Any other nursing mamas out there?

[muppet729]

I have a nursing 2.5yo and about half of the people that I've told about this pregnancy want to know if I'll wean her off the breast or out of our bed or rather- WHEN- I'll do those things. Just wondered if anyone else has had this discussion or thought about it.

[Leilalu]

My thoughts?
:D
it's really not up to them:p
There is no need to kick the older out of the family bed anytime soon.Placement arrangements will need to be made for safety in the first months, but it can be done. dd still sleeps on one side of me, ds on the other.

And the nursing-it is a special relationship between you and your child. When you wean, you lose a special bond forever. You really do. I wouldn't push weaning but rather nurse like you always have, and let the child decide.

[Lizzo]

I am! DS is only 14 months...so i'll go as long as he wants.
He bit me today though and I handeled it badly...I feel really bad.
I kind of feel like if they need it, they'll want it.
But I worry about breast tenderness b/c I get it bad, even though they hurt, but not when he is nursing.
Good luck!

[JunieMoon]

I'm still nursing also. DS is nearing 3 in a few months. I did set some boundaries when I found out I was pregnant. In the last month or so he's started cutting out nursings on his own, so I just reinforced them. We only nurse in the morning, at naptime and bedtime. I think I can handle 3 times a day. Any more than that and I dream about weaning. I cannot imagine not nursing him though. It would be so sad because I know it means a lot to him. If he weans on his own during this pregnancy it will be bitter sweet, but I cannot fathom that happening. :wink

[naturegirl]

I just found out I am pregnant (I think) and am still nursing my 22 month old a lot. I have to admit that I worry some about m/c (had one before ds) as well as a weight problem. I really need to gain about 20 lbs. For those reasons I have considered greatly reducing nursing to daytime only however I am still nursing at nightime. I may still nightime wean in the near future, if my pregnancy is confirmed 100%. I think it all depends on your situation, your health, the age of your child, etc. I have known moms with younger babes that have nursed through the whole pregnancy and then tandem nursed with no problems at all. I have also known moms whose babes weaned themselves as the pregnancy got further along. It is a personal decision that one needs to feel comfortable with and not feel pressured into.

As far as the co-sleeping goes, I have no idea what we are going to do either. Just go day by day I think and see what happens! Keeping everyone safe of course. :wink

Good luck and congratulations!

[jee'smom]

when i was pg with ds, i was nursing dd (she was 15 mo.). people used to ask me if i was going to wean her, i'd say "ARE YOU NUTS?!!! and take away the BEST way to get her to sleep!!!" those same people used to call me after the birth of their babies and complain how tired they were b/c when the baby slept, they were up with the toddler, or when the toddler slept, they were up with the newborn. i'd think/say "yeah, everyday, i nurse the baby, he'd fall asleep, i roll over, nurse the toddler, she falls asleep, and we'd ALL sleep for about 3 hours!!! if either woke up, i'd roll over and nurse them back to sleep... it was heaven to my postpartum body and mind!" :thumb (by the way, i went into pre-term labor with dd at 29.5 wks. i was told to wean her ASAP when i became pg with ds. i decided to wean her down to about 2 times/ day (and 1-2X/night) over the course of 4-5 mo. in the event that i HAD to wean her completely, it wouldn't be as traumatic. it ended up causing some contractions, but not nearly as bad as sex caused, so i kept on nursing her, and he was born 2 days before his due date; no problems... as a matter of fact, one of my OB's "caught" me nursing her with my big pg belly. i was like "i guess i'm busted huh?" he goes "oh that... that's not going to cause any contractions significant enough to start labor, don't worry about it!" just some inspiration to people who this has happened to.)

[ibusymomto5]

I just found out I'm pregnant, and I'm still nursing my 13mo. I don't plan on weaning her. Most of my babies have lost interest sometime between 18-24mo., so I wouldn't be surprised if she does the same.

Does the milk supply drop or change taste during pregnancy?

