I’ve come to the realization that I’m entering into the realm of extended breastfeeding. I’m mostly surrounded by people who either have breastfed past a year or at least support it, so it’s not something that is out of the norm to me. However, I’m starting to come across people who may not share my view. They ask me if I’m still breastfeeding and then immediately offer suggestions on how to stop. For instance, I could use a cup, or I could simply not nurse him. I feel odd at the offering of this unwanted advice. I didn’t express a need to end my breastfeeding relationship, nor express an unhappiness at the situation. When presented with these questions and advice, I start saying things like, “I’m not going be one of those women who nurse their five year olds.” Or I mention that WHO recommends breastfeeding until the age of two.
…infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond.
I start to feel the need to defend my decision to continue to breastfeed and to possibly – oh my, the horror! – allow Alex to self-wean.
Our perceptions are that breastfeeding is limited to infants and that by the time a child is walking and talking, it is no longer necessary, healthy, or…right to continue nursing. In some ways, the surprise expressed is a judgment that I am somehow harming my child or simply doing something wrong, socially unacceptable and frowned upon. I know that I’m only about a week into this realm, but the comments and questions have already started. It has certainly made me more aware of it than I ever was before.
Both of mine stopped on their own a bit after a year and I really think that was if nothing else the easiest way to go. That is just letting them go until they really didn’t want to so much anymore. No screaming/fussing/or trama for anyone. Plus milk is expensive and Emily goes through at least two jugs a week. Why rush that when you can make your own. I think just a few years ago (like when elijah was little) the big push was for one year and that was when you could give them regular dairy so you cross that line and suddenly its up for discussion. That was a really drawn out way of saying just keep doing what your doing if you want to give him a cup do if you don’t don’t and at some point if your anything like me you will wake up one morning and realize you aren’t nursing anymore. Who cares if that is sooner or later. Alex will let you know. I was always tempted to tell people I was going to nurse forever though.
My two girls fed well past 2 years & I think it makes all the sense in the world & these people who do not think so are not aware of what they are talking about. This is the most important 2-3 years in this human beings life & I say keep doing it as long as you can. You & he will both be thankful later on if you (and you alone) decide to.
I also have other female relatives around who think back & talk about their experiences back then & some wish they had gone longer & others say they enjoyed every minute of it as a super special time in their & their kids’ lives.
Good luck to you & the fam’.
Namaste,
Jason
Hi, glad to meet another breastfeeding mom who doesn’t let society’s pressure change her belief that she is doing the best thing for her child by breastfeeding as long as her child wants to! I am still nursing my 2 year-8 months-old son, and he (and I) have no intention to stop any time soon.
I write about extended breastfeeding on my blog, and if you need more ammunition to silence those people who feel the need to tell you what to do, you can find a lot of information about the health benefits to your child and YOUR health on my blog.
Best,
Dagmar
Reading your post makes me think of how I felt with my first born. He breastfed until 18m and basically weaned himself. When he was ready he gradually gave it up. My daughter is approaching her 1st birthday in July and shows no stopping soon! I have not even thought about weaning her. At 9m I noticed some people giving me looks when I breastfed in public but I shrug them off knowing that I am giving my child a loving bond and healthy nutrition that will last her a lifetime. Do what feels right with you and your child. Best of luck.
Thanks for all the great comments. I think I wrote this mostly in the amazement that perhaps only a week had gone by since he turned one, and I had already begun to receive comments about nursing him still. I think I will start telling people I’m going to nurse him forever. Thanks Steph.