I didn't think this was horrible, but . . .

[tabasco]

I have a 27-month-old DD and a 4-month-old DS. Sadly, and despite my many efforts, DD weaned while I was pregnant. Since DS was born, she has had a renewed interest in nursing. All she wants to do, though, is put her mouth on my nipple, once on each breast, and then she is finished. (I tried to teach her to latch on again and suckle, but she couldn't be convinced.) Sometimes she wants to do it several times a day, while other times she'll go a couple of days without any interest. I didn't think anything of it. I think it's sweet that she still wants to experience nursing in any shape or form. Plus, considering the couple of seconds it takes for her to 'nurse,' it would be far more work to tell her no.

Anyway, I was telling this to some acquaintances at a recent gathering, and a few people were shocked and horrified. I'm not sure why the strong reaction--if it is her age, or the fact that she already weaned--but it really surprised me. I'm not a nut, right?

[SeekingJoy]

I wonder what they would say if you were nursing her?

I don't think it is a big deal. DS did this briefly after DD was born. Nursing is about more than nutrition.

[luckysam]

No, not at all! I think it's a really good thing to do, and my oldest, who weaned at 4 1/2 mos did that when he was 2 1/2 with his new brother. I just let him do it,and he soon rediscovered why he'd quite nursing in the first place! lol I think it's very healthy for them to know that we aren't keeping anything from them that their new brother or sister gets.

Most people do get the wiggins at older kids nursing, I myself thought it was a bit odd--now my 6 and 1/2 yr old does quick 2 second latches still every once in a while, and he nursed solidly through much of his fives. Don't worry too much about it. You just educated someone and opened their mind up a bit. Most of us didn't start as liberal and open-minded as we are now.

[tabasco]

Thanks! I'm usually quite secure in my parenting, but I have never shocked anyone quite this much.

I forgot to mention that they were also weirded out that I give DD leftover pumped milk sometimes. As though I'm going to dump perfectly good BM down the drain when DD would practically sell her soul to get her hands on it.

Sigh. I have a lot of emotions about DD and nursing. I miss the connection I felt with her and still have a lot of guilt over the fact that she weaned early.

[SwanMom]

I think we are so used to older kids nursing that we forget that people are easily shocked. I'm getting to the point where if I mention DS2's nursing, people are absolutely blown away.

DS1 never nursed from me as a baby (he's my adopted son), but he wanted to try it when his brother was born. I did let him try once (and he actually latched on correctly), but it's not something I tell people (IRL ).

[Happiestever]

Sometimes my 2yo tries to get a taste. People usually look at me kinda weird anyway, so I guess everything I do will just add to that. You are not a nutter, cause if you are then I am too.

[ErikaS57]

Not weird at all! My dd never latched well and I ended up EPing. She'll be 26 months when our next is born and not only do I plan on pumping a cup of milk for her a day (gotta love those immunities!), but I wouldn't be opposed to her trying to nurse. Doubt she'd get it as she hasn't done it at all since she was 2 months old, but if she asks I'll let her try. I'm sure family members would think it odd, but I think DH would support me (I know he strongly supports the pumping a cup a day, not sure about BF'ing DD again but think he'd be open to it).

[Sheryl1678]

My DD weaned when I got pregnant as well (unfortunately). I am due any day and if she wants to start nursing again when I start lactating she is more than welcome to. She is now 3 and a half and I know my entire family breathed a huge sigh of relief when she weaned at 3....they will go nuts if she starts nursing again. I see it as resuming a great relationship and they see it as regressing (like giving a bottle to someone in kindergarten).