Are you breastfeeding a toddler?

[xoprincessmomxo]

I am not breast feeding a toddler, but I am breast feeding a 7 month old! I am happy to see so many breast feeding supporters. It seems there is so much negative press towards breast feeding anymore, and I think it is such an important topic to express in a positive light! I mean, children truly are our most precious resource so we should nourish them in the most nutritionaly productive way possible! But, I also understand the need for bottle feeding if that is what is right for you and your child. But if you can bottle feed your baby in public, than you can breastfeed your baby in public! A baby's gotta eat when a baby's gotta eat! I breastfed my first daughter for 15 months, but had to quit due to a breast cancer scare! Luckily, it was all resolved but I dried up. I am not sure when I will wean this one. I will probably just let her take the lead if everything goes as planned. And yes, I am a stay at home mom. I have never pumped! I tried once, but I couldn't figure it out! Also, I am lucky to have a VERY supportive husband! Without him, I think it would have made it a lot more difficult!

 

[chobie]

Now please don't take this wrong... But are you all stay-at-home moms? I don't how or when you would have the time to do this if you worked?
Just a note: I never breastfeed my daughter (who now is 2.5) she did not take to it and she is very healthy and happy!!!

I was a SAHM. It would have been hard to work outside the home and BF. My first would not take a bottle ever and it would have been really hard to have left her at 12 weeks old to go to work knowing she would be going hungry and crying her eyes out. I tried a couple of times to just go away for a half a day, but when I got back I found out she just cried the whole time and would not take the pumped milk. I know it goes against conventional wisdom on this, but when my friends who had to go back right away asked my advice, I advised them to start giving them a bottle from the first day so they got used to both. My second one would happily take a bottle.


Babies who are loved and taken care are healthy and happy; it doesn't matter how you feed them. But, if you do BF, its nice to have some support because there is still a lot of ugliness toward it.

Just a few weeks ago, a restaurant in Boca Raton (Houstons) kicked a woman out for BF a five month old. Reading the letters people wrote in response just saddened me. There are still so many people who are disgusted by the whole idea and think women should be ashamed to do this. It's bizarre really. We live in a world of where women who get fake breasts are revered and women who breastfeed are vilified. I just don't get it.

 

[flminivanmama]

Just a few weeks ago, a restaurant in Boca Raton (Houstons) kicked a woman out for BF a five month old. Reading the letters people wrote in response just saddened me. There are still so many people who are disgusted by the whole idea and think women should be ashamed to do this. It's bizarre really. We live in a world of where women who get fake breasts are revered and women who breastfeed are vilified. I just don't get it.

i read those before they (thankfully) took them down - I was really horrified and saddened. I nursed for a long long time in many many public places here in S. Florida and I never ever had any bad reaction. Are all those people who wrote the comments just *thinking* those thoughts?? Makes you wonder....

 

[NemoMOm]

I know just what you guys mean about people's outlook on bf.

Last Aug, I had blood work done that showed that I had a hormonal imbalance.

In Jan. I went in to see if they would give me something for to help cause we are trying to concieve. My dr. tells me right off that the reason why I;m missing cycles is do to bf! What?? You guys told me I had a hormonal imbalance, then she says that was only initial blood work. Then she says "why haven't you weaned him yet?" I say he is not ready we tried when we started trying to concieve again. She says "oh well it's just like weaning from a bottle or pacifer it has to be done sooner than later" I'm thinking okaay obviously she did not bf. He only uses it to fall asleep or to get comfort. She then preceeds to grill me. "well, you can't have put him to bed every single time for the last 2 yrs" Oh, yes" EVERY TIME??? oh yes "are you telling me that you are with your son every day for the last 2 yrs,24/7???"" I'm a sahm where else would he be? Then she tells me to go get more blood work but she WILL NOT give me ANYTHING until he's weaned.

I get a call from the other doctor that I have polycystic ovarian syndrom and they are putting me on meds that will not harm my son.

The worst part? She made me feel so bad that not only did I cry after I got into the car, but I waited 3 mos to get the blood work cause I figured what was the point? She literally made me feel like crap because I bf my toddler.

