This is why extended breastfeeding is so amazing!

Laura Zoey - posted on 05/03/2011

Sarah, every time I get a sore throat I drink my milk and it's literally gone right away! It is like magic!!!

Sarah - posted on 05/03/2011

Well....my daughter just had an ear infection for the first time and I put a couple of drops of breastmilk in her ear twice over the course of a day and seriously by the next night she was better!
I also use breastmilk if we're out if any of us gets a cut or scratch....just rub it on and it cleans it and begins to heal it! Yes even me or my 4 year old son! It is awesome stuff!
I've also heard that it works for pink eye or blocked nasal passages in the same way that you would use saline solution!
Gosh we mammals are awesome!!

Lisa - posted on 05/03/2011

A month ago, my son had a bad stomach virus - he was vomiting and having diarrhea. He lost a pound and a half. I gave him Pedialyte, but he didn't want to drink much of it. If I hadn't breastfed him, he might've ended up on an IV at the hospital to treat dehydration, so I'm glad I'm still breastfeeding. My son is now 15 months old.

Jessica - posted on 05/02/2011

For me, it's the appreciation that she shows. She gets so very excited about her "milkey" (thats her word for nursing). I know some non-breastfeeding people in my circle think I should stop nursing my 22 month old because "it's not nutritionally necessary" as they put it, but it's a real quick fix when she gets a bump or bruise to let her nurse, and it helps her drift off to bed more relaxed. I didn't expect to nurse this long (my oldest nursed for about a year and a half) but I'm glad that I have. It's also incredibly cute when we read a book about animals and she sees a nursing animal and points out that it's drinking "milkey" too.

Michele - posted on 05/01/2011

Just do what you can! Don't feel guilty. Trust your instincts and do whats right for you- because ultimately it will be the right thing for your child if you are healthy, rested, and happy.

OhJessie - posted on 04/26/2011

Ugh, I was so sorry I hadn't done extended nursing with my daughter when she caught a horrible stomach bug at 2 and almost had to be hospitalized for dehydration! I knew other mothers who were doing it and they had easy times with stomach bugs, just nursing, but mine wouldn't take anything at all! She was just on the verge of an ER visit when I got the idea to give her a bottle (she hadn't been on bottles for like a year) with some weak sweetened tea in it, and thank goodness she took that or the hospital it would have been. Good for all of you who've found a better answer - nursing!

Eva - posted on 04/26/2011

With my third, he stuck his finger in an escalator when he was 3. It was so amazing to be able to let him nurse through the whole ordeal, obviously for comfort. Thankfully he didn't lose his finger.

Emily - posted on 04/25/2011

I'm glad because she still WANTS to. We've become so connected; I noticed the contrast between my relationship with her and my relationship with her older sister (who was bottlefed) and it's like night and day! So I guess the bottom line is, I'm glad I'm still nursing her because I know it only adds to the bond we've created over the 17 months she's been on this earth :)

Cinda - posted on 04/25/2011

I couldn't agree more about how amazing extended breastfeeding is. My son is 28 months & still breastfeeding. He has RARELY been ill in anyway & when he has been, it's been pretty short lived. The nursing also helped to comfort & quiet him when he was cranky from not feeling well. KUDOS to all of us who have been blessed enough to be able to do extended nursing! It's been GREAT.

Mary Renee - posted on 04/25/2011

Wow, literally in between the time I first posted and today I had a very similar experience that others have mentioned that made me so glad I'm going to practice extended breastfeeding (she's going to be one in two weeks but I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

Yesterday afternoon my daughter had some kind of bug or food poisening and just started throwing up like crazy. She was literally throwing up from 4pm-8pm. We tried to give her water and pedialyte in her sippy cup but she would literally have one sip and thirty seconds later throw it up.

By the time it was 8pm and she normally would have been asleep, she was dry heaving and her lips were looking chapped and she was so lethargic that I was holding her like a newborn when normally she would NEVER let me hold her like that.

Finally I tried breastfeeding (I hadn't before this because she was literally throwing up so much I couldn't and she didn't even want the breast) I was able to nurse her for a few minutes and she kept the breast milk down. I called physicians exchange and they suggested I offer her a small amount of breast milk every half hour or so to see if she'd keep it down.