[ibusymomto5]

when i was pg with ds, i was nursing dd (she was 15 mo.). people used to ask me if i was going to wean her, i'd say "ARE YOU NUTS?!!! and take away the BEST way to get her to sleep!!!" those same people used to call me after the birth of their babies and complain how tired they were b/c when the baby slept, they were up with the toddler, or when the toddler slept, they were up with the newborn. i'd think/say "yeah, everyday, i nurse the baby, he'd fall asleep, i roll over, nurse the toddler, she falls asleep, and we'd ALL sleep for about 3 hours!!! if either woke up, i'd roll over and nurse them back to sleep... it was heaven to my postpartum body and mind!" :thumb (by the way, i went into pre-term labor with dd at 29.5 wks. i was told to wean her ASAP when i became pg with ds. i decided to wean her down to about 2 times/ day (and 1-2X/night) over the course of 4-5 mo. in the event that i HAD to wean her completely, it wouldn't be as traumatic. it ended up causing some contractions, but not nearly as bad as sex caused, so i kept on nursing her, and he was born 2 days before his due date; no problems... as a matter of fact, one of my OB's "caught" me nursing her with my big pg belly. i was like "i guess i'm busted huh?" he goes "oh that... that's not going to cause any contractions significant enough to start labor, don't worry about it!" just some inspiration to people who this has happened to.)



This is a good testimony to hear! So how is it having 2 that close together? My youngest and this baby will be about 21mo apart.

[TR's_mummy]

I'm nursing a 14 month old. I don't plan to wean him. Right now, he's down to just nursing at naptime & bedtime. Two months ago, he was nursing 8 times a day, so I think he might already be weaning himself!

[Leilalu]

Mine were 19 months apart. Hard at first, I won't lie. But so worth it when they get older. Mine play together like best friends ...mostly. I think close age gaps are good for long term relationships.

When dd weaned during my pregnancy(I was drinking lots of soy, which I think caused my milk to stop) it was so hard ot get her calm, or to sleep.

[ibusymomto5]

When dd weaned during my pregnancy(I was drinking lots of soy, which I think caused my milk to stop) it was so hard ot get her calm, or to sleep.


So soy can dry up milk? I usually try to drink soy protein shakes during pregnancy, so maybe I should try a different kind...

[fljen]

Just found out today that we're pregnant and I'm still nursing my 2.5yo ds. Not planning on stopping, that's for sure, but my mom has already said that tandem nursing is absolutely disgusting. I have told her point blank that she's never to say anything to my ds about it though, tough part is that she lives 2.8 miles from my house, lovely... Should be interesting ;)

[ibusymomto5]

Just found out today that we're pregnant and I'm still nursing my 2.5yo ds. Not planning on stopping, that's for sure, but my mom has already said that tandem nursing is absolutely disgusting. I have told her point blank that she's never to say anything to my ds about it though, tough part is that she lives 2.8 miles from my house, lovely... Should be interesting ;)


Congratulations to you!!

[JunieMoon]

So soy can dry up milk? I usually try to drink soy protein shakes during pregnancy, so maybe I should try a different kind...

I've never heard that soy dries up milk. I never had a problem. I've always had an abundant supply and drink soy protein shakes also. I do feel that there are better sources of protein though and am going to try out a rice protein shake this pregnancy.

[ibusymomto5]

I've never heard that soy dries up milk. I never had a problem. I've always had an abundant supply and drink soy protein shakes also. I do feel that there are better sources of protein though and am going to try out a rice protein shake this pregnancy.


Hmm.. maybe I'll look into rice protein shakes as well. Thanks for the info.:wink

[NCMommax2]

Still nursing a 17 month old!

I am a bit worried though- I am scared I will lose my milk too soon thus, losing my instant sleep inducer!

[Leilalu]

So soy can dry up milk? I usually try to drink soy protein shakes during pregnancy, so maybe I should try a different kind...

at a LLL meeting recently , the leader was telling me that a possible reason could be that in the presence of estrogen, your body stops producing milk. Something to that affect. So, a certain amount of estrogen will cause your body to stop. Since I was pregnant(one strike agaisnt nursing) AND drinking soy(plant estrogens,two strikes) it seems my chances of success in tandem nursing were slim.

