C.A.
Hi J.,
I nursed my daughter until she self weaned just before she turned 3.5. I nursed throughout my second pregnancy and tandem nursed for several months after my son was born. Weaning will happen!!! I think you should continue nursing for as long as BOTH you and your son enjoy it. If you feel it is time to end, then encourage it, if you really don't mind then let it continue. There are so many benefits to nursing a toddler/preschooler. In regards to an earlier response, I have to say that your milk changes to meet the needs of your child preemie/infant/twins/toddlers/preschoolers. Your milk changes with your child, so in other words whole milk is not better for your child than your breast milk. At the end of our nursing period my daughter was only nursing in the mornings and at night time and occasionally during the day. When I became pregnant I limited her, because I was uncomfortable. When mys on was born I kind of gave her free range ( made sure baby nursed first ). By having her nurse it really helped with my encouragement and I think it also helped her adjust to the new baby because it was something they shared and had in common. Please contact me if I can be of any help, enjoy your time nursing, before you know it your son will be done and you will find yourself missing it. =) Good luck. - C.
In addition I responded to the individual who was surprised about nursing beyond the age of 1. I thought this might be interesting for others to know as well.
In a response to J. F you asked why she would want to nurse her 2 year old. I am including the reason why people might chose to extend breastfeeding past a year. I created this fact sheet for a toddler la leche playgroup. I hope this helps you to understand a mothers choice to breastfeed past the traditional weaning time of 1. PS. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing to at least the age of 1, or until either the mother or child feels it is time to end. Also, the World Health Organization recommends nursing until at least the age of 3.
Benefits to child
1.Provides total nutrition for toddler/preschooler. The fat and energy content of breast milk increases after the first year of age. Breast milk adapts to a toddlers developing system and provides complete nutrition for the finicky toddler.
2.Breastfeeding beyond the first year increase the physical health of a toddler. Breastfeed children develop fewer diseases/infections and recover more quickly from viruses. These immunological benefits are thought to even increase during the 2nd and 3rd years.
3.Breastfeeding beyond a year nurtures the toddler while he/she develops independence. It also supplies emotional support, comfort, and security during a time of disequilibrium.
Benefits to mother
1.Breastfeeding promotes emotional wellbeing to the mother. Prolactin helps relieve stress and promotes relaxation. Oxytocin (the hormone that stimulates letdown) promotes loving and nurturing feelings.
2.Extended breastfeeding reduces your risk of developing ovarian, uterine, and breast cancer. It also reduces your risk for diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Some research shows that nursing past 2 years of age reduces your risk by up to 25% for pre-menopausal breast cancer.
3.Extended breastfeeding helps to suppress ovulation.
4.Breastfeeding past a year allows for easier parenting. Breastfeeding helps to calm a child during a tantrum, it also encourages nap/bed time, and soothes injuries or other ailments.