Older Toddler Nursling WDW?

[livndisney]

Hi:
I nursed all three children until 2 years old. I did much the same as you are doing, naptime and bedtime. At this age, they understand that they don't need to nurse if it's not an appropriate place.

My kids did tend to skip that naptime nursing in DW because they were so exhausted from running around that they just crashed in the stroller. My one suggestion would be to carry a small blanket or towel in your baby bag. There are many quiet areas where you can sneak off and discretely nurse. Just keep your eyes open and you'll find someplace. There are also some shows that are extremely dark and I have been known to take a back row seat with my other children surrounding us and use that blanket. No one has ever said anything negative to me but that's because I seriously doubt they knew I was nursing. If you hold the towel/blanket as if you are rocking your toddler to sleep no one will be the wiser. Even though I was nuts about nursing it really bothers me when women think they have the right to disrobe and nurse anywhere. Be respectful of others feelings and no one will mind.

We'll be there in three weeks too!

.

 

[bunnyscootles]

I am so happy to see there are others that feel the same as I do.

While I understand the need to "uncover" somewhat while nursing, it is not necessary to completely expose your top half and then yell at the person who stepped in front of you (to provide some privacy for you) while sitting fully exposed (baby in stroller) in front of three lines of guests waiting to see characters.

Wait there was someone without a stitch of clothing on from the waist up? Like no shirt, no bra, no nothing?

Was this perhaps someone who would be used to sunbathing at topless beaches?? Or maybe she was really hot?? Did she have twins?

I don't know that's really weird, if I had both breasts uncovered the other one would leak.

 

[livndisney]

Wait there was someone without a stitch of clothing on from the waist up? Like no shirt, no bra, no nothing?

Was this perhaps someone who would be used to sunbathing at topless beaches?? Or maybe she was really hot?? Did she have twins?

I don't know that's really weird, if I had both breasts uncovered the other one would leak.

She was sitting on a bench in toontown hall (air conditioned) wearing a sundress (No bra) and completely pulled down the top of the dress exposing herself. She yelled at the person who stepped in front of her that she was GOING to feed her baby. The baby was in the stroller

 

[tammie33]

We took DD at 26 months and she was still nursing a fair amount. I have no qualms about NIP and did so at the Living Seas and in MGM. However, I found that DD was easily distracted and did better if we went to one of the baby care centers. And honestly, it was nice for me to sit down and relax for a few minutes in a cool, calm, somewhat dark area.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[nancy drew]

Also, this is a little OT, but when it comes to coverups, neither of my kids would tolerate a blanket, but since my sides look more like roadmaps with the stretch marks, and my back has the hint of a muffin top, I was always really self concious with those areas being exposed when NIP. For the last two summers have taken undershirts (the tank kind) and cut a two slits across the chest. Then I wear it under another ribbed tank for the layered look. When she wanted to nurse (so basically every 4 minutes or so ) I could lift up the top layer and nurse her through the slit, without exposing everything to everyone. It worked really great. That was actually one of the reasons for starting this thread - I am trying to figure out apparel for myself. Most of my undershirts are pretty worn after two summers, and I was wondering if I should butcher some more or if I can go back to wearing 'non-modified' clothing Anyway, probably preaching to the choir here, but I thought that suggestion may be of help so I decided to pass it on!

3 weeks to go I am doing the happy dance tonight!

you can always wear a tank top under your shirt, maybe even a nursing tanktop like a glamourmom tank, and go over the top of the tank top and under the bottom of the shirt you are wearing on top. that way the midsection (that section just looks awful no matter what when you are nursing, i know!!!) is covered and the top half is covered. hope that explanation makes sense, basically lifting up the top layer and lowering the bottom layer.

i took dd at 15mo and nursed her on pirates and haunted mansion. she fell asleep and transferred easily to the stroller after pirates. that time i had her in a solarveil sling. i carried her out while she was nursing, got the stroller and pushed it over to a bench near pirates (There is a whole shaded plaza area there, no one goes there though maybe a CM and character might walk by, as its an exit/entry for characters, but honestly they arent watching you *** they are focused on going in and out and avoiding being hounded by kids and adults. i was seriously the only person in that area one day, i shared it with one other person another day.

