Breastfeeding is not a one size fits all journey. For some, breastfeeding is an easy blissful relationship, while others struggle. Some women only breastfeed for a week or two, and others continue breastfeeding for a year, two, or more! One great way to promote breastfeeding it to talk to real women who have been there, and hear their story of how breastfeeding went for them. Nathalie Arruda, writer for Parental Pundit, DailyMomtra, and Adventures In Frugal Living, has volunteered her time so others can know why some women decide to do 'Extended Breastfeeding', and what it's like for them.
How long have you been breastfeeding for?
My oldest child was born in June of 2006. He weaned a while after I got pregnant with our second child. So I've been breastfeeding for almost 5 years, with a little break for pregnancy in between.
How old was your child when you weaned him?
My oldest weaned at 3 years 2 months, and it was a process we went through together. Initially I tried to wean him a couple of months before that because I was so ready to be done, but he was not ready for it and had a really difficult time. I respected and followed his cues, kept nursing him, and he ended up being ready to wean on his own within just a couple of months.
Did you always plan on extended breastfeeding? Why or Why not?
I never really thought about how long I planned to breastfeed. Initially with my first son, my goal was to go six months with exclusive breastfeeding (no introduction of other foods or liquids until after the age of six months.) Then after we made it through the first year, I never thought about when we'd end it, it just seemed normal for him to continue nursing. He still seemed so young and baby-like in so many ways, and it seemed natural.
Have you had any challenges/obstacles while extended breastfeeding?
It's always awkward and challenging when a nursing toddler is climbing and doing gymnastics while nursing. They're so busy learning new skills and new ways to use their little bodies, so they're constantly practicing - even while nursing or sleeping. My current nursling has a tight latch and is a little bit tongue tied, and each time he teethes he needs to re-learn how to open up wide enough, so I temporarily deal with his teeth scraping around my nipple. But we have gotten through with no problems so far, and we just plan to keep on going as long as he needs to!
How do you feel about other peoples judgment of you for extended breastfeeding?
I've gotten a few comments along the lines of "He is STILL breastfeeding?" or "Well, he's almost weaned, right?" and while I try to let negative or unsupportive comments roll off my back and not bother me, it can sometimes be hard. Because my 1 year old needs me to nurse him to sleep at night and then nurse him a few times during the night, he's not ready for me to leave him overnight, and I've had to turn down some fun invitations for nights out and weekends away because of that. When it's well-meaning friends and family who make comments about him nursing, it's harder to ignore than if it's coming from strangers.
Any advice for any other woman considering extended breastfeeding?
It's the most normal way for children to wean, and I believe that giving them some control over how and when they wean is one of the most important ways you can show respect for a child's needs. Definitely reach out to other moms who have nursed into the toddler years; that kind of support was really important to me. And although it can be hard, try to let go of negative comments and hold on to supportive ones. The only people who have the right to decide how long breastfeeding goes on are the child and the mother.
Many thanks to Mrs. Arruda for sharing! Have you considered or done 'Extended Breastfeeding' before? Is there any advice you would like to offer for a mother considering it?
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