I feel hopeful this time around that maybe I can continue until the end.:)

Hemp protein seems the safest so far to me.

[ibusymomto5]

at a LLL meeting recently , the leader was telling me that a possible reason could be that in the presence of estrogen, your body stops producing milk. Something to that affect. So, a certain amount of estrogen will cause your body to stop. Since I was pregnant(one strike agaisnt nursing) AND drinking soy(plant estrogens,two strikes) it seems my chances of success in tandem nursing were slim.

I feel hopeful this time around that maybe I can continue until the end.:)

Hemp protein seems the safest so far to me.


I've never heard of Hemp protein. Will my local healthfood store have it, or do you have to order it online?

[jee'smom]

with the kids 24 mo. apart, it was a little hard at first; but so worth it! :thumb

[Leilalu]

I've never heard of Hemp protein. Will my local healthfood store have it, or do you have to order it online?

Whole Foods has it sometimes, but you'll pay through the nose. Azure Standard is where I get it a bit cheaper.

So far as I know it is safe. and a good way to get protein other than in soy or whey.

[lisa2976]

Hi, just tested today (though I've known for a bit now)... dd is 16 months old and in the last week has taken a major interest (and demand) in food since my supply crashed. She still nurses pretty often, and asks for milk often, and nurses to sleep and twice during the night.

I'm seriously considering nightweaning her sometime this summer, mostly because my friends who cosleep and tandem nurse have toddlers who wake far too often at night and nurse more and more... my dd is already a poor sleeper and would love to nurse every hour.

Otherwise, I intend to let her to lead the rest of the weaning process.

[p1gg1e]

I just found out I'm pregnant. My DD is 23 months and nurses 5-7x a day (24hours)

I cant belive I'm doing this really! My mom nursed us till we were 2 but never through a pregnancy.... Kinda a new thing. I'm glad my parents are cool :thumb

[octobermom]

I have a 3 year 7 month old who just officially self weaned. She been really cutting back over the last few month be getting pregnant may have given her that final little nudge KWIM? I'm happy she did it on her terms.

Deanna
Offically nursed 3years 7 months and 4 days :lol

[HeatherKae]

I'm still nursing my 2.5 year old son all day, all night. He nurses more now than he did a year ago. I plan on encouraging him to wean when he turns 3.

[Rainbow2911]

My dd will be two later this month and is still a total booby monster! I am hoping that she will nurse through this pregnancy. I can't really see her quitting - she is very determined! I am just hoping that it doesn't get too uncomfortable as I have been getting a little antsy with her nursing at certain times of the month anyway.... :irked: especially at 6am which is when she likes to come a climb on me for breakfast!

[reezley]

I'm six weeks pg and nursing my 19-mo-old ds allll the time. For a few months he kind of forgot to ask during the day so only nursed a few times during the day (and a few times at night), but lately - since I'm pg?? - he asks to nuhse many times during the day, and a few at night. He's not as interested in food, either. Maybe he's picking up on my desire to cut down a bit and resisting it? Maybe it's the pregnancy? Maybe he's teething?? I'm going to wait it out and see if wants to slow down a bit as he gets nearer to 2 years old.... Nice to hear others' stories and the encouragement for tandem nursing. Interesting to think about.

[NCMomworld]

My dd will be three this month and we are still nursing. I have started to limit a little at night. I nurse her on demand, but will count (slowly ... 1, 2, 3) and she will pull off and turn over. I nursed through my 2nd and 3rd pregnancy and it was fine. Ellie is older than her siblings were when I was pregnant before, so we'll see how long she keeps going.

[ekblad9]

I have nursed through two pregnancies, tandem nursed, and will likely nurse through this entire pregnancy as well. I don't know that I'm sold on tandem nursing again but will if baby wants/needs to. People freaked out the first time I did it but haven't even asked me this time. Guess I was rude enough the first time, LOL.

[stretchmark]

I'm nursing too, a 27 month old.
No one knows we're pregnant yet so i don't have to deal with comments.

