[email protected]

In a message dated 6/23/2007 1:39:34 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
asmb65@... writes:

From someone who is nursing a 2 1/2 and 5 1/2 year old, I may change
the word "infant" in your tag-line though! Just kidding but I really
hope the day comes when the general public sees toddlers and young
children nursing as the biological norm as well (it used to be).

Susan


Susan, I just HAVE to say how glad I am to meet another person nursing their
young child! I'm tandeming my 4-almost-5 year old and his sister, who is 2
next month. Sometimes I have some serious nursing aversion happening, and I'm
always on the look-out for people to talk about it with who's first reaction
won't be "Wean!!!" I am lucky to know 2 in person and a person or two
online...I hope I can add you to my list of Breastfeeding Friends, lol. I am sure of
my feelings to have child-lead weaning, but it's such a lonely road at times.
Thanks for commenting on the wonderful Gramma Alice's siggy line (I love it
too and am happy seeing it).

Karen



************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Flo and Andy

Hi! I'm Flo and I'm new here-I have a 4 year old son and an almost 3 (in a
week) year old daughter-who is still nursing-which is what inspired me to
comment! We live in the Baltimore area, and I know several families that
are nursing or tandem nursing toddlers and preschoolers-you are definitely
not alone! And I totally agree-I wish it wasn't perceived as "shocking" to
nurse past a year-we've had to keep our continued nursing kind of quiet
around the extended family, just to keep comments to a minimum.



Flo



_____

From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Kidgie@...
Sent: Saturday, June 23, 2007 4:52 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] WAS: Re: McD's NOW: Bfeeding, lol!




In a message dated 6/23/2007 1:39:34 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
asmb65@yahoo. <mailto:asmb65%40yahoo.ca> ca writes:

From someone who is nursing a 2 1/2 and 5 1/2 year old, I may change
the word "infant" in your tag-line though! Just kidding but I really
hope the day comes when the general public sees toddlers and young
children nursing as the biological norm as well (it used to be).

Susan

Susan, I just HAVE to say how glad I am to meet another person nursing their

young child! I'm tandeming my 4-almost-5 year old and his sister, who is 2
next month. Sometimes I have some serious nursing aversion happening, and
I'm
always on the look-out for people to talk about it with who's first reaction

won't be "Wean!!!" I am lucky to know 2 in person and a person or two
online...I hope I can add you to my list of Breastfeeding Friends, lol. I am
sure of
my feelings to have child-lead weaning, but it's such a lonely road at
times.
Thanks for commenting on the wonderful Gramma Alice's siggy line (I love it
too and am happy seeing it).

Karen

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol
<http://www.aol.com> com.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[email protected]

In a message dated 6/23/2007 3:14:20 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
afjmichel@... writes:

We live in the Baltimore area, and I know several families that
are nursing or tandem nursing toddlers and preschoolers-you are definitely
not alone! And I totally agree-I wish it wasn't perceived as "shocking" to
nurse past a year-we've had to keep our continued nursing kind of quiet
around the extended family, just to keep comments to a minimum.





thanks, flo! that helps support the baltimore-family,huh??!! ;)



************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

oum rayan

Got another long-term breastfeeding Mom to add to your list! My 4.8yo son 'officially' breastfed until he was 2yrs, but consistently requested nursing until -well- today I only began weaning him for the sake of comfort, as he began chewing instead of suckling, and my blessed nursing experience was becoming too painful to endure sanely. Nevertheless, he has never really stopped nursing entirely. I see it as a comfort to him unlike any other, and see no reason to take that away.
Funny, I called my MIL/FIL who've had/nursed 11 children+wet-nursed 4 more, during the time I planned to start weaning to ask 'When are they ready to stop nursing?' My FIL replied, "Never...when he is 21 and has a wife to replace you!" My in-laws have been a huge source of encouragement, as has my husband, to allow our children to decide when the right time to stop nursing is.
I, too, look forward to the day when we won't be ridiculed by those who simply don't understand.But just think...if WE feel strongly about it, imagine how strongly our kids will feel on the subject when they are in our positions. Positive change is coming, and we are creating it by planting these seeds of love in our children.

