Nursing moms of October '09 babies

Tish - posted on 07/28/2010

My little girl turns 2 tomorrow and I'm still nursing her. I am also nursing her 9 month old brother. I will continue to nurse both until they decide to stop. I nursed her all the way thru my pregnancy with Logan and was so thankful that I did. He weighed over 10lbs and didn't lose any weight since I had mature milk already. I say go for it!

Candice - posted on 07/28/2010

I must have cream for breastmilk then. breastmilk is easily digestable thats why bf babies tend to nurse more than ff ones.

Lisa - posted on 07/28/2010

I tend to agree with you there Reagan, neither of my girls particularly liked canned food, my 1st wouldnt touch the stuff.
My midwife told me that breast milk is like bacon and eggs for brekky, (its full and sustaining) and chicken soup come night time (thin and barely filling) - and come chicken soup time, my Zoey at 2 months was hungry and crying for more so in this case after trying to increase milk supplys without much luck, a formula top up really helped her sleep longer because she was full and content. Now she is old enough for solids and loves real food, the basics.. mash veg, mash nana, home pureed apple and cinnamon, organic food being an option too & free range eggs! that website on benefits of breast milk is interesting " The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that "Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child... " Key point here being MUTUALLY DESIRED. good on mums that can feed longer than a year... you should be envied. As for your milk supply "died" - I know you meant dryed up rather than became no good ;-) for those that didnt pick it up! I'm trying hard with diet and suppliments like blessed thistle, to make it to a year breast feeding... but Zo just pushes me away (or the little horror bites me) if she doesn't want a breast... she knows there is more fulfilling stuff on the menu now!

Reagan - posted on 07/28/2010

I don't think I was trying to play down the benefits as much as I was trying to express we are lucky to live in an age and time, when we can get equally beneficial nutrition from other areas. If, we still lived in a time when we were giving babies everything from some manufacturer then I would feel differently, but the fact is that babies now have a greater access to homemade and natural foods, unlike my generation that was raised on everything in a can or jar. I thought my statement was fairly open-ended (being that I did state that I was not sure of the additional benefits past one year, unfortunately my tone did not carry over in my statement) and not once did I mention that it was a bad thing. I expressed my opinion and knowledge based on what I have experienced myself or via other moms, which one is free to take or leave. I simply want one one to feel good about all of their choices and resources.

Reagan - posted on 07/28/2010

I don't think I was trying to play down the benefits as much as I was trying to express we are lucky to live in an age and time, when we can get equally beneficial nutrition from other areas. If, we still lived in a time when we were giving babies everything from some manufacturer then I would feel differently, but the fact is that babies now have a greater access to homemade and natural foods, unlike my generation that was raised on everything in a can or jar. I thought my statement was fairly open-ended (being that I did state that I was not sure of the additional benefits past one year, unfortunately my tone did not carry over in my statement) and not once did I mention that it was a bad thing. I expressed my opinion and knowledge based on what I have experienced myself or via other moms, which one is free to take or leave. I simply want one one to feel good about all of their choices and resources.

Candice - posted on 07/27/2010

Breastmilk doesn't just suddenly turn BAD once a baby hits 1 year old. It's healthy and unprocessed! it's the first unprocessed food ever created! it is pure and nothing else can beat it! :)

Lise - posted on 07/27/2010

@ Reagan:
I do think it's a mother's choice, but as for the benefits - http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/eb...

There are a lot of good benefits!

Reagan - posted on 07/27/2010

I had a really hard time nursing my girl and in month 4 I had to switch to pumping and then feeding for the majority of her meals. We did fine, but after we returned from an extended trip out of town my milk supply totally died. It was a labor of love to get to a full 6 months. I know several people that have and are planning to nurse for a year, but do not plan to go any further. It is a personal decision to nurse for longer than a year, but I am not sure how much more beneficial it is considering that we now have access to so many more unprocessed, healthy food options for children and infants.

Lisa - posted on 07/26/2010

Hi there, My first daughter fed breast milk exclusively but weaned herself off at 12 months, she was a fussy eater. My 9 month old girl is a petite hungry wee thing and I struggled giving her all she needed therefore topped up with formula with very mixed feelings. Now that she is motormouthing food she seldom accepts the breast, will drink formula, and boobies have been reduced to before bed, night and morning comfort feeds. :( Your baby will tell you when she doesn't want it anymore so do what is best for you and her. It seems impossible going back to work and breast feeding so if you can manage longer then a year, good on you!!

Candice - posted on 07/26/2010

Tracy, I have read and noticed myself in my children that if you cut back on the solid foods, baby will nurse more. Breastmilk is a complete meal and should be given first before any solid foods during the day. 2-3 nursing a day seems like not enough to me. but maybe my nursling is a huge boob man who likes to nurse about 6-8 times a day? Anyways, I've been taught Breastmilk first, solids for fun.