when i had ds at WDW last year he was about 19mo and nursing. he was/is much different from dd and only cared about nursing upon waking, at naptime, and at bedtime. this year we are going to DLR, he is 2.5, and still nursing. i anticipate the same, that he will only need it at wakeup, naptime, and bedtime. i would probably be happy if he weaned at disneyland, but it would be bittersweet.

now when ds was 7.5mo and i had him at WDW i nursed him wherever. i used a sling or carrier of some sort, sat in a less obvious location (on the sidelines at living seas, on various benches in pretty much every park) and pretended i was just sitting with my child. sometimes i used a smallish coverup just because i was wearing a tank top which is naturally more likely to expose fat rolls etc . i used a clean cloth diaper, or the tail of my sling or hip carrier, mostly for the sake of not drawing attention to myself.

FWIW i was just "caught" nursing ds in february by my ex-mil. i was sitting with him in the glider, nursing him, not really being particularly discreet, and she came walking into the room. it wasnt until she was about 2 feet away and staring directly at his face that she realized what was happening, and she turned and ran as soon as she realized it . but it proved to me that you really have to be staring *right* at the **** and baby to know whats going on. unless of course you have completely disrobed

 

[Camno's Mama]

It is something to prepare for isnt it Honestly, I think when she decides I will be ready(I think) but when it comes down to actually being done, there will definitely be a sadness there. An end of an era kwim?

Also, this is a little OT, but when it comes to coverups, neither of my kids would tolerate a blanket, but since my sides look more like roadmaps with the stretch marks, and my back has the hint of a muffin top, I was always really self concious with those areas being exposed when NIP. For the last two summers have taken undershirts (the tank kind) and cut a two slits across the chest. Then I wear it under another ribbed tank for the layered look. When she wanted to nurse (so basically every 4 minutes or so ) I could lift up the top layer and nurse her through the slit, without exposing everything to everyone. It worked really great. That was actually one of the reasons for starting this thread - I am trying to figure out apparel for myself. Most of my undershirts are pretty worn after two summers, and I was wondering if I should butcher some more or if I can go back to wearing 'non-modified' clothing Anyway, probably preaching to the choir here, but I thought that suggestion may be of help so I decided to pass it on!

3 weeks to go I am doing the happy dance tonight!

Argh! I hated this! My tank tops were always so stretched on from NIP because I would keep pulling them down while I was nursing to make sure my back was covered! By the end of the day I looked like I was wearing a sack and my bra would keep hanging out! Lovely, let me tell you!

I think getting some of those shelf tank tops would be helpful. You could put them under everything you wear and then pull yourself out from the top while pulling only the other shirt up. It's not the most comfortable way to nurse, bu you might feel more sylin'! And it will probaby cover your back!

Be careful though! I wore those out in public without a shirt over them a couple of times and did have to find a blanket or something to cover up! Pulling yourself out from the top can really expose you if you don't have another shirt on over it! Oops!

 

[mommy-on-the-move]

Glad to read that NIP with toddlers isn't seen as overly shocking, being from the UK I was wondering what type of reception it would get.

My "b00bling" (as his siblings call him ) will be 19 months when we travel and to be honest I was more worried about reaction from members of our own party than I was about general park-goers, we're travelling in a group of my sisters extended family, majority of whom I've only met briefly and I am worrying if they'll feel awkward with my nursing an older baby/toddler as none of them have nursed passed a few months (if at all) Plus the members of our groups will probably be in closer proximity when I am feeding him than other park goers, I am worrying about some of them feeling awkward.

 

[averysmom]

WTG Mom! I nursed both of my two until they were over two - and my youngest was there at 18 months and we nursed through WDW. I'll admit, I have blinders on with that sort of thing - and I never noticed the stink eye ever - and I did have some positive comments - once or twice from CMs and a couple of times from other guests.