 

[Juliet25]

NemoMom, that is *awful*!!! How totally unprofessional of that doctor. I can't believe the ignorance of some people.

FWIW, I have also been diagnosed with PCOS. I assume you're on Metformin? I took Clomid for a few cycles while TTC, but eventually gave up (it seems our infertility is more male factor than female factor at this point). My cycles were really messed up for awhile (I went 150 without a period last year). I recently lost 20 pounds, and I've been regular ever since. Weight loss is great for managing PCOS (not sure if this would apply to you or not).

Good luck! And don't let anyone tell you you're doing something wrong by breastfeeding a toddler. My DD weaned at 3.5 and she's a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted pre-schooler.

 

[NemoMOm]

Thanks Juliet25

Yes, they did put me on Met.I've been on it for 2 weeks and have lsot 10lbs. I need to lose 10 more and I'll be at the ideal weight for my height so not too bad but it is nice to know there was a reason that I could not lose the weight.

As far as bf DS no one will make me stop except of course DS. DH came home after that dr. visit and researched long term bf (he thought that maybe she was right) and found that not only is it good for him but for me as well. The longer we nurse our children recieve benefits but the moms become more resistant to breast and ovarian cancer, and osterp. (which runs in my family). That put a stop to DH

Thank you for the support. Now, on to concieving!!

 

[labst60]

I had not heard about the sitution with the woman in Boca Raton - what was the outcome?? I thought bf was legal/protected in the state of FL?? I really wish it was protected in PA. I personally never had any problems, but it would sure be nice to know the law was on my side if I ever did!!!

I bf dd until 25 months (we've been weaned almost a month now), and we stopped primarily because I am 22 wks pg and my body was really struggling to keep up - I just couldn't get enough food in me for all 3 of us (DD, me and new baby!!!) I "forced" the cutting back and she did it gradually from there.

 

[krystalleigh1]

I know just what you guys mean about people's outlook on bf.

Last Aug, I had blood work done that showed that I had a hormonal imbalance.

In Jan. I went in to see if they would give me something for to help cause we are trying to concieve. My dr. tells me right off that the reason why I;m missing cycles is do to bf! What?? You guys told me I had a hormonal imbalance, then she says that was only initial blood work. Then she says "why haven't you weaned him yet?" I say he is not ready we tried when we started trying to concieve again. She says "oh well it's just like weaning from a bottle or pacifer it has to be done sooner than later" I'm thinking okaay obviously she did not bf. He only uses it to fall asleep or to get comfort. She then preceeds to grill me. "well, you can't have put him to bed every single time for the last 2 yrs" Oh, yes" EVERY TIME??? oh yes "are you telling me that you are with your son every day for the last 2 yrs,24/7???"" I'm a sahm where else would he be? Then she tells me to go get more blood work but she WILL NOT give me ANYTHING until he's weaned.

I get a call from the other doctor that I have polycystic ovarian syndrom and they are putting me on meds that will not harm my son.

The worst part? She made me feel so bad that not only did I cry after I got into the car, but I waited 3 mos to get the blood work cause I figured what was the point? She literally made me feel like crap because I bf my toddler.

Just have to chime in here quick. I'm a home daycare provider, but also a bfing mother of a 3 yo. and I have gone to a lot of seminars on bfing. Very interesting. Last year at a seminar the speaker was a woman who worked at a local university who referred to herself as a "child advocate." Her name is Dr. Stolzer and she's well known in the bfing world because she is so highly informed about the benefits of bfing, history of bfing, etc. She knows so much it's amazing. She's done studies and conducted research on bfing too.

Anyway, one of her projects was to send out questionarre's to Dr's through out the country about bfing issues (most Dr. knew little to no up to date info on bfing). She also looked at the course requirements for pediatricians at several major universities. NOT ONE or very, very few (can't remember the exact amount-but it was shocking) of the universities had ANY course requirements on human lactation or bfing. Many of these universities didn't even have courses in human lactation. So pediatricians and Dr's, most of them, don't know any more about bfing than the lay person off the street. I have had so many bfing mothers come to my daycare that have been given not only confusing, but WRON info. on bfing from our local DR's. It just baffles me.

