler till 3yrs. old and it was a great experience. I wish I had continued, but not knowing any better weaned him off when I was pregnant again. Take lots of pictures...I wish I had taken more...and be soooooo proud of yourself for doing this great thing for your baby. Blessings :) ~Ann Marie
ReplyDeleteMy "little guy" (now 13) had his last "neenee" the night before his 6th birthday. This was a mutually agreed upon thing. He is the brightest and healthiest kid I know. He only sort of remembers it now. His dentist says he's never seen a kid with more perfect teeth (He doesn't know about the extended nursing). He never used pacifiers or thumb, just mom. My 36DDs are still intact, well, there may be some sagging, but that's age, not nursing. I would do it the same way all over again. It seems to go on forever when you are nursing, but one day, your babes will be big teens, and you'll look back and think how fleeting it really was.
ReplyDeleteLove the pics! My 25-month old is still a champion nurser xoxo
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures! I nursed my older two until they were 4+. My littlest guy is now just 3, nursing 1-2 times a day. The last few days, he's had a cold/fever, and it is one of the many times that I am so grateful that we continue to have this precious nursing relationship!
ReplyDeleteZ and I make 30 months this coming Wednesday. While there are times I feel held hostage by the whole thing I do know I am a willing hostage!! My goal had been 1 year, before we hit that landmark I had changed my mind to "Fully formed sentences asking for milk" Now I just say "When we are ready!"
ReplyDeleteLove every photo. Thank you for giving such a precious reminder of the power and beauty of breastfeeding.
ReplyDeleteAloha from Maui,
Claire Kellerman
Co-Editor ~ ERGOparent.com: we have a great issue on Breastfeeding and research on attachment parenting and bonding. Enjoy! I love it all, so editing it is like being on vacation; pure pleasure to learn so much. Join me. www.ergoparent.com
I agree with everything but delaying conception - if you leave that up to God because that is your belief system don't feel guilty about it - nursing can continue :)
ReplyDeleteSome women are able to continue nursing when pregnant (I did with my DS3 for 3 months into my 4th pregnancy), but some women dry up. I've read that Michelle Duggar knows she's pregnant again when her baby starts fussing at the breast because she's dry. Nobody knows until they are in that situation how their bodies will respond and things can be different from one pregnancy to another. If anything, I worry about the moms who think lack of cycles and nursing equals birth control. I have a handful of friends who would all greatly disagree with that as every single one of them got pregnant again without having a period first.
DeleteJanie - it can for some, but not for all. I wish someone had been honest with me, or that I had done the research on my own, before I became pregnant again just 6 months after my first baby was born. It was tough and I didn't think I could get pregnant because I had not yet started menstruating, and I was nursing on cue, around the clock. Surprise surprise, come to find out you can start ovulating months before you actually get your regular cycle and period back. As a result, my milk dried up (thanks to pregnancy) and I didn't know of other milk sharing options so we had to formula feed by the end of the first year - the very thing I did NOT want to ever do. I am one of those moms who really did want to nurse my baby for a long time. I wanted to give her the best. And I couldn't because I didn't have this information to plan ahead. My second has always been a bit more sickly than my first, even with breastfeeding, and I know it is because I didn't have time to build back up my own supply of nutrients before conception. It isn't fair to either one of my children, and I'd never wish the regret I have on anyone else. So I am very thankful that peaceful parenting is telling it like it is for many women out there, myself included. Even going through all this I believe that babies and mothers deserve more spacing between babies, for their own sake, health and even sanity.
ReplyDeleteI wish Peanut had made it into this list! :(
ReplyDeleteMy son will be 1 next week and I had planned to bf him until then but am now considering longer. The people I live with, and my family are all secretly hoping I follow through and I'm so torn! I do not drink cow's milk nor do I plan to give it to my baby and I feel like that is another reason I may want to consider continuing- if not for all the many health benefits! I am not one to make decisions based on any pressure from peers or society but this one is hard! I also have to admit I want my body back & to just wear regular clothes again! I can definately see how support makes a difference. The backward ways of our society weigh me down so much I think I'll surely go from stress when I do!
ReplyDeleteDon't make your decision based upon what others think. That is "people-Pleasing" and it's a disease I myself am still recovering from.
DeleteFor the future, instead of cow's milk, (well, there's always raw milk which has the nutrients pasteurized milk doesn't), there's almond milk and coconut milk- both filled with nutrition.
Regarding extended breast feeding, find some support and don't discuss your decision with UN-supportive or judgmental people. As adults, we do NOT owe each other explanations for our decisions. And unsolicited advice and opinions from others is boundary-less and NOT okay.
Good luck!
Love it!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, nothing as pure and innocent as these babies nursing :) Thanks ladies for sharing your pictures.
ReplyDeleteI am warm & fuzzy looking at all of these photos! I have been preganant &/or breastfeeding for over 7 years now...it is truly an amazing thing!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Love the masked toddler and the one doing gymnastics inside their mother's shirt. Too cute.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, thank you !!!! You know, I have been reading things about stop breastfeeding during the night and teaching my 17 month old boy to sleep on his own. All methods involving saying NO and letting him cry. I even had a first attempt two nights ago but less then a minute of crying broke my heart and I have decided not to do it. ( It felt incredibly unnatural and I knew that he was questioning me with his cry why I was doing that to him).
ReplyDeleteI had no intentions of stop nursing during the day, but now i have zero intentions of saying no to night feed also. It was beautiful to see this post in the morning, we are blessed. Im sure we will all miss nursing our toddlers when they stop...
