Nursing too often??

in 24 hours I'd say she nurses at least 14 times.

In the second year, I really puzzled over this. I saw all the other CLW mamas I knew going down to only a few nurses a day and then DC stop before 2. Mine was nursing like a newborn!

I also began to question myself about whether or not I was relying too heavily on nursing at times when perhaps my DD needed something else from me. So I just kind of experimented with seeing if other things I offered her would satisfy her needs sometimes. Both of us were testing some boundaries and limits as she moved past the age when her needs and wants were the same.

The book Mothering Your Nursing Toddler was a huge help. In fact, I still return to it for some inspiration and perspective at least once a year!

Every child's needs are different. I found that for my child, knowing that the breast was always there and available allowed her a safe place from which to make all those explorations into the world. Everyone has always commented on how self assured and independent she is.

Listen to your child's cues, and remember that every child is different. Do what's right for you and your DC.

mother nurture...My advice to you is, when you hear things like that, to smile and nod and go on doing what your instincts are telling you is right . It sounds like you and your child are doing just what you need to be doing! You could also ask them where they got their information from so that you can read their resources for yourself. (Odds are they don't have any sources and are just assuming...and uneducated about normal/natural breastfeeding relationships.)

I have an almost-3 year old and I couldn't imagine her nursing 3-4 times a day! She nurses 6+ times a day....sometimes 12 times a day. My almost-5 year old nurses about once a day. None of my nurslings have ever nursed 3-4 times a day before they reached at least 3 years old.

Most WIC employees, nurses, doctors, etc. aren't educated much (even in medical school) about the normal function of breasts, breastfeeding, etc. Some have little to no education on infant/toddler nutrition and even those that do don't usually learn about nursing during toddlerhood and get a very narrow view of what is acceptable.

Mamas...You made my day!!! It's so great to hear how your toddlers nurse regularly throughout the day. I definitely wasn't questioning anything about how we nurse. The WIC lady, definitely made me second guess myself. And...my MIL said that at this point my dh was only nursing 2 times a day when he was younger. Thanks for reminding me to follow my daughter and my needs and not worry about others. Eventhough I know these things...some times I need that kick in the butt to wake up!!!

Certainly nice to know you're not alone. My 18 m.o. is still nursing a bunch during the day, totally on demand, but I think a lot of it is, as a p[revious poster said, a way to get my attention so I have to stop and focus on DS. If you're toddler isn't drinking cow's milk, they need that fat/protein/etc from you