Honestly, the fact that she was able to nurse was the only thing that kept me from going to the ER in our PJs. I thought for sure she was dehydrated, but knowing that she had Mama's Milk in her system made me feel so much better. We're going to the pediatrician today, but I'm so grateful that I had breastmilk to give her.

Even my boyfriend, who wants me to wean her and always says stuff like "You're holding both of you prisoner to your boob" finally gave in and was so glad I could breast feed her and she could keep some fluids down.

KAREN - posted on 04/25/2011

by tired, i meant im tired of being consumed by this... i have other things i want to get back into and i kinda want to get my life going again but he (and his health) come first so I haven't stopped. My 1st goal was to nurse for 6 months... i accomplished that and I feel it has gotten easier because I nurse him and then anyone else can feed him so that's a bit alleviating. But no, I don't believe I'm depressed and its not really an energy thing either... more along the lines of emotional and mental... I want to be a lil selfish and have "me" time i guess. On top of that, I dont get too much out when I pump so it has to be actual breastfeeding... so it kinda stumps my day. I hope all my feelings are normal... I'm not a bad mom, his health and well-being is my main concern but I do miss having time to myself.

Stacie - posted on 04/25/2011

I love all the wonderful words of love and encouragement. My daughter is 19 months and I am still nursing her several times a day. We have recently cut out the middle of the night feedings and at first I missed them :) Although, she is sleeping much better now. I must admit that I am not ready to ween her completely. Felt outside pressure to begin, but no longer worry about what others feel is righ for us.

Gail - posted on 04/25/2011

I nursed my first son until he was 3 1/2 years old. He was hardly ever sick, and when he was, I'm very sure being able to drink breast milk when he wasn't interested in anything else was great for him - he felt better, comforted by being close to Mommy when he wasn't feeling well, and also was getting nourishment. My 2nd son weaned himself at 2 1/2 years, but even so he still got lots of benefits of extended nursing. They are now 6 and 3 years old.

Anishka - posted on 04/25/2011

My son is 34 months and he still breast feeds...people tell me that its nasty and he's too old to be on breast but i dont care what they say cause breastfeeding is natural....it benefits both mom and child in soooo many ways so i give a thumbs up to all you breastfeeding moms.MOMMA KNOWS BEST!:)

Jada - posted on 04/25/2011

That meant to say look at her questions. I am just now getting used to using my phone for internet. Sorry.

Jada - posted on 04/25/2011

Karen. It does get easier, like up above when he starts eating some other types of food, nursing will decrease some. Also with age it will start to show benefits not shown before. Like while nursing my lil one likes to hold my hand or tub my belly...lol. She will tell me thank you mommy!
Like Sylvie asked, lol at her questions and bring them up with your doctor. It could be as simple as a vitamindeficiency but always when in doubt ask a professional. Hope the best for you and your lil man. God bless!

Sylvie - posted on 04/25/2011

Karen, it does get easier as they get older. Even after 1yr, it feels less demanding, as they start eating more food, and are usually very quick. Is you little one sleeping OK? Other than being tired, how do you feel? Could you have post partum depression? These are just thoughts. You can send me a personal message if you want to talk about it. You've done real good so far, so hugs to you.

Avery - posted on 04/25/2011

I love all of your posts! Awesome job moms! My story is similar to many of yours. My daughter will be 1 year in 6 weeks. The goal was to breastfeed exclusively for at least 1 year and to let her wean when she was ready. It's very exciting that we've both been blessed with this opportunity for an amazing mother daughter bond. There were months where it seemed like I never left the rocking chair, but it was all worth it! My girl might have had a slight cold for 1 day, and that's it. She's amazingly healthy! Breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your child! My husband's biggest complaint was not being able to feed our baby. Now that she eats solids too it's okay because daddy can feed the baby that. Breastfeeding exclusively (my baby never even had an ounce of formula!) is very demanding and exhausting. Any woman who does it, especially past a year is clearly a dedicated mom!

KAREN - posted on 04/24/2011

id love to be able to do what you ladies do! i commend all of you for that dedication! i've had such a horrible experience with breastfeeding my son... but i hung in there. he's now 7 1/2 months and although I'm proud of myself for hanging in there and researching ways to keep this going, I'm also very tired! A part of me can't wait for him to turn a yr so I can stop! Is it normal to feel this way? And if so, how do you get over that hump to keep at it for as long as you all have?