So NemoMOm, obviously your Dr. was one of those Dr's that had NO TRAINING in lactation whatsoever. It's sad that Dr's don't know more about such important issues as bfing.

 

[BizziBee]

I am still happily BFing my 15 month old DD. I stayed home for a year(Thanks to the Canadian Govn't) and have been back to work since Feb. DD is day weaned on the days that I work, BFing about 5 times/day, and on my days off, she BF's whenever she wants. I could keep going for quite a while if she wants to.

 

[labst60]

Just have to chime in here quick. I'm a home daycare provider, but also a bfing mother of a 3 yo. and I have gone to a lot of seminars on bfing. Very interesting. Last year at a seminar the speaker was a woman who worked at a local university who referred to herself as a "child advocate." Her name is Dr. Stolzer and she's well known in the bfing world because she is so highly informed about the benefits of bfing, history of bfing, etc. She knows so much it's amazing. She's done studies and conducted research on bfing too.

Anyway, one of her projects was to send out questionarre's to Dr's through out the country about bfing issues (most Dr. knew little to no up to date info on bfing). She also looked at the course requirements for pediatricians at several major universities. NOT ONE or very, very few (can't remember the exact amount-but it was shocking) of the universities had ANY course requirements on human lactation or bfing. Many of these universities didn't even have courses in human lactation. So pediatricians and Dr's, most of them, don't know any more about bfing than the lay person off the street. I have had so many bfing mothers come to my daycare that have been given not only confusing, but WRON info. on bfing from our local DR's. It just baffles me.

So NemoMOm, obviously your Dr. was one of those Dr's that had NO TRAINING in lactation whatsoever. It's sad that Dr's don't know more about such important issues as bfing.

I had a similar situation - our pediatricians were okay - but MY doctor (family doctor) was HORRIBLE - EVERYTHING that was wrong with me for 2 years she blamed on breastfeeding. And of course, she was WAY too lazy to look up what meds I COULD take when I had sinus problems. Her suggestion was always that "things would get better when I quit bf". Guess what - I switched doctors. Unbelievable - and this was a female doctor to boot (somehow, I would have excpected more from a woman.) Luckily, my new doctors were much better - turns out it WASN'T just bf that was my "problem" - go figure, right.

 

[flminivanmama]

I had not heard about the sitution with the woman in Boca Raton - what was the outcome?? I thought bf was legal/protected in the state of FL?? I really wish it was protected in PA. I personally never had any problems, but it would sure be nice to know the law was on my side if I ever did!!!

Management, including corporate, apologized profusely. this really was just the server (and I guess the manager on duty?)'s stupidity ... it is protected in FL (thankfully!!)

Corporate even sent a nice & sincere apology letter to the local LLL group! (not that they needed to!)

Too bad it didn't happen at my dh's resturant - he's the km at a nice chain (in line with Houstons) and he would have put anyone in their place who was trying to trample on a nursing baby's right to eat!

 

[chobie]

Management, including corporate, apologized profusely. this really was just the server (and I guess the manager on duty?)'s stupidity ... it is protected in FL (thankfully!!)

Corporate even sent a nice & sincere apology letter to the local LLL group! (not that they needed to!)

Too bad it didn't happen at my dh's resturant - he's the km at a nice chain (in line with Houstons) and he would have put anyone in their place who was trying to trample on a nursing baby's right to eat!

What bothered me more was letters to the editor after the story was printed. One woman said she would want to throw up if she ever saw a baby being breastfed in a restaurant. I'm not denying that there are many people out there who are offended by the sight of a nursing mother, but this is one area where I think people's feelings do not trump a baby's right to nurse or a nursing mother's right to be out in public. This is one area where I did not care if I offended people. If the sight bothers you --avert your eyes. And lest this delve into a "being discreet" thing, that goes without saying that women should be discreet in public and this women in the restaurant was. But, the law does not require discreetness. However that is the extent of where public courtesy about people's feelings on this issue should end.