My only advice to you - or to anyone - is to remember that it is ILLEGAL in Florida to interfere in ANY way with a nursing mother. Nursing mothers have the LEGAL right to nurse anywhere and anytime they like - and yes, that does inlcude private property.

Does that mean that the nursing police are going to arrest anyone who shoots you a look? No. But it DOES mean that no CM is ever going to ask you to cover up, etc. And if anyone mentions it to you, you can remind them about that law - and it should shut them up pretty fast.

But again, I never saw anything neg. towards me and it was nothing but pos. comments.

GL and have a fab. trip!

 

[Princess Roo]

I don't know if you have a Mimi Maternity near you or not, but I just bought this shirt for our trip: http://www.mimimaternity.com/Produc...3278&product_Id=94753278&MasterCategory_Id=21
Normally they are really expensive, but they had 2 colors less than $15. It was nice and cool and SO easy to nurse without exposing myself. The elastic part under the breasts lifts up and there are slits in the layer underneath. But the bottom part is only single-layer so it was not so hot. There was enough fabric in the bottom part to be flattering to a mommy belly, but not look maternity, I thought. Anyways, it's my new favorite shirt, so I thought I'd pass the info along.

Also, I saw tons of moms nursing at WDW, and never got any strange looks while I was NIP. And with the heat, she pretty much wanted to nurse every 2 hours. I hit the baby care centers about once a day to let DD (4mos) roll around on the jumbo changing mats and stretch her legs, but otherwise just found a nearby bench or nursed on a ride/in a show. The only "close call" was when June from Little Einsteins didn't seem to realize I was nursing on a bench and came over to say hi to the baby and pat her head...don't know if she was embarrassed or not.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

It is something to prepare for isnt it Honestly, I think when she decides I will be ready(I think) but when it comes down to actually being done, there will definitely be a sadness there. An end of an era kwim?

Also, this is a little OT, but when it comes to coverups, neither of my kids would tolerate a blanket, but since my sides look more like roadmaps with the stretch marks, and my back has the hint of a muffin top, I was always really self concious with those areas being exposed when NIP. For the last two summers have taken undershirts (the tank kind) and cut a two slits across the chest. Then I wear it under another ribbed tank for the layered look. When she wanted to nurse (so basically every 4 minutes or so ) I could lift up the top layer and nurse her through the slit, without exposing everything to everyone. It worked really great. That was actually one of the reasons for starting this thread - I am trying to figure out apparel for myself. Most of my undershirts are pretty worn after two summers, and I was wondering if I should butcher some more or if I can go back to wearing 'non-modified' clothing Anyway, probably preaching to the choir here, but I thought that suggestion may be of help so I decided to pass it on!

3 weeks to go I am doing the happy dance tonight!

Have you tried the Gilligan and O'Malley nursing tanks from Target? I live in these things! They are great and LONG, so if you see it under my regular shirt, it just looks layered. And covers everything down to the top of my pants!

 

[MinnieForMe]

Hey: I want to apologize. I didn't mean to upset anyone with the disrobing comment. I believe in nursing and your right to nurse. I'm not saying you have to use a blanket or towel over your babies head. I used it to cover myself if my child pulled off. It also shaded them from the hot Florida sun. I have nursed everywhere but NOT in bathrooms. By that age, my children knew how to get on and off the breast quickly and I could just discretely lift my shirt with no unbuttoning. There were no latching issues.

Now, a woman with a newborn is a whole different story. Some woman have latching problems and being discreet just isn't possible. I understand that perfectly. But I honestly don't hold a nursing infant and a nursing toddler to the same rules and that's what gets me in trouble.

Forgive me!

 

[megal0331]

Thanks for this thread....

My ds is 16 months and will probably still be nursing when we go on our trip in 3 weeks! LOL.

