Just need some advice, maybe encouragement :/

Melanie - posted on 08/21/2010

it happened to me when my daughter megan was 26 mo. my son billy was born. she had weaned about2 mo before he was born and then suddenly she wanted to nurse again. i figure if you make a big deal about it, i will become a big ordeal. as far as nursing at 2 the world health organization, la leche league, the american academy of pediatrics even unicef just to name a few recommend you nurse til a child is at least 2 years of age. i plan on letting my 4th nurse as long as it feels right for both of us. i mean hes not 7 and learning to read and write. hes barely old enough to potty train for crying out loud. my advise is to let them express their opinion but do what you think is right. they are your babies not your parents or your friends. its your decision.

Meri - posted on 08/19/2010

You are such a good mom to do that for him!!! I think that is so great that you let him do whatever he needs so he can be confident in himself.
I remember when i was 4 or 5 my mom had a new baby and i asked to try it, just one time because i was so old, but she let me try it. (i had been nursed till i was over 2)
But it is perfectly normal. And definitely NOT gross.

Frances - posted on 08/19/2010

First off it's not gross! It's natural. And it's actually no one's business what you do with your children as long as it's not detrimental (sp?) to their mental and physical health. Have you talked to the kids' doctor about it? Let the doctor tell you what you should and shouldn't do, that's why they go to school and get paid for right? Levi is just making sure that he has your attention that's all. My daughter nursed til she was three (only to go to sleep though). I couldn't break her until her third birthday. On her birthday I told her that she was a big girl and too old, and she didn't fight me. Maybe encourage Levi to think of himself as a big boy and too old to nurse, but dont' push him away or be harsh cause that'll do more harm than good.

Hillary - posted on 08/19/2010

In my opinion, if you are comfortable with the situation, then you shouldn't listen to anyone else! And I think it's wonderful that you still have milk stored for your older boy. Breast milk is the best nutritionally speaking.

Jeanine - posted on 08/19/2010

God gave your milk....they love it so much don't they...I just have to get my daughter to stop ripping my shirt off in public places.

Jayne - posted on 08/19/2010

god it's irritates me when people say human milk is gross. but we're all so happy to drink cows milk......makes zero sense.

just ignore them and keep doing what you know is right :)

Emily - posted on 08/18/2010

"Its gross" to give a child milk from another mammal - look at it that way. I am sure your son is just adjusting to the new baby, and being a little possessive. It seems like a normal coping skill to deal with the change in his environment. If it doesn't bother you, who cares what other people think. Lots of moms tandem nurse, it isn't any different.

Amber - posted on 08/18/2010

I think you are doing the right thing with Levi. It would be a bigger fight to deny him the option plus he won't get jealous of his baby brother. The milk in a cup is a good way to encourage him as a big boy. Don't worry about your dad, he's never breastfed has he?

Cassandra - posted on 08/18/2010

If your comfortable with it, just ignore the rest. Not going to hurt anything.

Kristin - posted on 08/18/2010

It's normal. Both of my older boys had weaned before I became pregnant with the next baby. They each wanted to have a taste again too. I didn't let them, but that was because my nipples were just to sensitive for anything beyond ignoring.

Each kid is different. Some move on and look back others don't. Just ignore your family and talk to your son about what he wants. Good luck.

Camille - posted on 08/18/2010

Perfectly normal. I nursed until I was like 6. My little brother nursed until he was 4. For 3 year there, we nursed together!



What's not normal is thinking human milk is more gross than cow milk. Who prefers dirty cow udders to human breasts anyway. My husband thinks that too and I just think it's weird.

Ellen - posted on 08/18/2010

keep it going girl.... don't be put off by other people, i actually find it quite rude that people would be saying this to you. don't they know just how good it is for your child? the avarage world age to stop bf is 4 yrs... the uk 3 mons... so who is in the right! get that boob out!!!!! good luck :)

Tara - posted on 08/17/2010

if your boy wants to nurse and you are ok with it then that's all that matters. i bet he weans himself once he gets used to his brother. i am in a similar situation with my boys. he is just looking for reassurance that you are still his mommy too. you are doing the right thing.

