The Joys of Breastfeeding a Toddler #1
I tweeted something last week that made me think of a fun idea for a series of posts: the joys of breastfeeding a toddler.
We hear lots of things about how beautiful and special it is to nurse an infant. (1) How sweet a breastfed baby smells, how soft she is as she molds to your body, how his cries immediately turn to little nursing murmurs of contentment the moment he latches on your breast.
We also hear much about the trials of breastfeeding a toddler. From issues with toddler nursing gymnastics, to the embarrassment we sometimes feel when our toddler pulls our shirt down in front of anyone and everyone, nursing a toddler is a whole different ballgame. There is even disagreement about what we should call breastfeeding a toddler. (2)
But breastfeeding a toddler is full of laughter, joys, and heartbreaking tenderness. These are the things I want to capture with this series. I will post a new joy each week.
But this isn’t just about me – I want to hear YOUR joys. If you are nursing a toddler (or did in the past), please contact me and tell me about your favorite moments. I will include them in the series and credit you, your site, or post it anonymously if you so desire.
And so it begins. Here is the joy that sparked this idea:
Kieran began to stir from his nap, and I laid down with him to help him sleep for a few more minutes. He climbed onto my chest and snuggled in to nurse. I picked up a book and read until I felt him waking again. I glanced down and watched him slowly open one eye, then the other, to gaze back up at me. When he noticed me looking at him, he broke into one of his radiant sleepy grins and said:
“Party at mama’s milk!”
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(1) In case you missed the March Carnival of Breastfeeding (hosted by The Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog and Blacktating), it was all about the joys of breastfeeding.
(2) Do we call it “full-term” breastfeeding? Extended? Breastfeeding beyond infancy? Long-term? For some insightful posts on this subject visit Hobo Mama and Breastfeeding Moms Unite.
9 Responses to:
"The Joys of Breastfeeding a Toddler #1"
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Love it!! I’ll email you and tell you a recent story that you could maybe use…
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Awww! What a FUN idea! Emailing you…
e-mailing you :)
Thanks for the linkage! And I’d love to guest post something for you about breastfeeding a toddler. Some of my stories need a fresh outlet so as soon as I have something new to say on the subject, I’ll send it to you!
Reading this brings me so much joy. I will email you my story too.
Excellent! I’m excited to read your stories – and yours, Melodie and Acacia! I already have Heather’s & Natalie’s scheduled – what a great way to spread the joy of breastfeeding our kiddos!
Thank you :)
This should be a lot of fun! I am sure the stories will be similar, as we all have experienced the funny and some-what embarrassing situations of kids demanding breast in public!
Hello Deb I am currently breastfeeding my Little girl who will be 4 1/2 next month. I tried weaning her when she was younger due to pressure from others but she didn’t like it so I ignored what people said and continued to feed her when she wants it. Doesn’t look like she wants to give up either..