Sheri - posted on 04/24/2011

WOW, I just recently had a baby in February, she is 2 months old now and I have been breastfeeding exclusively ! The first little while was hard and there's times I wanted to give up, it's getting easier now, but hearing comments such as these just encourages me to keep going and feel proud of what I've done so far. I only breast fed my oldest child until she was 1 month then started mixing formula and than gave breastfeeding up, so that's why I don't wanna give up again. The support here really helps and my goal now is to breastfeed to at least 1 year. Also, when I really think of the bond that my daughter and I have already created, it feels sad to give it up and amazing to keep going. You surely can't get a bond like this with your child feeding her formula ! The opinions from others when I tell them I wanna breastfeed until 1 year is kinda discouraging but to hear these comments and know that there's many more mothers doing the same benefit for their child, makes me feel better. Sorry my comment is a little all over the place, lol but I am just thankful that there is so many mothers that are so supportive to one and other when it comes to breastfeeding. Thanks xo

Rebecca - posted on 04/24/2011

I have 22 month old twin girls and am still nursing them. We have all been sick with sinus infections but they seem to be dealing the best out of us all. I especially like the time I get to bond with them while nursing. Otherwise they never sit still and are off running around. The only downside is that at nap time If I nurse them which is the only way to get them to give in at nap time since we moved them to toddler beds, I get stuck under the two of them and can't move or I'll wake them. That would be fine but I have a 5 year old who wants to do crafts during their naps. SO, we are thinking creatively to figure out a solution... Nursing twins for this long makes me feel like a super hero!

Caitlin - posted on 04/24/2011

Awesome!!! You're a great mommy! My son has had several illnesses that I'm sure would have ended up with him in the hospital hooked to an IV if he hadn't been breastfeeding still. Keep up the good work!!!

Leslie - posted on 04/24/2011

My little guy turned two this past week and he asks to "na-na" more frequently now that he's more verbal. My mom says she is "annoyed" by it by it but can't explain why. My in-laws are challenged by it b/c it means my boy can't spend the night with them. My partner sometimes finds it inconvenient b/c it impacts our schedule. But I'm hoping to continue until my boy self-weans. We, too, had a very rough beginning -- I've never produced much and take domperidone to increase production. I would say to those questioning how long to nurse, it's between you and your baby. As all the aforementioned have said, great for the immune system, intellectual development and bonding.

Shandra - posted on 04/24/2011

My 17-month-old is still nursing, and I love that when I come home at the end of the day he runs up and hugs my legs and asks "milk?" The only time he asks anymore is to request mom :)

Amy - posted on 04/24/2011

My daughter is 21 months old and is sill nursing.
She is my third, all of my kids were breastfeed exclusivly and for an extended time period... 24 months, 17 months and my daughter is now 21 months old. My children find/found it very comforting to nurse.

Barb - posted on 04/24/2011

You ladies are great! Yes, human breastmilk is a super food and is wonderful to give the baby to his mom. My kids breastfed and are very healthy and bright and well adjusted. I credit most of that to the years we breastfed. Most of them weaned before they turned 3. I cherish every day of that special time. God bless & Happy Easter!

Rachel - posted on 04/24/2011

Exactly, when they are sick or just not feeling good, they can happily nurse and you know they are getting what they need. Not just the nutritious value, but the immunities, cuddles and calm. What more can you ask for! It's the human super food! I get the jokes, the stunned looks for still nursing at 2, but honestly, my kids rarely get sick, and when they do, it's over and done with quickly!!

Rebecca - posted on 04/24/2011

My little one will be one next week and I thought, if I hit a year- I would be elated. I am not giving myself an end date. My Mother in law was shocked to hear I was nursing still. In fact, she has a look of disgust on her face. To date, that is the only negative reaction I have had..it wasn't all that bad. My little one amd I share the most precious moments together. We had a very rough start. I had low milk production and my wee one lost vast weight and wasn't happy. We figured out our issues and now a year later...I have no plaans to stop. I could care less about peoples opinions. My other children support it, my husband is my biggest fan and well my wee one, is benefiting from our bonding. Does it get any better than that? I love being a breast feeding Mama ♥

Jada - posted on 04/24/2011

My baby girl is 23 months and I will let het self wean. She sometimes goes that way but somedays she just loves to nurse. As the lady up top said, its the first and last thing we do together every day. I am thinking about becoming a breastfeeding counseler in my area. On top of all the nutritional positives of nursing, it is an amazing and special time for us to bond!

