There’s something I’ve been meaning to do, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I know I’ll probably kick myself 6 months down the road (when it will be harder to explain to a 2 year old why he can’t have “milkie”), but it’s like an addiction and I can’t stop myself.
My toddler is 18 months old and still hooked on nursing. I haven’t even taken the first steps towards weaning him.
The funny thing is, I don’t want to. I mean, I do (in some ways) but, for the most part, the time he spends nursing is so precious to me that some days I feel like I never want it to end. At a time when most toddlers are running around, becoming more and more independent (which, most of the time, mine is doing too), I’m blessed to still get a few special moments each day when all is quiet, it’s just me and him, and all is right with the world. He’ll sleepily reach for my finger, cradle it in his tiny hand and make the sweetest cooing sounds, a sure sign that he’s almost in dream land.
Breastfeeding is one of those things you just don’t know if you’ll like or if it will work for you, but when it does, it’s the greatest gift. I’m grateful to have been able to nurse both my kids. It is one of the most fulfilling experiences for me and I really don’t want it to end. Of course, I know it won’t last forever, but until then, I’ll enjoy my quiet moments with my son and cherish each and every one.
*Note: The World Health Organization recommends (if possible) exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continued breastfeeding, along with complementary foods, to 2 years of age (and beyond).
15 Responses to My Addiction
I kept going till 17 months and I was only left with night time nursing and the only reason I stopped was because I was working and needed some extra sleep. I was so excited to have my body back and then found out that I was pregnant the week after!!
As it should be mama! And you may not have taken the first steps toward weaning, but when your baby started eating solids, he did. When someone questions me about my nursing 26mo, I easily brush it off with a “Oh, yes he’s started weaning.”–at 9mo, *snicker*
Don’t stop and dont let yourself think you need to be weaning him. Keep on savoring those precious moments!
I nursed my first son for 28 months. I thought when he was 2 that he may never stop, but he self weaned about 28months (I would have gone longer). It was the most wonderful, precious thing to me. I am now nursing a 5month old and loving every second. I hope he goes as long as his brother if not longer.
You are giving him a gift. Its for you too though.
What a sweet post, Lisa! I love this. You’re right that breastfeeding is nutrition, but also so much more.
I wanted to send a reassuring word. My son nursed into his second year, and although I’d heard anecdotally that it would be so much harder to quit with a “terrible 2,” it wasn’t. It was an easy and natural process. Over time, he came to me for it less frequently, and then one day he just didn’t anymore. (He’s still–at 4–keen on the quick cuddles, though. Lucky me!)
Happy holidays to you and yours!
My wee man is 19 months (eek, 20 tomorrow! wow) and we’re still going strong. You’re right about not knowing if breastfeeding is for you, how it will pan out, etc. Turns out? I wouldn’t trade those moments with my little guy for anything.
Thanks for this post, Lisa, it was very well said. I can, clearly, relate very well.
And thanks for your reply, Heidi, your experience with “quitting” was very comforting to hear! Do appreciate it.
I nursed my son until he was like, 25 or 26 months old… (he’ll be 30 mos on Christmas) and if it weren’t for being pregnant and it making me nauseous/milk drying up, I probably would still do it. He’s got a cold right now, and I just know nursing would make him feel better, but alas. And explaining it to them at 2 isn’t so hard. He still asks from time to time to nurse, but I just tell him, lovingly, that we can’t and he’s okay with that.
I could have written this my self. My lo is 17 months, and still very much in love with her “boob-boos!” There are days and times when I feel like I am just done, but then there are the days like today where I cherish every snuggly moment and just get drunk off her smell and sweet face staring up at me. I never thought I would still be nursing at her age, but really, it is addicting. It’s hard to deny the benefits. And the benefits WAAAAYYYY outway the reasons to wean her for us. So for our family, we will stick with what works.
I can only agree with all the comments above, don’t worry lisa you are doing the right thing and your guy will tell you when he is ready, and like mishalee said, he started weaning when he started to eat solids, weaning is a long process and not an event
you already mentioned the WHO recommendation and if you read any of Dr. Sears books you will find that breastfeeding only encourages independence, so no need to worry:-)
my baby girl is not even 7 month old and so interested in solids that i can only hope to still be breastfeeding at 18 month
way to go:-)
My little one is 15 months and he doesn’t want to wean. He’s at the age where he runs until he sleeps but he knows how to sign the word milk and he also knows how to say it! My first son weaned himself after I went back to work but #2, he’s so sweet and he still needs it, even just for the bonding. glad to know I’m not the only one…
It is best to follow your heart and your baby’s/child’s lead as they are all unique. My boys are now young men of 21yrs and 17yrs. But they nursed 2.5yrs and 4.0yrs respectively. Please do not let others deter you from following your child, your heart, your inner guidance.
Ryka, any current signs that they received extended breast feeding?
Anne, sorry but thats a wired question, do you really think that there a sings? like what? more obsession of boobs? (don’t think thats even possible as a teenager)…
Wow, I’m overwhelmed by the number of supportive, encouraging comments on my blog post! I can’t thank you all enough for your kind words… this is why I write!
I’m so glad you can relate to my experience and thanks for taking the time to read!
This is a great post
I also nursed both my children. With my second, I nursed until 30 months…and still miss it!! Take your time, and if you need any advice when it comes to ‘weaning’ I have a thing or two up my sleeve 