[MaricopaMom]

I am still nursing my son. He's 3 yrs 3 months. He's weaned A LOT over the past 9 months or so. He only nurses in the AM and most nights nurses to sleep. He has gone several full days here and there with no nursing at all. I am pretty sure my milk is pretty much dried up... so it will be interesting to see what he does when my colostrum starts! :)

No one knows I am pregnant... so there haven't been any comments yet. :)

[kayjayjay]

:wave

Newly pg here and nursing my almost 2yo. No plans to wean. DD#2 nursed through my last pregnancy, and weaned right before baby was born, so I've nursed through one pregnancy but never tandem nursed before. She was 3 1/2 and probably ready but DD#3 will only be 2 1/2 so I'm hoping she doesn't wean.

I think nursing my 3yo over my big pg belly in front of MIL was the bravest thing I've ever done, but I haven't gotten any comments or questions since.:lol

[tls]

Hello there. My DS will be 3 in August. He comfort nurses, nurses when tired and nurses through the night. Recently he has been waking every 2 hours to nurse which is killing me since I'm exhausted already. My breasts are also getting very sore either from the pregnancy or from all the extra nursing. We're gonna ride this out and see what happens but at some point in the next 8 months I'm going to gently encourage him into his own bed and to wean. I tandem nursed with DD and him for a few months after he was born but it really wore me out. We'll see how things go, I won't force him to wean but there will be many gentle suggestions to do something else :). Also have to try and fit potty training in there as well. Well see how things go in the next 8 months. I'll probably be looking back here saying "what the heck was I thinking having a weaned, potty trained 3 year old in his own bed" :wink

[mamabear&babybear]

I'll probably be looking back here saying "what the heck was I thinking having a weaned, potty trained 3 year old in his own bed" :lol


I just found out today that I am pregnant. DD will be 2 at the end of July. We are also working on potty training and are discussing moving our dd to her own bed in our room. Honestly, I told dh that I couldn't do it for awhile; I'm too tired. :lol I don't have plans to wean although my nipples feel like they are on fire when dd nurses. I'm jealous of those who say it only hurts when they latch on. Mine hurt the whole time.

[Jmkteach]

It's nice to see so many other mothers with babies close together. However, I think I am the closest this time ~ so far. My little ones will be 15 months apart! I'm freaking out a little, because we didn't plan this. But we did want more babies...so we are starting to get use to the idea.

I'm currently nursing my 7 mo. old. I have to tell you the truth, I feel a little queasy everytime he latches on. He's pretty much quit nursing during the day ~ only nurses at nap times (he eats cereal or fruits or veggies 3 times a day ~ He's also started drinking water and juice from a sippy cup). He nurses all night, though. He's been sleeping in bed with DH and I and will wake up and cry and cry until I get him latched on. Nothing else works...he's not interested in anything else. Which is fine, except the making me queasy thing.

Any suggestions on what to do to not feel so queasy when he nurses? I'm trying to drink extra water...so I don't dehydrate...but haven't thought of anything else.

[MaricopaMom]

Any suggestions on what to do to not feel so queasy when he nurses? I'm trying to drink extra water...so I don't dehydrate...but haven't thought of anything else.

Have you read "Adventures in Tandem Nursing"? It's an awesome book, and talks about nursing during pregnancy. The author is Hilary Flower. I can't remember nitty gritty stuff (I read it over 2 years ago, when we started TTC - AF took 24 months to return!), but it does talk about how to deal with your nursling. :)

[ibusymomto5]

Have you read "Adventures in Tandem Nursing"? It's an awesome book, and talks about nursing during pregnancy. The author is Hilary Flower. I can't remember nitty gritty stuff (I read it over 2 years ago, when we started TTC - AF took 24 months to return!), but it does talk about how to deal with your nursling. :)


Thanks for this suggestion! I'm going to try and track this book down and read it. I need a little encouragement with the thought of tandem nursing. I'd like to allow dd to nurse after the baby gets here if she is not ready to wean, but I'm a little apprehensive at the thought of it. Then again, most of my babies have weaned themselves shortly after 18mos, so it may not matter if dd does the same.

[mamabear&babybear]

For those of you who have btdt, when did your supply drop? I'm only 4 weeks 3 days, but I seem to have more milk than usual.