Sylvie - posted on 04/23/2011

My 2 1/2 yr old caught a stomach bug last month, and if it wasn't for still nursing, she would of gotten dehydrated. She wouln't eat or drink anything else, and if she took anything but breastmilk, she threw it back up. Only breastmilk would settle. Just to show how natural it is for a child to be nursed past a year.

Congrats to all of you for keeping it up, and there's no need to wean because everyone says so.

Laura Zoey - posted on 04/23/2011

When Eric was about 22 months old he got a serious stomach virus. He threw up for about twenty four hours and in that time the only tng he kept down was my breastmilk. Then for the next day he tolerated some water, but nothingness else but my milk. The next day he was able to eat about four bites of food all day, and kept water down well along with my milk. Then the following day he had two small meals.
Through all of this he lost about three pounds, but stayed properly hydrated by my milk.
Oh and at this time I was also 6 months pregnant!!!!
So I'm sure if I wasn't regnant he wouldn't have even lost the weight because my milk was very very small amount by that time.
Those Forster few days he would have Ed hospitalized if he wasn't breastfeeding. That's the only reason the dr said I could keep him home. Breastmilk is amazing.

Joy - posted on 04/23/2011

My two year old has been weaning gradually but recently she wanted to nurse because she felt sick. Glad to say she is doing so much better today.

Kendra - posted on 04/23/2011

My favorite part about still nursing my 25 month old son is the bond we have developed. Every morning he comes and wakes me up, we nurse and he holds my hand.

Corinne - posted on 04/22/2011

My daughter just turned a year and I still nurse her for many reasons. First that's just me and her time first thing in the morning and the last thing we do at night. That time with her is great! Second, she has gotten sick one time in the last year and it was a mild cold for a day. Third it is just all around good for her. Its great for their mind development and immune system! I want to nurse her until she weens herself.

Keri - posted on 04/20/2011

Both my second and third kids breast fed past a year. When they were sick that is all they would eat. My daughter is now 26 months and still nurses several times a day. I nursed my second child until he was 30 months. Unfortunately my oldest stopped at 11 months, but I am very happy I got the time I did with him.

Celeste - posted on 04/20/2011

I was very glad that I was nursing my twin boys as toddlers, especially when they got sick. One of my boys got RSV and I truly believe that nursing kept him out of the hospital. I also believe that it shortened the duration and the severity. Came in handy when they got stomach viruses and couldn't eat or drink anything except breastmilk.

I'm also lucky that their Pedi was very happy
that I was nursing them

Lisa - posted on 04/20/2011

My son Cade is almost 15 months and continues to breastfeed a few times a day. As a full time working mom, I love the time we have in the mornings and evenings to cuddle and nurse. I think it's the best part of our day! Plus, I get to meet amazing moms at La Leche League!

Charlotte - posted on 04/20/2011

daniela... i know what you mean about it being exhausting, but its worth it to know how much i'm helping her!
and mary... i love the night time cuddles aswell...its the only time my little monkey stays still long enough aswwell!
thank you... two very lovely posts :-)

Mary Renee - posted on 04/20/2011

Because I love the night-time cuddle snuggle with my 11-month-old while she nurses! It's the only time she stays still long enough! I hope to nurse for much longer : )

Daniela - posted on 04/19/2011

Exactly that!!! My daughter had a terrible stomach bug when she was 14 months and like yours she wouldn't even take fluids. I'm sure nursing saved her from a stay at the hospital. It's exhausting for me when she is not feeling well, but I know it gives her great comfort and speeds up her recovery. Tantrums are tamed a little easier. Flights are not quite the nightmare they could be. I'm not close to a nervous breakdown because she's such a picky eater. Let me dwell on it, I'm sure I can come up with more.