Tracy - posted on 07/26/2010

Go with what makes you and baby happy. This is my third child and he has dropped himself to only having 2-3 breastfeeds a day (I think this is partly because at 6 months we had issues with the dr pushing solids hard and fast saying he was under weight and they were worried). But I will continue aws much and as often as he wants til he losses interest, With my other 2 children I fed them at least 1 feed a day until just after the 2nd birthday of the eldest and a few months after the 2nd childs 1st birthday.

Brandi - posted on 07/25/2010

Another October 17th baby. My Alexander was born the same day and yes, I am still nursing him =0). I only plan on going for a year. But I may do a bedtime session for a little while after that.

Candice - posted on 07/25/2010

also about the lopsided post. Human being are lopsided all over. once foot is bigger than the other, one hand, one ear, one eye (even on testical!) so why not breasts! so you have always had a slight difference between your two "girls" but if the difference is SUPER obvious I would ask about it with a dr. if you feel comfortable to. if it's just bothers you a little... then maybe it's not a huge issue after all.
Also... it may just be one is nursed on more than the other (babies and mothers tend to favor one side over the other.. for my son it's my right side he likes better) and there for loks smaller because that breast never gets that "Full" look to it. if that;s the case just nurse more on the side you don't favor as much and see if that makes a difference.

Candice - posted on 07/25/2010

I nursed my last baby (who is now 4 years old) until she was 2.. and I plan on the same with my oct 09 baby, maybe longer depending on how it goes. Normal weaning happens between the ages of 2- 7 years. Although not many 7 year old nurse still. I don't find it wrong at all. in the 2nd year nursing usually winds down to 1-4 times a day anyway. not an issue for me!

Sally - posted on 07/25/2010

Oh yeah. Most people are slightly lopsided naturally and nursing can make it worse if the baby prefers one side or if one side is a better producer. When I'm dry, my left is about 1/2 a cup size bigger. When I'm nursing, my right is almost 2 sizes bigger. I went back to 'my' normal when my oldest weaned and changed again with the next baby.
If it bothers you, try to get the baby to nurse more on the other side to build that side up. If that doesn't work and the difference bothers you, there are many natural looking padding options available. If you just want to look even for a couple hours for a special outfit, nurse the large size just before you dress. I often nurse or pump just before a show to make my dance costumes fit better.
Good luck

Josephine - posted on 07/25/2010

I am going for the 2yr mark also!! my lil boy loves to nurse as well, so im gonna go with the flow too. its all gud :)

Rachel - posted on 07/25/2010

Am seriously lopsided. I was first time too but went back to almost the same size.....I think if they don't though this time I might consider surgery as there is a huge difference.

Lise - posted on 07/24/2010

check out:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/...

Tammy - posted on 07/24/2010

Whatever breast you offer to your lo typically produces more milk.
My lo will be 10 mos on 2nd of Aug. I want to allow her to decide when she no longer wants to nurse. However I have a deadline for completing a training program that requires me to be out of town for a few days when she will be around 15 mos. If she is not weaned by then I can not complete it. Only time will tell! If this was not a factor 2 yrs would not even be a question for me!!

Amy - posted on 07/24/2010

Yes my right has always made more than my left, but after 4 or 5 months of nursing, it's become really obvious that they are seperate sizes! :(

Lise - posted on 07/24/2010

Does one side produce more? Is that why they're different? (Normal, btw - I used to work in lingerie and we always said boobs are sisters, not twins.)

Amy - posted on 07/24/2010

I'm so happy to have heard from you all... now I have something personal and uncomfortable to ask... anyone else severely lopsided... like me :( any hope of me going back to normal?!?!?

Natasha - posted on 07/24/2010

I'm in the exact same boat as you. Originally my goal was a year. Now I'm thinking we'll keep going. Especially after all of the things I've learned at LLL meetings about breast milk and nursing. It's pretty amazing stuff.

Lise - posted on 07/24/2010

I'm going to go with the flow. I can't even begin to imagine ending nursing soon!

Rachel - posted on 07/24/2010

Yes I'm still fully BFing Henry (born October 23) and am really proud to say he's never been given formula. Slthough I go back to work at 12 months I'm toying with the idea of continuing until after the MMR jab at about 14 months but I can't go on much longer than that as I have to take some pretty strong medication for high cholesterol. I think it's really great others are going on for this long as I feel a bit of an anomaly among mothers I know.

Erin - posted on 07/24/2010

I'm still BF-ing my son, born on Oct 23rd and he shows no signs of stopping, although he only will drink for a few minutes at a time. I'm glad because he's had severe allergic reaction to both dairy and corn products, which rules out almost all formulas. I think 2 years could be possible...

Rosa - posted on 07/24/2010

My son JC was born on the 16th. He's nursing 4-5 times a day right now, and I want to keep nursing him until he's two or we have another one, at least twice a day. I love nursing and I love how it keeps him so healthy!

