I'm still breastfeeding my two year old but I never planned it that way. My last two weaned themselves at nine months so I was hoping just to get to one year, which I did. But a whole year has passed again and I'm still feeding her- I have a lot of people asking me why I'm still going... its funny how quickly it changes from people congratulating you for breastfeeding to asking you when you are going to stop.
Breastfeeding a toddler is a lot different to a baby- its much more interactive! She can ask for it (and demand it!) and she has games she likes to play while she feeds. We practice counting with fingers, we play peekaboo and she likes to tickle me. When I say she can have "moo" (as she calls it) the joy on her face is the cutest thing- breastfeeding is still the thing she loves the most.
Not only does she feed in the day but she's still feeding at night. She's never slept the whole night through. I know I should hate the night feeds (and yes I would give anything for a full night's sleep!) but I don't. I know how quickly they grow up now, how short every stage is, so for now I just enjoy the sleepy snuggles, the little hands stroking my face and hair and how much she still needs me. I think quite often we are in such a hurry to get to the next stage, the stage everyone tells you is easier, that we forget to enjoy the one we are in now.
Turn your roaring tiger into a purring kitten with the closer to nature® new soother range. Be the first to trial the new baby approved soothers – Register your interest for samples here. There are 4 new styles – Air, Anytime, Night time and Fun to choose from. The soothers are suitable to use from birth and are designed with an orthodontic silicone teat to support healthy oral development. $11rrp for a twin pack. For stockist or for more information, please visit: closertonaturebaby.com I facebook.com.au/
Jessie
I am still going on with my 19 months. Like the article says, the joy that the child shows when you say that they can have is so precious.
Beth R
I have also experienced this, and my daughter is only 15mo. How often are other ladies feeding their toddlers? And do you feed on demand or do you set the schedule? I want to be in control of when and where I breastfeed her, but I also don't want to deny her if it's something she needs at that moment. I struggle to find the balance
mbellmbell
Beth I was demand feeding but the more I feed her the more she wants it! I'm about to start night 4 of night weaning and I've found that the less she has it in the night the less she has it in the day. Yesterday she only fed at 6am ands that was it for the whole day which is unheard of. Sometimes she wants it 6 or 7 times!!!
Beth R
That's fantastic! Sounds like you're doing a great job! I am actually on night 3 of night weaning and so far so good! During the day it's probably 50:50 as to whether or not she can go without a breastfeed. Ideally I'd like to do pre-bed feed, and maybe one first thing in the morning. Then reserve any daytime feeding for when she is sick or particularly distressed. At this point I'd like her to learn that I control when it happens, as I am tiring of nursing bras, feeding 'acrobatics' and demand-feeding now. Do you think this is reasonable?
mbellmbell
Completely!I feel exactly the same way. I love it and I don't want to scrap it completely but I think morning and night is perfect. I've scrapped the nursing bra now and I just slide the strap down as she doesn't really feed when we are out much. She has been a bit jealous lately because my sister had a baby (she lives upstairs) so she was a bit insecure and always wanted "moo" when he was breastfeeding.