Preggie Pals

extended breastfeeding

Why I Love Nursing My Toddler

April 4th, 2013 by Anna and Beth

Written by Beth

When I was pregnant, Anna asked how long I thought I would want to nurse our baby. I said maybe a year, but after that it would just be too weird. A kid coming up and asking to suck on my boob. Weird! I said I would pump and she could drink from a bottle but that’d be all. Well, here we are at 14 months, I haven’t pumped in months, and we are nursing nearly as often as a newborn. She’s still my baby and needs the milk I make just as much if not more now.

When Ellie turned 1, I thought nursing her at 1 looks exactly like nursing her at 11 months and 364 days old when she was still a “baby.” In my head I had somehow seen a helpless, tiny newborn needing my comfort and milk and the next day a toddler, who in my head resembled a four year old, jumping on me with light-up shoes and demanding I whip my boob out! I have come to realize I was being a tad dramatic. (more…)

Child-Led Weaning: Our Journey

March 8th, 2013 by Theek Smith (aka Laotian Commotion)

From an anthropological standpoint, “the minimum predicted age for a natural age of weaning in humans is 2.5 years, with a maximum of 7.0 years.” From a baby’s standpoint, the natural age of weaning is up to that baby, who knows no meaning of years or numbers. Not to be confused with “baby-led weaning,” the method of introducing solids without puréed foods, “child-led weaning” refers to the process when a child self-weans from breastfeeding without intervention. (more…)

Breastfeeding Toddlers: Frequency, Biting and Staying Motivated

Episode 41 | February 15th, 2013

Breastfeeding a toddler is drastically different than breastfeeding a newborn. Just ask any mom whose baby has teeth or can specifically ask for the boob. So, what does nursing a toddler really look like? How often do most mothers nurse and for how long? How do you handle biting? And what about the awkward stares from strangers while breastfeeding in public? (more…)

Breastfeeding: Celebrating Two Years!

October 28th, 2012 by Shannon Stubbs

October 9th marked our two year breastfeeding anniversary for my daughter. I know that isn’t something most people think of as a big deal, but for me, it sure was.

I remember that very first time I breastfed her. I felt like doing a happy dance when she latched on right away! Such a smart girl right away. She knew exactly what to do. Throughout our breastfeeding journey, we only met one obstacle….my milk supply. It was such a struggle at first. She weighed 7 lbs 10 ounces at birth, but lost quite a bit of weight. She was down to 6 lbs 8 ounces within a few days. The pediatrician was wonderful, but then she started blabbing about having to give her formula. She said, breastfeed her on both sides for 10 minutes. Then pump, give her what you pump, then offer her formula. It was really exhausting! (more…)

Extended Breastfeeding: Our 18 Month Milestone

October 2nd, 2012 by Chloe Ward

This is a big month for us. My son is turning 18 months on the 24th, and that means several things. It’s been an entire year since we began our battle with FPIES and there’s unfortunately no end in sight, but it’s also a huge milestone in my mind with regards to our nursing. My son in 18 months old and continuing to thrive on breast milk alone. You heard me! THRIVING. 45th percentile for weight and 92nd for height. 56 clear words, and can even do a somersault. You know you’re impressed! I know I am, too.

Now, I want to get down to get to the not-so-awesome parts of this. My little guy is now nursing every 1-2 hours around the clock. Now among other things this left me with a choice: nurse in public on a regular basis or become a shut in. The choice was pretty obvious to me, I love nothing more than to take my child to see all the great things the world has to offer. And so we nurse, whenever and wherever he needs. (more…)