:)
You made me cry. I've been breastfeeding my 8 kids non stop for 20 years now. I still feed Nr 8 who is 3 and a half and give a sip from time to time to my 6 years old. I breastfed through 7 pregnancies, tandem nursed them all, sometimes fed 3 together (not simultaneously though !) Thanks for the pictures. A lot.
ReplyDeleteAre you serious...I really admire you! A lot! Must be very tiring, though wonderful :D
DeleteOh my goodness! I'm not the only one! (lol) Even though sometimes it feels that way! Thank you for posting - this is so great! Going on 26 months here!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely photos! After seeing this apparently as a "resurfacing post", I thought I'd add mine - but it looks like the Facebook album is gone?
ReplyDeleteI nursed my first for about 3 1/2 years, my second about 3 3/4 (including through my third's pregnancy and tandem), and my "baby" is still going strong past 4. :)
Tiffany ~ you are certainly welcome to submit your photo to the collection. The FB album was flagged so many times over... This gallery will remain. :) Send to DrMomma.org@gmail.com and we will add.
DeleteFantastic! My favorite is the one with all stuffed animals! My almost 3 year old loves to have a "little tiny nurse" as he calls it while holding Pooh, Tigger, Bear, etc. :-) If any of these Mamas are on Oahu in Hawaii, I'd love to get an email from them. A photographer friend and I are working on a coffee-table style book of professional photographs and stories of breastfeeding! thinkingglobalATGmail.com Aloha!
ReplyDeleteCarmen - you may want to get in touch with Peaceful Parenting Network (PPN) Oahu -- www.Facebook.com/PPNOahu :)
Deletesoooo beautiful photos!!!
ReplyDeleteI just came across this post (on George Takei's page)and those pictures are beautiful! I have to look around but I think I may have some toddler nursing shots to add to the gallery. :)
ReplyDeletethey all look so happy, dont they! so peacefull! just so easy to make life better, at least a little bit!
ReplyDeleteI love the stuffed animal picture!! My little one always has to grab one before we nurse now a days, sooo cute!
ReplyDeleteI have a 2 week old and an 18 month old.
ReplyDeleteMy 18 month old is showing signs of wanting to nurse again. He will lay down and put his mouth around my nipple, but doesn't suck or nurse. He then gets this embarrassed look on his face and stops. Kind of like a half smile with eyes asking if it's okay. I tell him it's okay. But, he doesn't nurse. I don't want to force him but is there any way to actually get him to nurse? I would love to produce more milk for the both of them. Heck, I'd even like to burn more calories. But the most important reason is I know breast milk is best. :)
Love it! I laughed at the batman and the one upside-down over mother's shoulder. These cracked me up... AND they're all awesome!
ReplyDeleteLove this gallery! It helps me to remember I know I am doing the right thing by continuing breast feeding my 16 month old. So many people at work think I am doing something funny by still breastfeeding him. He deserves it and I could never tell him no with how much we both love it! Ahhhh such a relief to see this, thank you!
ReplyDeletethanks so much for this. ill definately have to add a pic from my collection. my daughter is 32 months and still loving it. its nice to be reminded that i am actually doing something good and that she is normal to still be like this. the rest of the world does a good job of making me feel abnormal!
ReplyDeletelove it!
ReplyDeleteHi all. I am still nursing my 40 month old! Totally unplanned, but dd is very into routine and we've had the same exact post-lunch nap routine since she the very early months. Anyway, I have found that nursing when it is that time of the month is difficult - there is some mild discomfort on my part, and she never ever naps as long. Has anyone else had similar experiences? Any tips? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnon - your question was reposted to the PP FB page so you are able to hear from more mothers who may have similar experiences. This is quite normal. Nursing increases contractions during menstruation (your discomfort) and hormones at this stage in the cycle decrease milk supply (impacting her 'milk drunk' shortened naps).
DeleteDirect link to your question at FB: https://www.facebook.com/peacefulparenting/posts/10152121797197671?stream_ref=10
Awesome - thank you! Very helpful.
DeleteI am overwhelmed by the love and support with this issue I have never discussed with anyone! Again, thank you so much!
DeleteI'm 7 months pregnant and had let down looking at these pictures. (I haven't nursed in 3 years!) my son will be 5 in December and told me about a month ago that my "booboos" smell like apples and he's been obsessed with them ever since. He has even tried to nurse. What would you do for a child that has been weaned for years suddenly wanting to nurse again? Daddy thinks it's too weird, but I'm wondering if letting him nurse will help him process little sister's arrival. Plus, he's autistic, and learns best by experiencing. Is it wrong to let him nurse a few times?
ReplyDeleteThere are many almost-5-year olds who are still nursing. An average (natural) weaning age is between 4-7 in most parts of the world. So your son is very normal for desiring this. And it will not hurt to let him try. He may not remember how to latch - but allowing him to try is fine, normal, and certainly not 'wrong.' In fact, it may help his adjustment and bonding with your new little one on the way. :)
DeleteWe've shared your question with the PP community here as well: https://www.facebook.com/peacefulparenting/posts/10153052317067671
In my opinion, there is no harm in it. One of my friends has an autistic son, and she nurses him and her 8 month old wee girl. If he has stopped and would like to give it a go again, then I would just let him. Follow his lead. Only you know your child best than anyone else on this forum.
DeleteFrom Mum to 4 kids, all breastfed to different ages and youngest still being breastfed at 4 n half years of age.