Kidgie@... wrote:

In a message dated 6/23/2007 1:39:34 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
asmb65@... writes:

From someone who is nursing a 2 1/2 and 5 1/2 year old, I may change
the word "infant" in your tag-line though! Just kidding but I really
hope the day comes when the general public sees toddlers and young
children nursing as the biological norm as well (it used to be).

Susan

Susan, I just HAVE to say how glad I am to meet another person nursing their
young child! I'm tandeming my 4-almost-5 year old and his sister, who is 2
next month. Sometimes I have some serious nursing aversion happening, and I'm
always on the look-out for people to talk about it with who's first reaction
won't be "Wean!!!" I am lucky to know 2 in person and a person or two
online...I hope I can add you to my list of Breastfeeding Friends, lol. I am sure of
my feelings to have child-lead weaning, but it's such a lonely road at times.
Thanks for commenting on the wonderful Gramma Alice's siggy line (I love it
too and am happy seeing it).

Karen

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






---------------------------------
Got a little couch potato?
Check out fun summer activities for kids.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

jen mobley

susan...did you say that you are still nursing your 5 1/2 year old?


>From: oum rayan <roozoomom@...>
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] WAS: Re: McD's NOW: Bfeeding, lol!
>Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2007 23:22:23 -0700 (PDT)
>
>Got another long-term breastfeeding Mom to add to your list! My 4.8yo son
>'officially' breastfed until he was 2yrs, but consistently requested
>nursing until -well- today I only began weaning him for the sake of
>comfort, as he began chewing instead of suckling, and my blessed nursing
>experience was becoming too painful to endure sanely. Nevertheless, he has
>never really stopped nursing entirely. I see it as a comfort to him unlike
>any other, and see no reason to take that away.
> Funny, I called my MIL/FIL who've had/nursed 11 children+wet-nursed 4
>more, during the time I planned to start weaning to ask 'When are they
>ready to stop nursing?' My FIL replied, "Never...when he is 21 and has a
>wife to replace you!" My in-laws have been a huge source of encouragement,
>as has my husband, to allow our children to decide when the right time to
>stop nursing is.
> I, too, look forward to the day when we won't be ridiculed by those who
>simply don't understand.But just think...if WE feel strongly about it,
>imagine how strongly our kids will feel on the subject when they are in our
>positions. Positive change is coming, and we are creating it by planting
>these seeds of love in our children.
>
>Kidgie@... wrote:
>
>In a message dated 6/23/2007 1:39:34 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
>asmb65@... writes:
>
>From someone who is nursing a 2 1/2 and 5 1/2 year old, I may change
>the word "infant" in your tag-line though! Just kidding but I really
>hope the day comes when the general public sees toddlers and young
>children nursing as the biological norm as well (it used to be).
>
>Susan
>
>Susan, I just HAVE to say how glad I am to meet another person nursing
>their
>young child! I'm tandeming my 4-almost-5 year old and his sister, who is 2
>next month. Sometimes I have some serious nursing aversion happening, and
>I'm
>always on the look-out for people to talk about it with who's first
>reaction
>won't be "Wean!!!" I am lucky to know 2 in person and a person or two
>online...I hope I can add you to my list of Breastfeeding Friends, lol. I
>am sure of
>my feelings to have child-lead weaning, but it's such a lonely road at
>times.
>Thanks for commenting on the wonderful Gramma Alice's siggy line (I love it
>too and am happy seeing it).
>
>Karen
>
>************************************** See what's free at
>http://www.aol.com
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
>Got a little couch potato?
>Check out fun summer activities for kids.
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

_________________________________________________________________
Don�t miss your chance to WIN $10,000 and other great prizes from Microsoft
Office Live http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/aub0540003042mrt/direct/01/

asmb65

--- In [email protected], "jen mobley"
<jenpmobley@...> wrote:
>
> susan...did you say that you are still nursing your 5 1/2 year old?
>

yep, he's 5 1/2. Although he doesn't nurse everyday anymore. But he
probably asks everyday. I do try to distract him since honestly I'm
sometimes not comfortable with it anymore. It comes and goes. The
most difficult time for me (and him) is first thing in the morning.
He's one of those kids who has pretty well always woken up crying or
moaning. When he was a baby, it usually didn't get that far since
he'd nurse right away. But then his brother was born...and usually my
little one would be nursing when my older boy woke up crying for
milk. All four of us are in the bed together so I would be right next
to him. I know many moms tandem nurse in really bizarre positions but
that was not what Sam wanted, he wanted me all to himself. Nothing
but solo-me-facing-him nursing would do. The mornings became
unbearable since all the crying would wake up Quinn who would have
slept for a couple more hours otherwise. Eventually, I started
replying Sam could nurse after he had breakfast and dh would get up
with him. As soon as Sam was up and on the couch reading with dh, he
was as happy as could be. And he usually wouldn't ask for milk for
several hours afterwards.

