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Nursing more after illness

post #1 of 2
Thread Starter 

Cross posted in 'Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy':

Previous to last week my 16 month old was nursing before naps (2/day), before bed, and through the night. This was perfect for both of us- I didnt have to pump at work, and it was a managable number of nursing sessions for the both of us.

Last week she came down with her first real illness- fever, earache, decreased appetite and lethargy. I nursed her as often as she asked, for reasons of comfort, nutrition, and hydration.

Now that she is better, she continues to ask just as frequently. When I tell her "You may have milky before your nap" it's met with lots of tears, which I cannot handle. I cannot let her cry over withholding ME. So, I end up giving in, which is why I'm posting. I know I cannot continue the she asks, I say no, she cries, so I give in cycle!

I offer snuggles, drinks and snacks which seems to make no difference.

It took a little gentle persuasion to get to where we were before. I never let her bawl though. Am I back to square one, or should just go back to how things were automatically?

I feel sad and frustrated. I know you ladies can offer good advice. Thanks in advance :)   

post #2 of 2

Why say no? Why are you sad and frustrated? You say nursing less was perfect for both of you. It may have been perfect for you at the time but it's not perfect for either of you now. It's better for the toddler to nurse often and easier for you. Try to surrender to biology (don't think of it as surrendering to your child's will) and enjoy nursing. What non-adult reason is there to refuse to breastfeed your toddler.

 

You realize there is a problem with her having to have lots of tears for you to give in a breastfeed. I think you think you are rewarding lots of tears. I see the problem as you being conflicted with what you think breastfeeding a toddler should be like in our society vs your child's biological needs. Even if your child isn't sick she still has the need for human milk. Some toddlers nurse as often as some people nurse their babies.

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