I won’t sugarcoat it; I used to look down on mothers who breastfed their toddlers. Honestly, I was oblivious to the fact that a baby officially becomes a “toddler” upon turning one. To me, breastfeeding was for infants, not for kids who could walk or hold a conversation. But then, I became a mother, and everything changed.
Before entering motherhood, I had a completely different outlook on life. You can’t truly grasp the immense responsibility of caring for a child—or the accompanying fears—until you’re in the thick of it. I had no right to judge other women; I was unprepared for what was to come.
This tiny human demands your undivided attention, regardless of the hour. If it’s 2 a.m., they need to eat or just want to be comforted, and it’s hard to blame them. They’re innocent souls reliant on you for their survival. When you’re the one breastfeeding, all the pressure is on you. Sure, I pumped occasionally so my partner could give our baby a bottle, but that process can be a real time sink.
You can’t fully understand the anxiety that washes over you when you bring home this little one, knowing their well-being hinges on you (and your partner, family, etc.). As they grow, new worries crop up, but breastfeeding becomes a protective shield, allowing you to pass on crucial antibodies and provide balanced nutrition. Plus, as noted by the Mayo Clinic, breastfeeding beyond the first year can reduce risks of various health issues, including breast and ovarian cancer. In a world filled with uncertainties, why wouldn’t a mom want to breastfeed as long as possible?
During my pregnancy, I was determined to exclusively breastfeed. I stand by the idea that fed is best; yet if breastfeeding is an option, it’s often best for your baby’s health. I was fortunate to have a smooth start, but then reality hit.
The challenges of nursing, compounded by my anxiety, made it tough. I found myself berating my abilities and worrying that Parker wasn’t nursing enough, which would somehow compromise his health. It’s a tough gig. Both of our bodies were adjusting to something entirely new, and bumps in the road were inevitable. My anxiety had me spiraling into worst-case scenarios. I desperately wanted to exclusively breastfeed, convinced that formula was a lesser option—even though I thrived on a mix of breast milk and formula as a baby.
I had this notion that breastfeeding was the sole path, which I realized was influenced by societal expectations and the pressures we women impose on ourselves to embody the “perfect mother.” We often prioritize our children to the point of neglecting our own well-being. I’m certainly guilty of this. I have to remind myself that taking care of myself is sometimes what’s best for my child.
Fast forward to today, and my commitment to exclusive breastfeeding has paid off. Parker is nearing 13 months, and we’re still going strong. I can’t fathom stopping anytime soon. Eventually, I’ll transition away from breastfeeding before we consider having another child, although I know some women choose to continue breastfeeding while pregnant.
Now, I’m the mom with a walking, talking toddler who still nurses. Parker shows no signs of wanting to cut back on our 2-3 daily sessions, and honestly, neither do I.
So, I leave you with this thought: Who are we to judge another woman’s choices, especially when it comes to her and her child’s well-being? If you want to learn more about the process of home insemination, check out this excellent resource. And for those looking into at-home options, consider visiting this page for valuable insights.
In summary, my journey from critic to supporter of extended breastfeeding has taught me valuable lessons about understanding and acceptance. Ultimately, every mother must make choices based on her unique situation and what’s best for her child.
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