Jacqueline - posted on 07/24/2010

hello
my son was born the 21st Oktober and im still breastfeending only. he never wanted a bottel or a cup and would just keep on screaming. 2 weeks ago he started drinking a little bit of tea but thats it. I would love to BF him until 2 years or even longer if i could.its much more easier and no need to worry about cleaning bottles and bying formula.

Abigail - posted on 07/23/2010

Hello so exciting to know others moms are nursing too! :) My son Teddy was born on Oct 29th and I hope to nurse for 12 months as well. Your idea about 2 times a day at the second year sounds great.

Sally - posted on 07/23/2010

My 6 year old nursed until she was almost 4. My 9 month old will nurse as long as she wants too.
People milk doesn't magically become less nutritious to people than cows milk on your baby's 1st birthday.

Amy - posted on 07/23/2010

This is my fourth child. I nursed my first three for 17 months, 18 months and 2 1/2 years respectively. I intend to go at least 2 years with this one as well. I am a full-time working mom and the first year is kind of tough with having to pump at work twice a day. For that reason, I loved breastfeeding after a year because at that point, they were drinking regular milk during the day, so I no longer had to pump (which I really dislike). I kept nursing them morning and night after they turned a year old, then eventually cut back to just at bedtime. It was actually much more enjoyable and relaxing that second year because it was just done for bonding time, and there was no longer the inconvenience of pumping. The only issue I had was with my third son whom I nursed for 2 1/2 years. He started sucking his thumb when I quit nursing him (he had never sucked his thumb or even used a pacifer as a baby) and still does so at age 4 1/2 whenever he gets tired. I think maybe nursing him that long made him develop some sort of sucking addiction or something!

Tammee - posted on 07/23/2010

hi, my daughter Lacey was born on the 7th Oct 09 and I am still feeding her and due with number 3 on the 8/10/10 and still hope to feed both children up till the age of two! I fed my son until he was 2 which were pretty much comfort feeds in the end. I am a sucker I just love those special cuddles and that look in their eye that no one else will get.

Leslie - posted on 07/22/2010

I planned on stopping at 12 months. I havn't heard the two year rule. I have always heard that you should let the baby decide. Most kids wean themselves. I don't know what i'm going to do. Just play it by ear. =)

Randi - posted on 07/20/2010

My hungry little man was born on October 12... He has been going strong (and fortunately I have this time too, with my DD I was not successful with producing after 3+ months...). I'd planned on nursing him until a year but since we are already at 9 months and we both enjoy it, I will nurse longer. I seriously doubt I will go for 2 years, but who knows. I am trying to get a job so part of what I do will be dictated by that schedule. I do not see a reason to just stop nursing at a year if both are still doing well.

Coley - posted on 07/20/2010

I was planning on 1 year, but I'm one of the unlucky moms who couldn't make enough. Since he wouldn't latch on, I pumped, and only got a couple ounces per day. I'm going to try again with the second baby anyway. Any breastmilk is better than none, IMO. I can't wait until my son is old enough to stop relying on formula.

Keep up the good work, ladies!!

Mary - posted on 07/19/2010

I am still breastfeeding also. I planned to do it for a year and I think I am going to stick to that. A year is when they are supposed to stop having bottles and start drinking normal milk so it makes sense to me. If I let my daughter wean herself she would be nursing until she was 5!! Do whatever works for you!! To me, a year is necessary and anything longer than that is a bonus!!

Donielle - posted on 07/18/2010

I'm following WHO guidelines which is 2 years, so I plan on 2 years unless she weans herself earlier.



It's not likely that your baby would self-wean before a year. Weaning is just basically slowly moving from milk to solids, so technically the weaning process has started. But until they are a year old, their main source of nutrition should be breastmilk or formula. I would describe weaning as not wanting and taking out feedings. Though remember that some babies will go on nursing-strikes, but these only last a few days. I would recommend looking on the La Leche League website for more info,

Amy - posted on 07/16/2010

Hi Moms! I'm glad there are more of you like me out there! Question: What really is weaning? If my daughter were to self wean before she was a year, wouldn't I still have to bottle feed her (pumped breast milk, or formula)?

Melanie - posted on 07/16/2010

im planning on having another baby so im stopping at a year.

Jennifer - posted on 07/16/2010

I nursed my ds for much longer than two years (I won't say how long to avoid freaking you guys out), but I think my daughter will probably self-wean a lot sooner since she's really a daddy's girl and not at all attached to nursing. Who knows but I think we'll be lucky to make it to two years.

Cassandra - posted on 07/16/2010

Hey my lil Audrey was also born on the 17th! I'm still happily nursing her and plan to just see how it goes. With her older brother I nursed him until he was 22 months old. After he turned 1 I went back to school so he only nursed 3 times a day and by the time he was 18 months it was down to twice a day.

Leslie - posted on 07/16/2010

I am planning on my son weaning himself. I pray he goes for 2 years. So far we are still going strong.

Belinda - posted on 07/16/2010

Hey there,

I was also going to BF for 1 year but i'm now aiming on just cutting down in the 2nd year & just going with the flow of it :D