Allowing my toddler to re-start breastfeeding

[bubbamummy]

I am pregnant and fully, 100% intend to breastfeed my new baby. My son was breastfed until he was a year (I wish we'd be able to do it longer) I have my suspicions that ds (who will be 26months when the baby arrives) *may* want to breastfeed again (also...he may not too and thats fine).

I have made it clear that if he wants to, im not going to stop him, what does it matter?

My DH was gobsmacked that id even entertain the idea, he was disgusted and told me I was weird My family have the same opinion.

It has even been suggested its along the lines of molestation and I have issues for even thinking it might be OK

Has anyone had any experience of this? I mean, he could very well not even want to, and thats fine, im in no way going to coerce him into it, or even suggest it, but if he wants to then...isnt that OK?

Am I a freak?

[pbjmama]

It sounds like breastfeeding is out of the normal realm for your family. If it comes up again you might suggest that you are not going to force it, just like you can't force a child to eat or sleep. And the AAP is on your side - I believe the 2005 statement says something like breastfeeding is not show to have a negative psychological effect in studies up to age 3.5 (and over that age I think there are not studies existing). I scanned it over but couldn't find it, maybe you have time to read it all
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org...rics;115/2/496

another thought - is it the breast part that bothers family? what if you pumped some milk?

[bubbamummy]

Thankyou.

Im not sure what the 'issue' is they were fully supportive of me BF my son for a year. I guess they are not too into the 'extended' BF thing.

[etsdtm99]

i don't see anything wrong with it - though i would be surprised if he wanted to nurse again after a year+ -- more than just a few times to try it. i did know one little girl who did that.. though she was weaned at 10ish months and started nursing again at 18 mo. (after a pregnancy)

my family also was very supportive of nursing a baby, but told me they thought it was weird after a year.. then when she turned one and i didn't wean they got use to the idea.. and then she didn't wean until she was 3 ..and now they expect the same with DS.. i think they probably would have flipped out on me had i weaned and then un-weaned.. your family is probably just shocked.. i would work on convincing your DH and leave everyone else out of it..

[Shanny2032]

I agree that I would be surprised if he wanted to do any more than "try" again. If he does that there is no need to tell anyone as it will most likely be a quiet moment between you and your children. I see absolutely nothing wrong with it and think you would be sending him a mixed message if you said NO. Be sure to talk to him about how he had Mama Milky when he was a baby as well so he knows he got "the goods" too! I know it's hard but don't let their judgement change your natural insincts to respond to your childs very normal curiosity.