I didn’t expect to be here.
Here, meaning, breastfeeding past one year. Personally, a year ago, I never thought I would see the one year mark, much less go beyond it. I had so many troubles, from severe pain to my son’s tongue tie issue. I went to desparate measures for relief.
Once I finally overcame these issues, I became a huge breastfeeding advocate! I am not the world’s toughest person (in fact, I pretty much consider myself to be a wimp!), so I figure if I can get through it, I know other people can too – with the right information and support (and desire – nobody should have to do something they simply don’t feel like doing!).
Even still, I figured at a year, I would wean and “bam!” we’d be done nursing, turn our attention to (ahem!) other things… but, lo and behold I am still nursing at thirteen months. Why? Well, it just seems my baby does not really want to wean. I am astounded to be honest. I figured I’d put the sippee of milk in front of him and we’d be on our way.
But no. My baby boy takes the sippee, puts it in his mouth. Turns it around, still in his mouth, but now it’s upsidedown and he can’t drink from it. Then he giggles and jiggles up and down in his seat as if he’s just done the darndest thing ever! Yes, I laugh, but I am frustrated.
Add to this, the naturopathic doctor we see on occasion recommended he be dairy free until 2 years. Um. Yeah. I know, dairy isn’t that great for you and all. I am researching, trying to make a decision or find some balance, but…I am like the dairy Queen!!
So I bought goat milk (bleah) for my baby (I’m so sorry, bunchkin, because I wouldn’t drink this stuff!)… guess what? Even watered down, he will only drink about a half ounce at a time. Does anyone else here appreciate what it is like to have to throw expensive goat milk down the drain every day!?
I attempt to give him milk (goat’s, for now) at each meal; I can hardly NOT give him liquids. Therefore, we continue to nurse.
The downside. My best-laid-plans are run afoul of a 13-month-old (won’t they all?). I do get the “You’re STILL nursing!?” comments from people. And I get a little nervous because we’d like to have another baby soon, and I hope nursing won’t hinder that.
The upside. Beyond all the above, I find I don’t mind nursing past a year.
I don’t mind that I still get to snuggle him and have a moment of peace and quiet with my baby (and sometimes laugh at his Olympic-quality gymnastics as he attempts to nurse in very odd positions).
I don’t mind that he still gazes and gazes at me with wide blue eyes as he nurses.
Or that he usually holds my finger.
Or sometimes plays “Itsy-Bitsy Spider” along my collarbone.
Or sometimes unlatches to pull back, grin at me and laugh before latching back on.
And the best part is sometimes, rarely, but sometimes, he still falls asleep while nursing… and then I can hold him, and rock him, and daydream back to the time when he was just a peanut in the crook of my arm, falling asleep while nursing.
I don’t mind any of that. For now.
When did you stop nursing? Or when do you plan to? Did you wean or let your child self-wean? How did you feel when nursing ended for you and your baby?
Marah
Thursday 24th of March 2011
I think its GREAT that you are still breastfeeding. If little man wants to keep breastfeeding, then keep breastfeeding!! :) Have you tried almond milk? I've heard it is great because it is sweet!
But if he is still nursing frequently, there is really no need for any other milk. Just give him water in a sippy. Your milk is ALL he needs!
Thanks for linking up with this weeks blog hop! :)
Marah
Thursday 24th of March 2011
I think its GREAT that you are still breastfeeding. If little man wants to keep breastfeeding, then keep breastfeeding!! :) Have you tried almond milk? I've heard it is great because it is sweet!
But if he is still nursing frequently, there is really no need for any other milk. Just give him water in a sippy. Your milk is ALL he needs!
Thanks for linking up with this weeks blog hop! :)
Katie M
Wednesday 23rd of March 2011
I alwys knew I would BF my kids, but never thought about how long I would let them do. I did sometimes look at women who were feeding a toddler and think' omg- give it up already! But then I started having my own kids. My first son nursed like a champ for over 14 months. The start was a little tough (and sore) but we stuck it out and had no issues after that. I even had so much milk- that I could nurse him full and soon after- pump 1-2 bottles of 4 oz each (we joked I was meant to nurse twins) We started trying him on baby food around 6 months but he had allergies and so was exclusivly nursed for at least 9 months.
My second daughter had an easier start because I remembered some of the tricks I used with my son before. She was a lighter eater though and so my supply was not as abundant- enough for her current feedings and no more. Around a year I thought for sure she was weaning herself- she wasnt staying latched on and just didnt seem interested. That lasted a week or so and then she was back at it. She ended up nursing for about 27 months! Towards the end it was mostly naps and nighttime (she co-slept with us till about 3 weeks ago- at the age of 3.5y) but often just nursed because she wanted to and I would let her.
We are now due with our 3rd child the end of May and I again plan to bf- how long it lasts is totally up to him- its one really good thing I can do for my children and I am happy (most of the time) to do it
Katie M
Wednesday 23rd of March 2011
I alwys knew I would BF my kids, but never thought about how long I would let them do. I did sometimes look at women who were feeding a toddler and think' omg- give it up already! But then I started having my own kids. My first son nursed like a champ for over 14 months. The start was a little tough (and sore) but we stuck it out and had no issues after that. I even had so much milk- that I could nurse him full and soon after- pump 1-2 bottles of 4 oz each (we joked I was meant to nurse twins) We started trying him on baby food around 6 months but he had allergies and so was exclusivly nursed for at least 9 months.
My second daughter had an easier start because I remembered some of the tricks I used with my son before. She was a lighter eater though and so my supply was not as abundant- enough for her current feedings and no more. Around a year I thought for sure she was weaning herself- she wasnt staying latched on and just didnt seem interested. That lasted a week or so and then she was back at it. She ended up nursing for about 27 months! Towards the end it was mostly naps and nighttime (she co-slept with us till about 3 weeks ago- at the age of 3.5y) but often just nursed because she wanted to and I would let her.
We are now due with our 3rd child the end of May and I again plan to bf- how long it lasts is totally up to him- its one really good thing I can do for my children and I am happy (most of the time) to do it
kristen
Wednesday 23rd of March 2011
17 months and still BFing over here! I always thought I'd be done at a year but my son just doesn't want to wean. He's got dairy issues so I feel your pain at always throwing away expensive alternative milks. It really burns me up that dairy free milks are so much more expensive than cow's milk!!!
Also, I've gotten asked the "you're still breastfeeding" question 3 times in the past 2 weeks. *sigh*