Extended Nursing

As far as extended breastfeeding goes, feed away M.!! My only concern would be that if you delay moving forward with solids (still nursing, though) you increase the chance that she won't take to them as easily. Or so the research says. Also, part of eating solids as a toddler is about gaining some independence, doing things for herself (picking up cheerios, soft veggies, etc.). You aren't there yet because you started solids so late, but I would think that you would want her to have that process as well. Although I really don't know how her health concerns play into the feeding process. It is my understanding that most parents who practice extended breastfeeding don't keep the nursing as the main source of nutrition. Rather, they move the child towards solids but continue to nurse in the morning, at night, whatever works for them. That way they keep the bonding experience and health benefits for their child, but also move forward with the process of eating solids/adult food.

I see she has SID and that can make solids a real challenge. A friend of mine has a son in the same boat. He eats crackers and yogurt -- that's it -- and he's over 2. Since she probably has a limited number of solids like my friend's son, it's probably a VERY good thing you are still bfing. That way she's getting much better nutrition.

Nurse away! You are definately not alone. Contact any La Leche League group and you'll find that out quick enough. There are many many reasons why you would want to extend past a year -- both for your benefit and your dc. As pps says, it's sad that we have to question this. As long as it's working for you, go for it. It's your baby -- not mine, not your Dr's, etc...

M.,
I am nursing a 2 year old and preggo with # 2. Based on the enthusiasm of #1, we'll be tandem nursing in a couple of months. I am co-leading the first Texas Chapter of the Holistic Moms Network in Hurst and you may be interested. Lots of support for full-time nursing, baby wearing etc. Check out the website at www.holisticmoms.org, we are the Tarrant/Mid-Cities Chapter. Our next meeting is Dec. 20th at 6:30 pm and we meet at the Lifetime Family Wellness Center at 1813 Harwood Ct., Hurst 76054 S.

Babies self wean typically by a certain age... the AAP says to nurse until one year of age, the World Assoc. recommends two years of age (but that also is a main source of food for third world countries and such). I plan on nursing my son until about a year and a half... he is 10 months now and is starting to lose interest, but there are times when he loves/depends on it too. Many women nurse for their own comfort and forget about the mental growth of the child. Definately she should not have breastmilk as her main source of nutrition... for one she could become iron deficient. Breastmilk does not meet the nutritional needs of children as a main source after around 8 months of age. If she eats solids and then nurses only for comfort a couple of times a day, or at night before bedtime, that is how to start to wean. Bedtime is typically the last feeding to go. I think when your child is old enough to say "boobie" and try to take your shirt off to nurse, than that is just too old! By this point, they need to learn that mom can comfort them in different ways and that they can self sooth as well. Just my two cents!

my question would be what does your Dr. think about her late start on solids, if her medical issues are the reason for the delay then of course go for it, but as the first responder said you need to also think of her eye hand coordination and learning how to eat table foods, personnally I don't agree with nursing past one, if you feel like they need mom's milk then express and give in a cup if they are able to use a cup. But to each his own. I nursed mine and they weaned at 8mos, that is my opinion but every one has to do what is good for them regardless what others think.

It is a little sad that we as Moms have that little bit of doubt... is it okay? In your heart you know it is... 100 years ago... you wouldn't even be worried! With my now 4year old I asked the same thing... searched the internet to see if there were mom's like me who continued to nurse after "1"...
I now know what ever works for you and your little one is best. I now have a 15 mo. old and I will probably nurse her until 2... it is just easy for me! ( And my pediatrician is amazed at how my kids are never sick!) So it is all good!

I just want to say my 10 mo old says "ba-ba" (what we call it) and tries to rip my shirt off and he IS NOT TOO OLD (what an ignorant thing for someone to say!). Anyway I would contact the La Leche League, considering health concerns it sounds like you are an amazing mommy doing the absolute best thing for your little one. Congrats!! I plan to nurse till at least 2 or when my little one self weans. It is the absolute BEST thing for them. If I were to stop I would have to give hims cows milk and when you really think about it doesn't human milk make WAY more sense (My son is HUMAN and not a cow btw). Isn't the idea that we give toddlers milk from a COW really bizzare when they really are made to have human milk. I heard someone say once a mother should give her toddler REAL MILK (reffering to cow's milk) instead of THAT (reffering to breast). It is such a crazy statement! What kind of world do we live in where a COW's milk is more real and valued than human????

Way to go!! No specific advice here, just a bit of encouragement. What a beautiful gift you are giving your angel! My dd self-weaned just before her first birthday. God bless you and your family!