Gretchen - posted on 08/17/2010

Only YOU can say what's right for you and your child. If you're comfortable nursing your 2yo, there's nothing wrong with it. I think you need to educate your family on the benefits of breastmilk!!! It's healthier and more natural for humans than cow's milk, yet no one bats an eyelash when people drink THAT. (I drink it, too, but...) There's also been recent research showing that breastmilk is aiding cancer patients in their treatments, so let your family chew on that info :)

Tiffany - posted on 08/17/2010

I don't breast feed any more (my daughter is 10 months) because she just wanted the bottle more. I wish I could have breastfed her longer. There is NOTHING wrong with a 2 year old breast feeding. It's not for me, but if you are okay with it then do what you see fit. I don't think it's something you should let him do for long, because he is getting older but that's just my opinion. He is still young enough where in my opinion, it's okay. The only opinion that matters, is yours! =)

Robin - posted on 08/17/2010

I think you shouldn't listen to everyone else cause they are just too insecure to do it themselves. My six yr old is still interested in what it tastes like and I have heard of other mom's freezing their milk for years and giving it to there kids years later to help with sicknesses...

Angela - posted on 08/17/2010

I agree with every other mama. :) My son is 33 months old and JUST self-weaned himself 3 weeks ago. Don't let ANYONE (even your family/parents/good friends) sway you from what you feel is right for you and your child. I got a little flack from some people too and I didn't give a poo, because I felt good about my decision. My son doesn't even have a sibling, but did what you describe for several months. I think it's definitely just a closeness thing and a phase where they are learning that it's ok to be a little more independent, but still have the need to come back and touch base with mama.
If you want some hard facts to tell people whene they bug you about it Kellymom.com and the World Health Organization's website are both great. You can tell you dad that the worldwide weaning age is 4-7 years old and the WHO recommends bf'ing for AT LEAST 2 years and as long as is mutually acceptable for mama and child after that. And, if you want to get snarky, in reality, it's a little "gross" that we drink another animals milk (most cow) on a daily basis, but have silly opinions that drinking our own mother's (and species!) milk is gross. Pshaw. ;)
*Hugs* and good thoughts going out to you-try not to let others influence what you know is right for you and your son. You are doing a tremendous thing for both of your children!! :)

Sarah - posted on 08/16/2010

My daughter is 17 months and still nursing and my three and a half year old JUST weaned about a week ago. They nursed together. Breast milk is SO good for your children. Don't tell you dad but I've even heard of mothers who have weaned but will keep pumping and keep their milk to make pudding or other things for their older kids because they want them to be that much more healthy. Your doing what you truly feel is best for your children which means it is the right thing
GOOD JOB!

Dara - posted on 08/16/2010

He's not going to continue this forever, and if it's not bothering you, don't worry about it. If it is, maybe he can have a special treat when you nurse the baby. It could be his "big boy" treat, and may deter him from wanting the breast. He probably just wants the comfort and attention that baby gets, and you can give that to him in other ways. Ultimately though, if you're comfortable breastfeeding him too, don't worry about what others say. He's your son, and you know what's best for him.

Jessie - posted on 08/16/2010

ignore them. for one thing, it's none of their business, and for two it's actually healthy physically and emotionaly for your older son. YOU decide what is right for your kids, not anyone else and it's sounds like you are doing fine to me.

Kirsten Veronica - posted on 08/16/2010

Ashleigh, I think what you are doing is WONDERFUL. You are supporting your son through what really could be a difficult transition and nurturing both of your children in the most natural and maternal way possible. ♥ And from what I've read, a lot of babies "unwean" when they need to and it's a good thing that as a Mommy you are strong and comfortable enough to just go with the flow and do what your son needs to feel secure. You go Mama! You rock.

