Breastfeeding has been a wonderful journey for me. It began with my toddler who, to this day at 2.5, still is magically soothed and calmed by nursing. It continues now as she and her sister, almost 9 months, share in their love of mama’s milk. When I was pregnant with my toddler, I approached breastfeeding as a whatever happens, happens type deal. When all went smoothly, I decided I wouldn’t set a time for nursing to end. I didn’t feel like it was my choice to make, kind of like if my waiter came over mid-meal, fork rising for me to take a bite, and just swept my meal away right out from under me.
For my family, I believe weaning will happen when all parties involved are mutually ready. I’m still happy nursing and my toddler doesn’t have an issue with it, so on we go. I’m not the preachy type so I don’t wave my breastfeeding flag for all to see. Again with my mantra- to each their own. However, if someone asks, and they have, I am always up front about the fact that I’m still nursing my toddler. I find that people are quite curious about how it all works once your child gets a bit older. In case you were curious, here’s how it has worked out for our family.
- She nurses primarily for nap time and in the evenings before bed. From time to time, if we spend a long run of days together without me working, she’ll nurse a bit during the day.
- I nursed her throughout my pregnancy with our second child and all went well. They say breastmilk may change in flavor or your supply may dry up during pregnancy, therefore, leading to weaning but it wasn’t the case for me. I think each woman is different. Be sure to speak with your doctor, midwife or lactation professional if you are pregnant and wish to continue nursing.
- It is tricky but completely possible to nurse a two year old and a baby. First I get my baby settled in and comfy, then I let the toddler find her own comfy spot out of the way of her sister. It’s just as tricky and easy to figure out as carrying the two of them.
- When my 2nd was born my toddler went on breastfeeding overdrive. Anytime my newborn wanted to nurse so did she, which means she was nursing all of the time. I ate like a beast for the first two - three months and practically had an IV of water running I was so thirsty. I didn’t mind it, though, because I had to nurse my newborn so it wasn’t something that was taking additional time.
- I cant’ stress enough how important it was for me to eat constantly. It is exhausting to nurse to children at once. I had three big meals a day and a gazillion snacks. If I didn’t eat enough, I’d feel awful. I kept of healthy snacks within arm’s reach.
- Nursing the newborn and toddler at once was draining but emotionally worth it. Both my toddler and I were able to feel really connected during our littlest one’s colicky phase.
- Yes, from time to time at a not so convenient time (beginning of the 2nd half of The Nutcracker in our 2nd row seats) my toddler wants to nurse. I’m a discreet nurser by choice so depending on the location, I’ll drop boob and feed or find a quiet place for us. I’ve found since my toddler is so big, compared to her sister, I naturally reveal less if I nurse in public. (BTW - The Nutcracker was a fluke incident resulting from lack of a nap and sensory overload and excitement being her first time at a ballet performance)
- Yes, there’s an end to nursing. But I don’t know when it is. I’m content to keep going. No, she will not go to high school on the boob.
- We continue to breastfeed because both my toddler and I want to. The moment either of us isn’t happy with it, then we’ll start to take steps towards weaning.
I didn’t know this was something women did. From what I’d read and conversations I’d had with other moms, one seemed to be the magical number. However, since spending more time at Bellani, I’ve heard many a mother mention they’re breastfeeding beyond the one year mark, some even past two. While I do believe any length of breastfeeding is successful, I wanted to share my experience so other moms considering weaning or continuing going would know they’re not alone. Let’s hear it for the boob!
~Carla~