Preggie Pals

toddler

Laid Back Toddler Nursing

April 26th, 2013 by Barbara

When I started breastfeeding, I never had an exact goal in mind. I knew I wanted to make it to one year, but wasn’t set on any exact date or timeline. I just figured that my son would be ready to stop at one year and that would be it. One year came and went and nursing continued, and I was totally fine with that. In fact I thought he still seemed too young to stop nursing at that point.

Fast forward to my son’s second birthday, and we are still nursing and there seems to be no end in sight. My son sure does love his “nursies”, and although at times I feel ready to be done, I think of all the reasons why nursing a toddler is so much more laid back and relaxed then it was in those early baby days and why it is still working for us. (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…)

Problems with Breastfeeding Latch

January 12th, 2013 by Chloe Ward

Every once in a while it will strike me. The similarities between toddlers and wild animals are abundant, and frankly pretty funny. What happens when your toddler spies a large group of children? They run like a pack. Some bit of defenseless food falls to the ground? They attack. Most notably, when a toddler finds something worthy of becoming their pray, they will hunt until they are successful.

I had a run in with this phenomenon the other night while getting my little wild animal ready for bed. We sat on the bed facing each other, him already zipped up in his footie jammies. I began to change into my own pajama top. I took my shirt off, his target was in sight. I reach for my pajamas, his stare doesn’t waver. I begin to put the shirt over my head, my guard is let down, and he attacks. (more…)

Biological Nurturing and Laid Back Breastfeeding

Episode 36 | January 11th, 2013

Mothers have breastfed their babies since the beginning of time- otherwise the human race wouldn’t have survived. So, why does it seem that more and more women are having trouble? Are we missing something our babies are trying to tell us? Today we’re learning all about biological nurturing, which encourages your own breastfeeding instincts. (more…)