20mo nursing very sporadically - wondering what happens when the baby's born

[pampered_mom]

Dd was still nursing quite a bit just before I got pregnant (a total surprise) earlier this year. During my first trimester I had to limit nursing quite a bit because it got to be more than I could handle. I had thought that as I got further along in my pregnancy that dd would begin nursing more often, but it seems now like she's just about stopped altogether.

She'll still ask to nurse here and there (maybe twice a month) - most recently when she and dh were looking at my "Mothering" magazine and she saw a baby nursing. I feel a bit badly about the fact that she is no longer nursing as I had always envisioned that she would continue far beyond this point.

I have very little supply - if any, but know once the baby is born I will likely have plenty to spare. I really do think that her no longer nursing has contributed to some of the issues we've been having as it really does seem like it's something she still needs (especially for her immune system).

So I'm wondering...after the baby's born and my supply is back up is it reasonable to expect that she'll resume nursing?

[Nicci P]

DS was 26m when DS2 was born. At that point he had cut down to 1ce a day. As soon as DS2 came DS1 wanted to nurse every time the baby did! At first I let it happen to reduce any jealousy issues but after a month I explained to him that baby needs milk but he can eat "big boy food". Now he just has 1 morning feed and 1 bedtime one. I think the shock of sharing boobies is the issue more than milk supply.

[pbjmama]

If you would like her to continue to nurse I would offer more often. Not sure how close you are to your due date if it is next month then yes it sounds like she could get back to the breast. If it is in 4 months it might be harder.

Nothing like a toddler nursing to relieve engorgement or get a plug out. I highly recommend it!

[Jennbee]

I agree about offering more often before the baby comes, that way she won't forget how. My toddler was 18 months old when baby was born and she hadn't nursed in about 2 months, so it took her a while to relearn how to nurse. There were some painful moments while she was relearning.