Originally, I had only planned on nursing for a year, but due to food allergies and my ds' love of the ****, here I am still nursing and I plan to do so until he decides he is done....(hopefully it won't be too long after the age of 2).

 

[DisneyPhD]

Thanks for this thread....

My ds is 16 months and will probably still be nursing when we go on our trip in 3 weeks! LOL.

Originally, I had only planned on nursing for a year, but due to food allergies and my ds' love of the ****, here I am still nursing and I plan to do so until he decides he is done....(hopefully it won't be too long after the age of 2).

My 2nd DD had food allergies too and I nursed her until she was 31 months old. She has outgrown her food allergies and her doctor feels the breast milk was helpful in her outgrowing them (it was milk and eggs.) This meant I had to give up all milk and eggs, but it was worth it.

 

[karemore]

I can't read through the whole thread, but my daughter was still nursing last April at WDW. She was 23 months old.

At that age she was able to understand that we don't nurse in public anymore, that we will nurse back at the room.

 

[Nicoleclaw]

My 2 oldest were actually completely weaned WHILE we were on our WDW trips..... they sound a lot like your little one and were down to only night time nursings (to get to sleep) and every once in a while to nap. We were so busy at WDW that they never even asked and were so exhausted at night that they went right to sleep w/out needing to nurse. After a week and a half of no nursing, they didn't feel the need to nurse when we got home..... made it easier on me, too (doing it somewhere away from home where I didn't miss it as much either)...

Two of my cousins did the same thing with their sons. They were both around 18 months, and nursed to go to bed. They were so tired and off their schedule they were just falling asleep. However, I can see this backfiring with them getting tired inthe park and crawling up your shirt!

 

[tanyaandallie]

Hmmm, my ds is 3. We have been to WDW 3 times and DL 1 time. He is still nursing. No weaning for us while at Disney. He nursed at his normal times. When he was older, we nursed in the am and at naps and bedtime in the hotel. At 20 mos he nursed once or twice in the parks, usually on rides but I am/was not opposed to nursing in public with him. Well, now at 3 I would not nurse him at public but at 20 mos I would try distraction and if it didn't work, I would nip. At 2.5 I went to a babycenter to nurse him in one of their rockers so it would be quiet and I could get him to sleep so we could stay for the parade. The babycenters are so nice!!!! It was so nice to get away from the heat and just relax. I think the lady working there thought I was a bit odd for taking my 2+ year old child in the nursing room, but oh well.

If you are not ready for your baby to wean, don't worry about it happening. My ds did not wean at Disney.

 

[disney_family_1247]

Mine always nurse less at Disney because they are so distracted. They did nurse to sleep for naps and in the evening. The baby care centers are nice, but too far away to go to every time. I've nursed babies/toddlers of many ages in restaurants and on benches with zero nasty looks or comments

 

[mom2girlsn1boy]

My DS is a year and is still nursing and doesn't seem to want to wean, we are going to DW in Oct. he'll be 20 months, this thread has really given me hopes that he will wean there, my girls both weaned themselves about 1 so I have never nursed this long and he seems very content on it. lol

 

[~Fisharefriends~]

Both my boys stopped feeding at 7 1/2 mths (as much as i tried to carry on so good for you for getting as far as you have), so i dont have experiance of bf a toddler at wdw but i did bf my then 5 mth old last yr, we occasionally went in the babychanging facilities if they were nearby, but the majority of the time i found a nice quiet bench, or had a drink and sat in a c/s area and never had a problem, I alwasy just had a piece of muslin to hand to help with latching on and off to cover any embarrassing flashing moments. I found it a great time to just sit and relax watching the world hurrying by!

 

[PollyannaMom]

Just wanted to say I'm glad you have all found each other! Years ago when we we took DS at 18 mths, he was still nursing. I took him into the baby center, and got questions about his age - from other nursing moms!

They had little-little ones, so maybe they were just in that sore, struggling phase, and kind of scared that it would last that long , but it's nice to know there is more support now. Good luck to all of you.