nursing past a year

[newtomotherhood]

First some background- DH and I are currently living with my parents, my mom and dad are both long haul truck drivers, as is my DH, so I am home alone with DD 90% of the time.
Now my question I plan on BF till at least two years but am seriously thinking of letting DD self wean. My mom thinks that BF past a year is not necessary and that I should wean at a year, I love my mother but she needs to understand that DD is not her daughter and that I have a right to do things my way.
How do I explain to her that BF is still necessary even past a year?

[butterfly_mommy]

Well the WHO (World Health Organization) and the Canadian pediatric society recommends Breast feeding till at least 2 years.

You can also tell her that nursing a toddler who is sick and wont eat anything for 4 days is such a relief. When that toddler has the stomach flu and can't keep anything incl water down but is still nursing is getting nutrients, water, electrolities, etc and is way less likely to become dehydrated or need to be hospitalized. For even if that toddler is throwing up after nursing that breast milk is so easily digested and absorbed that most of it will be digested in about ten minutes.

Those are just a couple of things that you can say if she is actual open to broadening her knowledge of breastfeeding past infancy. If she is not interested in that you can say "Please pass the gravy" (meaning this is not open for discussion)

Seriously I am grateful every day that my 23 month old is still nursing and I hope he decides to keep nursing for at least another year. There are so many benefits to nursing a toddler. Yes there are challenges too but the benefits IMO out way the challenges by far.

[jillmamma]

Originally Posted by butterfly_mommy

Well the WHO (World Health Organization) and the Canadian pediatric society recommends Breast feeding till at least 2 years.

You can also tell her that nursing a toddler who is sick and wont eat anything for 4 days is such a relief. When that toddler has the stomach flu and can't keep anything incl water down but is still nursing is getting nutrients, water, electrolities, etc and is way less likely to become dehydrated or need to be hospitalized. For even if that toddler is throwing up after nursing that breast milk is so easily digested and absorbed that most of it will be digested in about ten minutes.

Those are just a couple of things that you can say if she is actual open to broadening her knowledge of breastfeeding past infancy. If she is not interested in that you can say "Please pass the gravy" (meaning this is not open for discussion)

Seriously I am grateful every day that my 23 month old is still nursing and I hope he decides to keep nursing for at least another year. There are so many benefits to nursing a toddler. Yes there are challenges too but the benefits IMO out way the challenges by far.

:
My son got severely ill with a ear and throat infection at 12 months and would not eat or drink anything but mama milk for a couple of days because it hurt. I honestly believe that nursing is what kept him out of the hospital for dehydration. Not only that, but toddlers are notoriously picky eaters, and I see breastmilk as the ideal vitamin supplement whent they decide that the broccoli they used to gobble up is yucky. Also, ask her to explain to you why is milk from a cow better for a human baby/young child than human milk? I know when I was nursing a 2-3-4 year old, my mom was trying to figure out why, and that one stumped her.

[namistenicole]

I plan on nursing past a year exactly for the reasons the PPs have listed. With every virus and cold DD has had this year she has stopped eating solids and only wanted to nurse. She spent a week in the hospital in December and being able to nurse was invaluable - it helped her sleep, kept her comforted under extreme stress, and kept her hydrated.

I plan on nursing at least until the cold and flu season is over this year, she'll be about 15 months by that time. I'm hoping we'll make it until next fall when we plan on going on a long flight and vacation on the east coast, so having the option of nursing on the go would be a huge help.

[Materfamilias]

[pdxmomazon]

I always pull out the World Health Organization's recommendation that a mother breast feed for two years, then for as long as mutually desirable. Then I tell them that at 2, we'll consider weaning. What I don't tell them is that it's none of their damn business! (which of course it's not )

[newtomotherhood]

Thanks for all your advise, I hadn't thought about the possibility of DD getting sick and dehydrated, so far we've been really lucky and have not been sick much at all, I think she has had one cold, so I can't complain! But I would like to keep it that way!

I've heard BF a toddler is also really good for brain development as well.

In the end it's my choice, and I don't think DD will be very willing to give it up either. I'm the one who would have to deal with a cranky baby not her so I guess she will just have to deal!
I just hope she will keep her opinions to herself once I explain that this is just the way things are going to be.

[Shanny2032]

Her opinion is just that - her opinion. What if she had different political views? You can have a discussion with her about politics but she doesn't come in the voting booth with you. You can discuss the economy but you still decide how to spend your money and she hers.

DD turned one on 12/1 and in the last few weeks has had herpes angina (the mouth part of hand foot mouth) and then right after that double ear infection and upper respratory infections. I was SO happy I was still nursing not only because she wasn't very interested in eating (especially with ulcers in her throat!) but it is just so comforting to her. A little boy we know who is 6 weeks older was just diagnosed with RSV and I felt sad for him that he couldn't be nursed! A friend of mine whose milk has dried up is coming by today to get the 40 oz I have in my freezer because her baby has a fever and she believes in the powers of BM even if she can't still nurse.

I think that telling our Moms or Moms in law that we are doing the best we can with the knowledge we have just like they did reminds them of just that and hopefully gives us the space to raise our children our way.

[crunchy_mommy]

I imagine this is tougher because you live with her... but I outright told my mom one day, "You raised us the way you wanted to, now I will raise my son the way DH & I choose" -- in a respectful tone of course!! I've also been slowly educating her & the rest of my family on extended BF'ing and DS is nearing 1... I think they are getting more comfortable with the idea, especially as they see that he is still the same baby whether he's 11 months & 29 days or 12 months & 2 days...

You're right, it's your choice, and make sure you make that clear. I have found with my own family & in-laws that if I act confident & happy with the decisions we make, they are less likely to offer their own "advice" or argue with me.

Still, I'm anxious about their reactions if I'm still BF'ing when he's 3 or 4, but... one day at a time, right? Also, I want to "pave the way" a bit for my sister who I bet will also want to CLW if/when she settles down & has her own kids.