It’s OK To Breastfeed Older Babies

Last week was World Breastfeeding week.  Annually, WABA (World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action) coordinates and organizes the World Breastfeeding Week. They promote breastfeeding for mother to breastfeed their baby of first six months in order to get the incredible health benefits, to fulfill the all vital nutrients, to encourage mother for the healthy growth and development of their child, to guard them from the lethal health problems and diseases including neonatal jaundice, pneumonia, cholera and many more.

 

I think having these types of organizations is wonderful. It is important to get the word out on how beneficial breastfeeding is.  When I was pregnant with our 1st child over 14 years ago I planned on breastfeeding him but he was a big baby so not only did I breastfeed him but I had to supplement. When baby 2 came I was determined to only breastfeed. That determination paid off because after I was able to achieve nursing him consistently without supplementing I knew I could nurse all my babies after that.  Fast forwarding now to baby 6 I have been nursing for approximately 14 years! 

I do get quite a bit of grief from my family as well as strangers as to why am I still nursing my 3 year old.  Basically my thoughts are why do you care?  But in case you are wondering, he is our last unless God has other plans.  It is STILL a special bond that we share, he does not nurse all day long and why not – he is only 3! Do not judge me, please. 

 

Yes, it can be intimidating breastfeeding in public – I do not like people to stare and pass judgement.  Since he typically nurses a handful of times a day I try to breastfeed him at home to avoid the stares and whispers from passerby’s. 

 

Even the pediatrician disagreed about nursing my little one this long but ultimately I am the mom and knows what is best.  Studies have been done that the longer children are nursed, the more brain power they have.  Since my little one is a preemie, I want to set that solid foundation for him. 

 

Not only is breastfeeding beneficial for the babies health but it creates a special bond that only mom and baby share.  Why give that up if you do not have to.  It is perfectly fine for a child led weaning. In his own time he will stop so for now I enjoy sharing this season with him because once it’s gone that is it.

Society can have sick thoughts about breastfeeding.  It is NOT a sexual thing and I wish people would not look at it like that. I do use a nursing cover because I like to keep it private.  Some have suggested that mom’s nurse in the bathroom. Nope, not this mom, do you eat your meals in the bathroom? Gross!  Just so you know it is illegal for anyone to tell you that you are not able to breastfeeding your baby in public. I hear too often that businesses have asked women to stop or leave. No your rights. 

 

I will get off my soapbox now but I write this to share with you that I have had many obstacles in my breastfeeding journey.  From not producing enough milk, to sore and cracking breasts, babies having a hard time latching to weaning babies. It has not been easy.  Whether you are a mama to a new baby or an older baby do not give up if you are that nursing mama. You got this! 


Comments

  1. Breastfeeding is awesome for the child. I nursed my middle child until 3 and a half.

  2. “Why do you care?” is a good questoin. 😉 Our society can get quite judgemental!

  3. I was only able to breastfeed my kids for about the first 2 months of their lives. I wish I could have done it longer but it didnt work out.

  4. I wasn’t able to breastfeed past 6 months and even then I had to supplement but I wish could have gone longer. My daughter is still breastfeeding my grandson and he’s nearly 2. I know she gets some funny looks (even from others in our family) but I know how good it is for him!

  5. I love this and breastfeeding. My youngest is only 16 months but I nurse until babies are done. With mine that’s usually 2 or just at 3. Both of which I don’t mind! What a bond!

  6. I think it’s great if you’re able to breastfeed. I think it’s completely up to the parents as to how long to breast feed for. I think it shouldn’t matter as well. It’s hard to hear when others talk down about breastfeeding.

  7. Breastfeeding is such a special time I don’t know why people feel the need to rush it or comment on it. It’s really up to mom and baby (usually baby lol)

  8. I am surprised that your pediatrician would be against it. That has to be based on their own opinion not medical knowledge.

  9. Personally, I think that people should do what’s best for their own children. It’s somehow become ok to tell people when enough is enough when it comes to breastfeeding, but only you know what’s best for you and your family.

  10. I thought I was going to be nursing my third child, and so far last “baby” forever, but he naturally weaned off and no longer wanted to breastfeed around 12 months. I don’t really pay any attention to a Mama feeding her baby, but i will say that I have felt awkward in the past when I saw a toddler pulling up their Mom’s top and nursing (one of my sister’s friends actually). But I realized that’s MY issue to have that feeling, not the Mom or little one, because of having been raised in a society that as you said “sexualizes” this natural way to feed our babies. I pause, realize where that feeling is stemming from and then think from my own Mama aka maternal side “OH my, I don’t know about those teeth, not sure I could handle it if my youngest was to have nursed that long” LOL. At the end of the day, I agree with you that you’re doing whats best and a child will wean when they’re ready. I believe that. Good for you in sharing this story to help shed light on the subject so that other moms who nurse older children can see that they’re not alone.

  11. I think it’s great that you have been able to breastfeed for as long as you have. I tried with my babies but it didn’t work out.

  12. I cannot see any problems with it either. We all need some extra nutrients anyway. I think it will make them healthier and nothing is an issue.

  13. I think it’s great to have the freedom to make your own choices! Love your post!

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