But this was all heart-wrenching for me. It was clearly a need on
Sam's part but I couldn't meet it in the way he needed or wanted it.
Within days of making the rule "after breakfast" he started waking up
less unhappily. I don't necessarily think this is a good thing,
possibly just a sign that he interpreted it as, "don't tell us about
it". But I do feel okay that within seconds of waking up, he was
cheerfully reading books with his daddy.

I strongly believe in child-led weaning but it is a dance with often
more than two partners and all needs need to be considered.

Warmly Susan
(mama to Sam 5 and Quinn 2)

Emilie

My third child was born just before my oldest daughter turned five.
She and her younger sister nursed through my pregnancy. When the
third baby was born I ended up with too much bleeding and had to stay
in hospital for four days. New baby had jaundice and needed as much
milk as possible. It was really terrible as they had never really
been away from me. This ended up being an adult led almost weaning
for my almost five year old. I still feel very sad about it. She was
still allowed to occasionally nurse, but the first month I had to
tell her no so many times. After that it was an only occasional
thing. This wasn't the child led weaning that I had wanted for her.
Maybe it was good for her to know that the baby and the toddler
needed it more. Maybe it has made her feel a little displaced. I go
back and forth with my thinking about it. With three under five maybe
there is no perfect solution. Nursing was such a happy time for her.
I wish it hadn't ended in a sad way. Maybe it always ends in a way
that is a little sad.

still pondering,

Emilie

At 04:02 AM 28/06/2007, you wrote:

>--- In
><mailto:unschoolingbasics%40yahoogroups.com>[email protected],
>"jen mobley"
><jenpmobley@...> wrote:
> >
> > susan...did you say that you are still nursing your 5 1/2 year old?
> >
>
>yep, he's 5 1/2. Although he doesn't nurse everyday anymore. But he
>probably asks everyday. I do try to distract him since honestly I'm
>sometimes not comfortable with it anymore. It comes and goes. The
>most difficult time for me (and him) is first thing in the morning.
>He's one of those kids who has pretty well always woken up crying or
>moaning. When he was a baby, it usually didn't get that far since
>he'd nurse right away. But then his brother was born...and usually my
>little one would be nursing when my older boy woke up crying for
>milk. All four of us are in the bed together so I would be right next
>to him. I know many moms tandem nurse in really bizarre positions but
>that was not what Sam wanted, he wanted me all to himself. Nothing
>but solo-me-facing-him nursing would do. The mornings became
>unbearable since all the crying would wake up Quinn who would have
>slept for a couple more hours otherwise. Eventually, I started
>replying Sam could nurse after he had breakfast and dh would get up
>with him. As soon as Sam was up and on the couch reading with dh, he
>was as happy as could be. And he usually wouldn't ask for milk for
>several hours afterwards.
>
>But this was all heart-wrenching for me. It was clearly a need on
>Sam's part but I couldn't meet it in the way he needed or wanted it.
>Within days of making the rule "after breakfast" he started waking up
>less unhappily. I don't necessarily think this is a good thing,
>possibly just a sign that he interpreted it as, "don't tell us about
>it". But I do feel okay that within seconds of waking up, he was
>cheerfully reading books with his daddy.
>
>I strongly believe in child-led weaning but it is a dance with often
>more than two partners and all needs need to be considered.
>
>Warmly Susan
>(mama to Sam 5 and Quinn 2)
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

jen mobley

I guess I'm "new" to this but I have a 6 year old daughter and the thought
of her breastfeeding from me blows me away. Do you breastfeed because it's
comforting to him? I would imagine, like you have stated, that it hurts! It
seems like you could just make him a sandwich or something...unless it's a
comfort issue.