Ashleigh - posted on 08/16/2010

Thank You all so much.I think the problem everyone has with it is that he had stopped nursing for several months and now he want to again sometimes.Its not even a feeding really,just a sip or two,lol.My husband is supportive at least.I tell everyone that I'll nurse my babies as long as they want.I'm a great mom(even when I'm ready for a long kidless vacation,haha)and Im going to continue to give all my kids whatever I can to make them as happy and healthy as possible.All of us are doing the best and most natural thing we can for our kids.someone is always going to judge in some way.Thank you for all the support!

Joseline - posted on 08/15/2010

This is NOT. ONE. TINY. BIT. GROSS! You are doing the right thing and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It isn't harming anyone, in fact, you're reassuring your older son that even though there is someone new in the family, he is not forgotten or being left behind. I cannot blame your father or people who say this is gross, but it is wrong to outright say things like that. They do it though because they are not in your shoes! Your father cannot breastfeed, he has no idea what the experience is like and how it feels to have your son still ask for the breast, just keep that in mind. We understand because we're breastfeeding mothers too ♥

Aurelia - posted on 08/14/2010

Some kids breastfeed until they are three and four years old. Tell them to lay off. My son decided when to stop. Each child has different needs and you can't put them all neatly in a box.

Amanda - posted on 08/14/2010

I nursed my oldest until I was 7 months pregnant and she stopped on her own. My friends and family were so happy that she quit before the new baby, but I made it clear that I had no problems with them both breastfeeding...there are two breasts you know! :)
Now I am 5 months pregnant with my third and my youngest is 27 months and nursing. Again my friends and family give me the same comments you are getting. In fact my dad told me not too long ago...I thought you were going to put a stop to that already! Ummm no and when HE wants to stop I am fine with that, but for now he still wants mommy to comfort him and help him to sleep. He runs for the boob everytime I come home and haven't seen him in a while. I look at it this way, If I weren't pregnant would I still be nursing? My answer is yes so I feel like it is the best interest of my child to continue until he is finished. If that means that my new baby and 2 year old are on the breast together then that is what we will do. I think it is really common for the older sibling to want what the baby has and even though your son is only nursing for a couple of seconds, he is still getting what he needs from you. If you aren't bothered by it then I say go for it! It certainly isn't going to hurt him or the baby and may make him feel a little more secure with his place in the family now that there is another sibling. Good job mama!

Jackie - posted on 08/14/2010

breastmilk is the best thing for your children. be proud that you have had the strength and courage to be able to give that to your son for as long as you have! more power to you!

Kathy - posted on 08/13/2010

I think you're doing the right thing. Not hurting anyone. Sound like he just wants a little reassurance that you're still there for him. After all, he just has his world rocked by this upstart little monster called a baby brother, so a bit of reassurance is great.

If it helps, I tandem fed my 2 youngest for a few months, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Natalie - posted on 08/13/2010

My son is 22 months and still going strong He is are only right now I would see no problem with still breastfeeding and people are always going to talk you can say cow milk is for there young and breast is for are babies also I see people have no problem giving back a bottle when a new baby comes and leave kids with bottles until 3 and 4 but when a kids reaches 1 everyone feels you should take away the breast But in the end do what you feel is right and tell your family this is my choice and could you please leave it that way

Rachael - posted on 08/13/2010

Hi Ashleigh, my son is only 6months old and no older siblings so i havnt had this happen. But i think if your happy with letting him to this and its making him happy knowing he hasnt been forgotton and there still his if he wants them. It definatly isnt 'gross' many children feed beyond 2 1/2 years. not even in a cup...? why its natural healthy for him. also if you refused breast to Levi im sure it would distress and upset him. good luck with it all dont worry what other people have to say, and yes always is easier said then done!

Ashleigh - posted on 08/13/2010

Thanks ladies:)

Danielle - posted on 08/13/2010

he just wants to know its still there as an option to b close to mommy and there is nothing wrong with you or it tell others to shove it you are being a good nurturing mommy!!!

Jade - posted on 08/12/2010

Its not hurting anyone so I would let him do it!!