1. So does she like, drink real milk?
Like, yes she does. Breast milk is real milk. You know, milk specifically designed for our children to custom fit their needs, which change day by day. That doesn’t change at midnight the day they turn one.
2. If they can ask for it, they’re too old.
Actually it makes it so much easier when they can communicate their desire to nurse. Not that I don’t love playing, “guess what my toddler needs” in the middle of a meltdown.
3. Are you ever going to wean her?
Nah, I think it will be my strategy to keep her from ever leaving the nest. Can’t leave for college if you still need to nurse!
4. Do you even allow her to drink anything else?
Not in this house she won’t! If she doesn’t want to nurse she can just go thirsty. No water for you!
5. Aren’t you sick of nursing?
It changes daily. Some days the thought of being touched another minute makes my jaw instantly clench. Other days I bask in the beautiful bond we have established through our breastfeeding journey. Some days I get really excited when she drinks more goats milk and doesn’t nurse much, other days it gives me a little twinge of sadness as it’s one more sign my little girl is growing up.
Still think extended breastfeeding is weird? Let me drop a little knowledge on you real quick.
In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breast milk provides:
29% of energy requirements
43% of protein requirements
36% of calcium requirements
75% of vitamin A requirements
76% of folate requirements
94% of vitamin B12 requirements
60% of vitamin C requirements
— Dewey 2001
The reality is, your breastfeeding journey is yours and yours alone. Whether it lasts 12 days or 2 years. Be proud of your journey and for making whatever decisions best suit YOUR child.
Dirty Toes and Mommy Prose 