>From: "asmb65" <asmb65@...>
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: [unschoolingbasics] WAS: Re: McD's NOW: Bfeeding, lol!
>Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:02:12 -0000
>
>--- In [email protected], "jen mobley"
><jenpmobley@...> wrote:
> >
> > susan...did you say that you are still nursing your 5 1/2 year old?
> >
>
>yep, he's 5 1/2. Although he doesn't nurse everyday anymore. But he
>probably asks everyday. I do try to distract him since honestly I'm
>sometimes not comfortable with it anymore. It comes and goes. The
>most difficult time for me (and him) is first thing in the morning.
>He's one of those kids who has pretty well always woken up crying or
>moaning. When he was a baby, it usually didn't get that far since
>he'd nurse right away. But then his brother was born...and usually my
>little one would be nursing when my older boy woke up crying for
>milk. All four of us are in the bed together so I would be right next
>to him. I know many moms tandem nurse in really bizarre positions but
>that was not what Sam wanted, he wanted me all to himself. Nothing
>but solo-me-facing-him nursing would do. The mornings became
>unbearable since all the crying would wake up Quinn who would have
>slept for a couple more hours otherwise. Eventually, I started
>replying Sam could nurse after he had breakfast and dh would get up
>with him. As soon as Sam was up and on the couch reading with dh, he
>was as happy as could be. And he usually wouldn't ask for milk for
>several hours afterwards.
>
>But this was all heart-wrenching for me. It was clearly a need on
>Sam's part but I couldn't meet it in the way he needed or wanted it.
>Within days of making the rule "after breakfast" he started waking up
>less unhappily. I don't necessarily think this is a good thing,
>possibly just a sign that he interpreted it as, "don't tell us about
>it". But I do feel okay that within seconds of waking up, he was
>cheerfully reading books with his daddy.
>
>I strongly believe in child-led weaning but it is a dance with often
>more than two partners and all needs need to be considered.
>
>Warmly Susan
>(mama to Sam 5 and Quinn 2)
>

_________________________________________________________________
Need a break? Find your escape route with Live Search Maps.
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?ss=Restaurants~Hotels~Amusement%20Park&cp=33.832922~-117.915659&style=r&lvl=13&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=1118863&encType=1&FORM=MGAC01

[email protected]

In a message dated 6/28/2007 5:33:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
jenpmobley@... writes:

I guess I'm "new" to this but I have a 6 year old daughter and the thought
of her breastfeeding from me blows me away. Do you breastfeed because it's
comforting to him? I would imagine, like you have stated, that it hurts! It
seems like you could just make him a sandwich or something...unless it's a
comfort issue.


I was one of the mamas here that jumped at the chance to discuss extendd
nursing, so I can answer a teeny bit.

My son is 4, will be 5 in September and there is no way he's gonna be done
by then, lol. It's just who he is, and I'm doing all I can to help him be his
truest self. For us, that means nursing until he is done. Not so much with the
DH, who is still uncomfy with children who are able to ask, lol, but I'm
working n a slow training of that handsome and wonderful man ;) I am also
nursing my baby that will be 2 in late July. I also nursed my other 3 from my first
marriage - my oldest until 3.5 (I asked her to stop and she did) and the
other two were nearly 3 when they quit themselves.

It's definitely not a snack or a food issue, though it was when they both
had the rotovirus and couldn't keep anything but my milk down. I do believe it
saved us from hospitalization. It's a time for Julian to feel calm, to feel
connected to me, to feel special in this wild house of 5 kids and to help him
fall asleep. When his feelings are hurt, or his body is hurt, it's quick, easy
and loving comfort. It's just an extension of our relationship, and it has
grown with us - changed as time has passed. The positioning, the reasoning,
the style, then whens and wheres...At times, it DOES hurt. But I ask him to
relatch and usually it's ok. Recently, the sensation hasn't been psychologically
comfortable for me, and so we are talking more about weaning and what types
of differences there will be as that happens. I always assure him that his
favorite time to nurse will remain as long as he needs it, but the early
morning and occasional times in the night need to be gone. We have a "rule" (don't
laugh, all you RUs, lol! ;) ) that we nurse one time in the day, and often he
forgets about it, or is too busy to do so - and that's fine with me! I'm not
too ridged with it however, but it's rarely asked for more than one time a
day.

