[Justice2]

Ok, here goes. I began relactation at 9 weeks with Kaeleb. Now, at 8 months, he only nurses for naps and at bedtime (sometimes during the day but not very often). I pump like a fool and put all that I get, drops really, into his bottles. My question is this. Should I stop at 1 year? I have these visions of nursing my toddler but maybe that isn't a reality for me. I really don't want to stop. It's such a wonderful feeling, our nursing relationship. Pumping is awful though. I haven't given up hope of nursing full time (I am the determination queen <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin">) but I know that it's a real possiblity that this is all I will be able to produce. I don't know how much he is getting, exactly, but I do know that it's more than what I am able to pump out. Do you guys think that there are still benefits from nursing after, although he wasn't nursed exclusivly? Do you guys think that it's entirely possible to nurse just for nap times and comfort and bedtime when he is two or three? Or do you guys think that I am fighting a loosing battle? Be honest (and encouraging <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">)!

 

[cat_astrophe]

I think it's mostly up to him. If he is enjoying it, then I see no reason to stop. Even a few drops is better than nothing. I admire your determination. Good luck, I'll be thinking milky thoughts for ya...

 

[captain optimism]

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<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;"><i>Originally posted by Justice2</i><br><b>Do you guys think that it's entirely possible to nurse just for nap times and comfort and bedtime when he is two or three?</b></td>
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Sure! I think a lot of moms and toddlers nurse exactly that way.<br><br>
You have been so dedicated to this relactation, it's really been wonderful that you have been so successful.

 

[Hannah's Mom]

What captain optimism said! ITA!<br><br>
Honestly, 15-month-old dd pretty much nurses just at night (usually ALL night lol) and on weekends to go down for naps and for comfort bc I am a FT WOHM. I gave up pumping when dd was almost 13 months. If Kaeleb wants to continue the nursing relationship, go for it.

 

[puppytails]

That's awesome that you relactated--good for you. You should nurse as long as you both want to!!! Also, I could NEVER pump more than a drop--so remember the amount of milk you have and the amount you pump are 2 totally different things...

 

[mom2tig99Nroo03]

its all up to the kiddo . like they said. heres a big<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up"> for you <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1">

 

[Pinky Tuscadero]

That would be the title of my bf book, if I ever wrote one. They don't call it a "nursing relationship" for nothin', y'know. He's getting so many benefits from cuddling and nursing that are not related to how much milk he does or doesn't get. Since you don't truly know how much milk he gets, just let him decide how long to continue your relationship. He may very well nurse for several years!<br>
Congrats on relactation. You're an amazing mom for doing it!<br>
Suzy

 

[Heavenly]

I am breastfeeding after reduction surgery and don't make a full supply. I make a lot more than some women on my breastfeeding after reduction list. Some of them only make a few ounces and have to use the lact-aid full time (I use it 4 times a day). It is not about the milk! I know of many women who nurse until their child is 3-5 years old and the child has only nursed twice a day since they were a year. I personally, after all the work you have put into it, would let him keep nursing as long as he wants! My baby is 11 months old and I plan to nurse her for as many years as she wants!

 

[nancg]

Go for it! It strikes me that for anyone with supply issues that 1 year is a nice time to just nurse and enjoy it and forget about the pumping or anything else. As with almost any other 1-year-old, you can just assume food is food any any nutrition from breastmilk is a bonus, but nursing has its own benefits and reasons in addition to any milk.<br><br>
Nancy