[kayjayjay]

Well, my pg brain fog keeps me from remembering anything about my pregancies in any detail.:lol I do think it was more like 5-6 mos along when my supply noticeably dropped. DD#2 kept nursing even when the supply was practically gone, and it was really hard to take, but she eventually gave up. When DD#3 came and my milk was in, DD#2 asked me if she and the baby could share nursing. I said sure, but she didn't want to nurse, just wanted to know if she still could. Very sweet.

[mamabear&babybear]

Well, my pg brain fog keeps me from remembering anything about my pregancies in any detail.:lol I'm glad that I'm not the only one. I don't remember much of anything from the first 3 months of my pregnancy. I think it was due to the awful morning sickness. :Puke

I do think it was more like 5-6 mos along when my supply noticeably dropped. DD#2 kept nursing even when the supply was practically gone, and it was really hard to take, but she eventually gave up. When DD#3 came and my milk was in, DD#2 asked me if she and the baby could share nursing. I said sure, but she didn't want to nurse, just wanted to know if she still could. Very sweet.

That is so sweet!! I don't think I would mind tandem nursing though my husband is pretty set on weaning. :( Lucky for dd, this is something I am ready to fight tooth and nail.:lol

[MaricopaMom]

I don't think I would mind tandem nursing though my husband is pretty set on weaning.

What is it about men?? My husband has been saying the same thing the past couple days. I have no intention of weaning... I told him it's not up to me.. it's up to DS. ;)

[Joyful Mama]

okay, now i'm worried. DS is almost 16 months and still nursing fine, but i'm pregnant AND drink soy (i'm vegan) ... anything i can do? i REALLY don't want him to wean because of the pregnancy :(

[JunieMoon]

Judah'sMommy can you drink almond or rice milk?

[velveeta]

For those of you who have btdt, when did your supply drop? I'm only 4 weeks 3 days, but I seem to have more milk than usual. Well, from what I have read, *some* mothers experience an increase! Not everyone dries up, so it does vary. I think we are somewhere in between.

My DS (3 yo) was naturally cutting down anyway. I am 8 weeks today, and my M/S and dizziness were so severe that I actually cut him back to just wakeup and nighttime. (okay, and if he was hurt or crying :o ). I did this on the advice of my acupuncturist (herself a nursing mom of a 2 yo). Now, I want to add that I had actually passed out a couple of times, and was worried about doing so when my DH wasn't home. As soon as I cut down on nursing, the dizziness stopped. Well, and I am also getting acupuncture treatments, as well (which I HIGHLY recommend).

When I am feeling stronger, maybe by 12 weeks? I plan to let DS nurse as much as he wants. But, for now, the nausea is preventing me from ramping up on good nutrition, so we are in a weird state.

Just wanted to add my kind of unusual experience. Honestly, I don't know what I would do without nursing as a way to help my son deal with stress.

He says that he has a baby in his belly, too, and that *he* is going to nurse both his baby and my baby. :lol

Jean

[mamabear&babybear]

Honestly, I don't know what I would do without nursing as a way to help my son deal with stress.
I don't know what I'll do if I have to stop or at least cut down on nursing either. She is pretty dependent on her before bedtime milk. I had fairly severe m/s with dd and am terrified that I won't be able to nurse her. I already feel a bit queasy when she is on my lap.:(

He says that he has a baby in his belly, too, and that *he* is going to nurse both his baby and my baby. :lol
That is cute!! My dd just last night pointed to my belly button and said "mama baby", pointed to her own belly button and said. "baby", and then pointed to my dh's belly button and said, "dada baby". :lol My dh calmly explained that dada and dd do not have babies, just mama.

[timneh_mom]

I will have to go back and read this thread, but I am 6 weeks pg with my second and DS still is an avid nurser - we cosleep too when he has the need.. he lets us know when he doesn't want to sleep alone. He is totally not ready to wean at all... so I am hoping we can both cope with this pregnancy and make it to tandem nursing! He's only 19 months old. Thankfully I've got LOTS of supportive LLL friends so I can ward off the naysayers!