I don't know how long I'm going to be breastfeeding for. I really don't. I wanted to make sure that I breastfed for 6 months, because that is the recommended minimum in the UK, but actually the world health organisation actually recommends breastfeeding till 2 years if you can, and I think someone else in America recommends at least a year...but that's not really the only issue. A lot of emotional issues start to come in as well. Like...Right now I don't mind sharing my body, but when Tabitha is a toddler and fully capable of grabbing and lifting my top...I would be uncomfortable with that. and it would be nice to not have to worry about things like leaking nipples. It would be nice to get my breasts back to being a sexy thing, not a food thing. It would also be nice to be able to share the responsibility a bit more, because right now Tabitha needs to feed before she will sleep, and she won't take a bottle from anyone but me, so if I want to go out for an evening it gets really really tricky (I have tickets to see my favorite comedian at the end of the month, but the show starts at 8 pm, 30 minutes before Tabitha's bedtime, to get there on time and not leave a screaming baby, we're going to have to organize it like a military campaign). There is also the social aspect, most people are fine with you nursing an infant, but when you are still nursing a speaking, walking toddler it becomes a little different (even my most open minded friends consider that at best weird, and at worst, child abuse)...and even I feel a little...uncomfortable with a toddler still breastfeeding (sorry, sorry, I know, I can't help how I feel). I don't want to be influenced by how other people feel, it should just be about whats best for me and my baby...but it does add a little pressure to the situation.
The whole point of baby led weaning is to slowly increase food and gradually decrease milk feeds, but there is no set time frame for this happening, you play it by ear and see how the baby is feeling. Some days Tabitha skips milk feeds for food, but not very often, and even so, she will probably keep wanting to feed for comfort for months or years to come. I don't know when I'm going to want to draw a line and say "that's enough". and Part of me will be really sad when that happens, because I will miss the bond, the closeness and connection you get through breastfeeding, and I don't want my baby to grow up.
It would also be nice to be able to wear dresses again! while your feeding regularly dresses really aren't practical, and I miss my nipple piercings! (really petty concerns I know)
It would help in some ways if Coyote had any strong opinions on the subject, but he's just so damn supportive. He's just happy as long as we're happy and is perfectly content going along with whatever I decide (I know! what a bastard! :p ).
But breast milk provides protection from diseases and is nutritionally great, especially in conjunction with food at this age, and it does give babies comfort and helps you bond...and it just feels right to do. it clicks into a really big part of your brain that wants to nurture.
So...for now we'll just keep going as we are. And just see how it all goes. Hopefully at some point, it will all work out OK for everyone.
Oh, and as always, this is just my point of view, and my random screwy thoughts. Sorry, if any offence is caused.
I breast fed my youngest until she was 3. I just want to make the comment that you don't go from feeding a baby to feeding a toddler overnight. It's a gradual thing that you don't notice happening, so if you are still feeding when she is a toddler then that will just be what you are both used to and not something weird. If you don't want her lifting your top when you are out, when she's older you can start to reduce feeds until she's just morning and evening, so that she only feeds when she is at home. And, for interest not for pressure at all ... http://thestir.cafemom.com/toddler/116520/5_toddler_breastfeeding_myths_that
ReplyDeleteEhlana is right, it's a gradual thing, it won't happen overnight. My last baby weaned at 22 months but for the last 6 months it was almost always just a single bedtime feed. I wouldn't willingly wean a baby under one year old.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing the right thing getting Tabatha interested in real food, and by the time she's a year old she'll need your antibodies a lot less, she'll have developed plenty of her own. She's getting security and love from you both all the time, so just relax and enjoy it while it lasts! It's a great thing, I remember feeding my babies with huge affection and satisfaction.