If you are interested in why and how of nursing preschool age children (ack!
I just caught myself!), of nursing the very young child ;) , there are a few
great things out there. Kellymom.com has some, lalecheleague.org does too,
and the book, "Mothering Your Nursing Toddler by Norma Bumgarner has some more
involved info on it. But I admit - this group and my in-person homeschooling
group I belong to, has been the MOST informative and helpful in my "dark
hours" of wanting to rip them off and chuck 'em out the window! ;)

I'm glad you asked, Jen, because 1) I like talking about it, as I consider
myself a lactavist and an LC with no letters behind her name (I am self
educated, lol! Figures, huh?!) and 2) it has helped me remember why I still nurse
my kids :)

Warmly,
Karen
(aka, K2)



************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Emilie

I am going to reply to this even though I am not Susan.

Of course it is a comfort issue. A sandwich really wouldn't help.
When a baby is nursed he receives nourishment to body, brain
chemistry and soul. My baby nurses for comfort as much as for food.
The baby is relaxed, centered, and bonded by the experience. It is a
return to mother and child being one, as in the womb.
My three year old nurses primarily for this comfort and connection.
My oldest daughter no longer nurses. It is hit and miss sometimes
about whether I can connect with her and comfort her as instantly and
deeply. Sometimes when she is really overwhelmed and upset, I wish I
could nurse her, because my words and arms are not enough. Nursing always was.

and to Susan, although it is challenging, try to enjoy your last
fleeting moments of nursing your son, you will likely miss it when it's done.

warmly,

Emilie


It is as hard for me to understand seeing nursing primarily
At 06:04 PM 28/06/2007, you wrote:

>I guess I'm "new" to this but I have a 6 year old daughter and the thought
>of her breastfeeding from me blows me away. Do you breastfeed because it's
>comforting to him? I would imagine, like you have stated, that it hurts! It
>seems like you could just make him a sandwich or something...unless it's a
>comfort issue.
>
> >From: "asmb65" <<mailto:asmb65%40yahoo.ca>asmb65@...>
> >Reply-To:
> <mailto:unschoolingbasics%40yahoogroups.com>[email protected]
> >To:
> <mailto:unschoolingbasics%40yahoogroups.com>[email protected]
> >Subject: [unschoolingbasics] WAS: Re: McD's NOW: Bfeeding, lol!
> >Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:02:12 -0000
> >
> >--- In
> <mailto:unschoolingbasics%40yahoogroups.com>[email protected],
> "jen mobley"
> ><jenpmobley@...> wrote:
> > >
> > > susan...did you say that you are still nursing your 5 1/2 year old?
> > >
> >
> >yep, he's 5 1/2. Although he doesn't nurse everyday anymore. But he
> >probably asks everyday. I do try to distract him since honestly I'm
> >sometimes not comfortable with it anymore. It comes and goes. The
> >most difficult time for me (and him) is first thing in the morning.
> >He's one of those kids who has pretty well always woken up crying or
> >moaning. When he was a baby, it usually didn't get that far since
> >he'd nurse right away. But then his brother was born...and usually my
> >little one would be nursing when my older boy woke up crying for
> >milk. All four of us are in the bed together so I would be right next
> >to him. I know many moms tandem nurse in really bizarre positions but
> >that was not what Sam wanted, he wanted me all to himself. Nothing
> >but solo-me-facing-him nursing would do. The mornings became
> >unbearable since all the crying would wake up Quinn who would have
> >slept for a couple more hours otherwise. Eventually, I started
> >replying Sam could nurse after he had breakfast and dh would get up
> >with him. As soon as Sam was up and on the couch reading with dh, he
> >was as happy as could be. And he usually wouldn't ask for milk for
> >several hours afterwards.
> >
> >But this was all heart-wrenching for me. It was clearly a need on
> >Sam's part but I couldn't meet it in the way he needed or wanted it.
> >Within days of making the rule "after breakfast" he started waking up
> >less unhappily. I don't necessarily think this is a good thing,
> >possibly just a sign that he interpreted it as, "don't tell us about
> >it". But I do feel okay that within seconds of waking up, he was
> >cheerfully reading books with his daddy.
> >
> >I strongly believe in child-led weaning but it is a dance with often
> >more than two partners and all needs need to be considered.
> >
> >Warmly Susan
> >(mama to Sam 5 and Quinn 2)
> >
>
>__________________________________________________________
>Need a break? Find your escape route with Live Search Maps.
><http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?ss=Restaurants~Hotels~Amusement%20Park&cp=33.832922~-117.915659&style=r&lvl=13&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=1118863&encType=1&FORM=MGAC01>http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?ss=Restaurants~Hotels~Amusement%20Park&cp=33.832922~-117.915659&style=r&lvl=13&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=1118863&encType=1&FORM=MGAC01
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Susan

> It seems like you could just make him a sandwich or something...