 

[KandiB47]

Now please don't take this wrong... But are you all stay-at-home moms? I don't how or when you would have the time to do this if you worked?
Just a note: I never breastfeed my daughter (who now is 2.5) she did not take to it and she is very healthy and happy!!!

I've been working full-time and breastfeeding for more than eight months. I meet a lot of women in the pumping lounge at work who do the same.

 

[HLAuburn]

Reading this makes me sad. DD will be 3 in August, and we just weaned. She's gone to sleep for the past 3 nights w/out "nummie", so I think this is the end. We're going to try for #2 soon, and since I'll be taking clomid, my doctor suggested I wean her. It's sad, since this is all we've known for over 2 1/2 years, but I think we did really well!

 

[Juliet25]

Reading this makes me sad. DD will be 3 in August, and we just weaned. She's gone to sleep for the past 3 nights w/out "nummie", so I think this is the end. We're going to try for #2 soon, and since I'll be taking clomid, my doctor suggested I wean her. It's sad, since this is all we've known for over 2 1/2 years, but I think we did really well!

You did great! My DD weaned about 6 months ago and I still have the urge to offer to nurse her when she's upset!

What is a little sad for me is that she doesn't seem to remember nursing at all. She thinks babies are fed with bottles since that's how she sees my friends and family feed their babies.

But even if she doesn't remember the nursing, I know she knows the feelings of security that were established, so it wasn't all in vain.

(I love talking about toddler nursing. It was such an awesome experience. I'm so glad I didn't wean her at 1 year.)

 

[MomtoGKC]

I haven't had time to read this whole thread but I thought I'd pop in anyway. I'm still nursing my 26 month old. I'm actually ready to stop now - I think I'm just done - but he doesn't agree. For now I'm just sticking with it and trying to cut him back a little at night- he still wakes up like 4 or 5 times and wants to nurse!

Anyway - last time we were at Disney he was just about 2 and I nursed him a bunch of different places. My favorite was on the train ride around MK - he fell asleep and my older kids still had fun. They wanted to stay on for two trips so that worked out even better! Oh - another good place was at MGM during the Beauty & the Beast show because he was scared. I have pictures but I can never get them to upload on here but I'll try again. Nope - must have something to do with Kodak Gallery.

 

[NemoMOm]

What was suprising to me is that the office encouraged me to bf when I was pregnant. And the dr. that gave me such a hard time just had a baby herself 1.5 mos before me. I can not describe the way she looked at me when I told he I was w/my son 24/7.

I guess it is a good thing that I did not tell her that Dh works from home and I'm w/him almost 24/7 too!

 

[wen774]

II really wish it was protected in PA. .

The PA act passed in committee and goes before vote in the full State Senate sometime in the next week or two.

I feel pretty lucky now that my Ob and pediatrician were super supportive of breastfeeding. I was actually suprised when my OB was encouraging about nursing through a pregnancy.

 

[MomtoGKC]

The pediatricians I went to with my oldest daughter told me I "should" stop nursing her at 12 months. They told me it would be a lto easier to wean her at 12 months than to try when she was older! They also criticized me for sharing a bed with her. I left them and found a new doctor who didn't tell me what to do unless it was about medicine.

 

[tanyaandallie]

I haven't had time to read this whole thread but I thought I'd pop in anyway. I'm still nursing my 26 month old. I'm actually ready to stop now - I think I'm just done - but he doesn't agree. For now I'm just sticking with it and trying to cut him back a little at night- he still wakes up like 4 or 5 times and wants to nurse!

Anyway - last time we were at Disney he was just about 2 and I nursed him a bunch of different places. My favorite was on the train ride around MK - he fell asleep and my older kids still had fun. They wanted to stay on for two trips so that worked out even better! Oh - another good place was at MGM during the Beauty & the Beast show because he was scared. I have pictures but I can never get them to upload on here but I'll try again. Nope - must have something to do with Kodak Gallery.

Amy, have you looked into Dr. Jay Gordon's night weaning method? We used this with my dd who was a dedicated night nurser. We modified since we were not co-sleeping. It was hard but worked.

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/ap/sleep.asp

My ds is 25 months and I have been so much happier continuing on our nursing relationship with him sleeping through the night!