Yikes! I'm trying to see that comment in a lighthearted joking way,
because otherwise it appears quite rude. Breastfeeding is about so
much more than food - it is nurturing in ways that a sandwich could
never compete with.

I can't picture nursing my 5 year old at the moment but that's mainly
because we haven't had a breastfeeding relationship for many years,
but if he'd been nursing the whole time it would feel natural. It
isn't what I'm currently doing, but I can definitely understand
breastfeeding beyond the infant & toddler years.

Despite societal pressure on moms to wean their children at just a few
months old, extended bf is not that uncommon and is widely practiced
in other cultures. There are 5 and 6 yo (and older) that still find
occasional nursing beneficial.

~ Susan

Shannon G.

I am new here but wanted to jump in here a bit. My youngest son just weaned a few weeks ago and he was 5 in april. For him it had nothing to do with nourishment the past few years and was all about comfort and bonding. I never thought I would nurse this long, my other 3 kids weaned much earlier, but as the time went by it just continued to feel natural. As he got older he was only allowed to nurse one time a day and his favorite time was nap time.
He has asthma and I totally believe breastfeeding has kept him from having worse issues with it. Now that he has been weaned for a few weeks he has had one asthma attack on top of the other but when he was nursing he very rarely had any problems.
He totally weaned by himself. One day he said he was done and he never asked for it again. I am glad he is done in a way but am a bit sad that that part of my life is done with. I will not be having any more babies and will never nurse another baby...
I really think that it just depends on what you are comfortable with. Our dr always told us to breastfeed as long as it was mutually agreed upon...so not me forcing him to and not him making me continue past what I felt comfortable with. I was always certain though that he would reach a point that he decided he no longer wanted to nurse...
As far as hurting, it very rarely hurt, once in awhile if he had a cold he would latch a bit odd and I would tell him it was hurting and he would relatch,
I think it was a total comfort to him and to me was something special that only I could give him. It was a nursng relationship between the 2 of us. My body responded to him by producing the amount of milk he needed. It is quite amazing when you think of how the body works to produce milk for a baby.
If it would be uncomfortable to nurse an older child then it would not be the right thing for you to do, but for some people it is just a natural part of life and is not looked upon any differently then other stages of life.
Shannon

I guess I'm "new" to this but I have a 6 year old daughter and the thought
of her breastfeeding from me blows me away. Do you breastfeed because it's
comforting to him? I would imagine, like you have stated, that it hurts! It
seems like you could just make him a sandwich or something...unless it's a
comfort issue.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ren Allen

~~I can't picture nursing my 5 year old at the moment but that's mainly
because we haven't had a breastfeeding relationship for many years,
but if he'd been nursing the whole time it would feel natural. ~~

Yes, it does. Jalen weened himself at 4.5 years and while it was nice
in some ways, I really wished that he still nursed many times. He is
an incredibly intense human being and there was one less tool for
helping him get calm when upset.

On the sandwich issue....there isn't a food more nourishing for a
young person than breast milk. It's like a mega-multivitamin, enzyme,
immune boosting super food. Why wouldn't I give that to my child?
What's in a sandwich that can beat it? I would give my child a
sandwich if that's what they wanted, and a boob with breastmilk if
that's what they wanted.

Why would a parent offer a sandwich when a child asks for milk? That's
like offering a mint when someone asks for chocolate! Just isn't the same.

Ren
learninginfreedom.com

Kelly

My first daughter stopped nursing, of her own accord, at 18 months. I was a
little heart broken, because we had such a great nursing relationship, and
it was something we both really enjoyed. Lila is someone who is extremely
engaged by the world around her, and in non-stop motion from the time she
wakes up to the time she goes to sleep. I honestly think she just ran out of
time during her very busy days to remember to nurse LOL!



We had our 2nd child 2 wks before Lila's 3rd birthday. When she saw Pippa
nursing, she became very interested in being a part of this experience. She
would talk about what she remembered about nursing (a truly surprising
amount, IMO!), and how much she enjoyed nursing, and that she missed it. I
let her know, every time she mentioned missing her "nummies" that she was
welcome to nurse again. She was really funny about it. At first she was like
"Nooooooooo!!!!! You're silly!" Then, little by little, she started playing
at nursing again. After about 3 weeks of this little "courtship with the
boob," she latched on again, a little awkwardly at first, but now, several
times a week, she latches like the pro she's always been. Up until about a
week ago, she always wanted to nurse when Pippa was nursing, and she had to
decide who got which side (Lila always wanted the fuller one, of course
:-)). Fortunately, Pippa, who is 10 months now, LOVES when Lila nurses at
the same time as her. This week, Lila also wanted to nurse on her own a few
times. So I think at first, Lila, in one sense, wanted what Pippa was
getting (I know there is more to it than that, but I'm exhausted, so that's
all I've got to offer right now LOL!), and now, I feel she has just really
re-connected in her own right. I couldn't be happier. Lila was really
interested in "people" food by the age of 6 months, demanding it, really.
Pippa, on the other hand, at 10 months has NO interest whatsoever. I laugh
to myself when I hear people saying, in response to someone else's concerns
about when to wean that "don't worry about it .they won't be nursing when
they go off to college/get their driver's license/reach puberty/etc,"
because sometimes I think Pippa will, she loves it so much LOL!



I also have a very dear friend (a fellow unschooler) who still nurses her 5
and 7 year old, only a few times a week, but that bond is still there. The 7
yr old seems about ready to stop (and may have, by now) but the 5 yr old
still wants that "once-a-day to unwind" nursing session.



Anyway, nurse on, I say. The benefits are immeasurable.



Kelly



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[email protected]

In a message dated 6/28/2007 7:24:45 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
sbg1970@... writes:

As far as hurting, it very rarely hurt,


Shannon, the time it actually *hurts* for me, versus just slightly uncomfy,
is during ovulation and in early pregnancy. The ovulation is sudden and it
really does hurt then...but also with Julia and she's aaaaalmost 2 ;)

K2



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[email protected]

In a message dated 6/28/2007 8:47:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
kelly@... writes:

also have a very dear friend (a fellow unschooler) who still nurses her 5
and 7 year old, only a few times a week, but that bond is still there. The 7
yr old seems about ready to stop (and may have, by now) but the 5 yr old
still wants that "once-a-day to unwind" nursing session.



Very nice! I'm glad to hear that. My DH's father nursed until 7, too. Some
was culture (grew up in Guadalajara) and some was for sad reasons - his mama
lost a good amount of children in their early childhood/infancy. He says,
jokingly (I suppose to lighten the pain a bit and perhaps to use humor to cover
the age stigma) that, "Somebody had to take the milk!"

And THANK you for sharing your semi-relactation store...lol...renursing,
perhaps? Doesn't matter, it's just really neat. May I share that with some of my
breastfeeding mamas I'm helping? It's ok if it's not. I'd edit out names and
all if you like - just let me know! Thanks, Kelly!

Karen



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asmb65

Emilie,

What a sad and difficult time that must have been for you. And at such
an emotionally and hormonally charged time (post-natal). I can totally
understand how hard it must of been being separated from your older
children and your worries about your oldest child's feelings. It is
such a deep intimate bond that nursing brings. How wonderful for you to
have given that to her for so long. And I agree that perhaps the end
will always be a little sad. I know I will have very mixed feelings
when Sam (and Quinn) weans and I'm sure he may have mixed feelings
about it too. Once a few months ago, he told his younger brother that
they wouldn't nurse forever and of course the younger one broke out in
tears.

Susan

asmb65

Historically, nursing to age 3-5 was the norm. In some cultures, even
up to age 7 was the norm until as recently as 50 years ago (the
Canadian and Alaskan Arctic).

Nursing provides so much more than just food. But historically it also
afforded survival. Many an extended breastfeeding mother will tell a
story of how thankful she was for nursing during a serious (or even
mild) illness. I can't imagine how miserable my older boy would have
been with chicken pox this winter without nursing. With nursing, it was
like I had a magic wand.

There are probably more extended breastfeeding families around than you
know. Not necessarily because they are "closet nursers" but more likely
because once a child gets older, they are less likely to nurse when
they are out and busy. But when they are home and reconnecting with
their parents during down-times, this is when they yo-yo back into
mama. Yo-yo out - explore, learn, push themselves, yo-yo back in and
rejuvenate and allow themselves to be the little ones that they still
really are.

Susan

--- In [email protected], "jen mobley" <jenpmobley@...>
wrote:
>
> I guess I'm "new" to this but I have a 6 year old daughter and the
thought
> of her breastfeeding from me blows me away. Do you breastfeed because
it's
> comforting to him? I would imagine, like you have stated, that it
hurts! It
> seems like you could just make him a sandwich or something...unless
it's a
> comfort issue.

Kelly

Please do share! The politics of breastfeeding in this country (USA) are
intolerable .way too much anti-breastfeeding info going around. And I'm sure
there are many people (like me, initially) who believe that once a child is
weaned, there's no going back. For me it was a matter of following my
instincts; since then I've gotten a bit of support for the idea - La Leche
League supports this, the story of the woman who's car ran off a
snow-covered road, and breastfed her children (one who had already weaned)
for several days while her husband went for help, and of course, my dh and
my unschooling friends who are completely supportive. So anything that puts
a positive message out there, and can give other women a little dose of
courage (! What a shame that we even need courage in this country to
breastfeed our toddlers!) is okay with me.



Kelly



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Krisula Moyer

My dd will be seven in a month and she still nurses when she feels the need
(usually a few minutes each day but not every single day) . The need is not
usually linked to hunger. She also snuggles without nursing a lot. It is
sweet and will end when it does. BTW, when she's hungry I do make her a
sandwich <G> .
Krisula


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asmb65

BTW, when she's hungry I do make her a
> sandwich <G> .
> Krisula

Still laughing from this one! How magnanimous of you!

Susan

romelia hotca

We missed the 18 months check-up, so we went this month at 20, the dr said my ds is doing great, to keep doing what I`m doing but to wean him?!? Cause when I told them I still nurse they asked me how many times a day( This question has been like a nightmare from the start), they assumed that only once and when i told them whenever he wants , sometimes hourly thay were a little bit shocked. They asked if this is the custom in Romania, and I told them that this is my belief after careful consideration of all the facts and I intend to breastfeed at least till three years
Why are drs suggesting to cut the nursing after 1 when th WHO recomands at least 2 years and after that as long as both parts wish to continue?
Romelia


---------------------------------
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asmb65

Romelia,

There is absolutely no reason to wean mama! You are providing the
absolute best for your toddler. Doctors get about two hours of
breastfeeding teaching in all the time spent in medical school. So
you are far more the expert than your doctor when it comes to
breastfeeding.

Sometimes my 2 1/2 year old seems to want to nurse every hour! But if
I really looked at it over a full 24 hours, he's not nursing anywhere
near every hour. They do slowly reduce their nursing as they get
older and more confident in the world.

See if you can find a local La Leche League. Most chapters have
weekly or monthly meetings. Here you will find lots of great support
for mothering and breastfeeding.

As far as weaning goes, look to your child and look to your heart.
You will know what is right for your family. No "expert" can tell you
this.

Susan

> We missed the 18 months check-up, so we went this month at 20, the
dr said my ds is doing great, to keep doing what I`m doing but to
wean him?!?

[email protected]

In a message dated 6/30/2007 9:01:05 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
romeliahotca@... writes:

Why are drs suggesting to cut the nursing after 1 when th WHO recomands at
least 2 years and after that as long as both parts wish to continue?


I have long wondered that, along with the early intro to solid (pre 6
months) and what-not. My doctor knows I'm nursing Julian at 4+ and he congratulated
me on that and said how selfless I was. Said I should continue what I'm
doing and he is behind me 104% lol ;) Good man, Dr. Gordon. Gotta love him, lol.

Karen2



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Lisbeth

i EBF my daughter until recently...she is 4.5 yo. my friend just informed me she also EBF til about the same time, or maybe later...before her dd tried out public schools (she has now been pulled OUTTA there. she is 7. yay!!!)
lis


Lisbeth
Proud APing Unschooling Mama to Meghan Jolie 11/05/02 & HBAC baby due 11/07

"If there is anything we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves." - Carl G. Jung







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