But apart from the health benefits extended breastfeeding bring, my very own selfish reason to nurse at this stage is because it's the topnotch way for us to cuddle and connect! A growing boy like P is always distracted about learning to talk and walk and in dealing with his emerging social life. It gives me much satisfaction knowing that he's all eyes on me when he wants to nurse.
However, extended breastfeeding is not at all a picture of "mother and child" worthy of a painting. There's an ugly and frustrating side to breastfeeding a toddler. You'll have to deal with an overactive and distracted child. But just so we're clear, any breastfeeding issue you might have can still be dealt with utmost patience and with the right information.
Here's what i deal with as a milk machine to a one-year old. I also wrote some ways how i deal with such issues.
Acrobatic breastfeeding positions
Remember how hard it was to find that perfect latch during baby's first weeks? Well, this won't be as hard when nursing a toddler. He'll know how to place his mouth already. In fact, he has mastered this so much that he'll try sucking in different positions! At one year old, some babies are very mobile they'll try nursing while sitting up, standing or upside down. Name it, P and i might have tried it! Most of these new positions are just too awkward that it's just not possible to do outside the comfort of our private space.
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Here's our more "decent" nursing picture.[/caption]As an eager explorer, P has learned to play with my other nipple while nursing. This irks me because he keeps fiddling and pinching my nipple. I guess this relaxes him and helps him go drowsy and sleepy. Again, this twiddling and pinching falls under the awkward category. I've learned to tolerate him.
Pain from biting
At thirteen months, my baby only has three teeth and he's teething right now. He enjoys biting because his gums are itchy. Our nursing session goes like this; he nurse for 5 to 10 minutes then stop. Then he'll bite my nipple. I cringe in pain, sometimes i laugh. I noticed that he would keep on biting if i react, whether i cringe in pain or if i laugh. I guess he thinks that i like him biting me. He thinks i'm teasing him so he teases me back and biting my nipple! When he starts biting i take this as a sign that he's done nursing. I stop nursing so he won't be encouraged to bite. He can ask to nurse later.
Asking for "dede"
My baby would touch my breast to indicate that he wants to dede. He does this every time he wants to nurse. When i come home from work, instead of a welcome home kiss, a get some breast frisking from him. Sometimes we would hear an occasional "dede" from him! Yes, my 13-month old can say a few words and "dede" is one of them.
He would also do this breast frisking while we're outside. Sometimes he'll go further by lifting my shirt! It will help if you will give in right away to avoid a major tantrum. He could be really thirsty for milk, that's why he's asking! I made it a point to cover up to avoid shocked glances from onlookers.
Less breast milk intake and pumping output
A toddler needs more solids for steady weight gain and growth. At this point, he'll need more than milk. That means, we can expect a decrease in the intake of breast milk. I just make sure that i nurse on demand.
Since baby's demand for milk has decreased, expect a decrease in your pumping output as well. Mine has halved since my pumping heydays during around baby's sixth month.
Shorter (or longer) breastfeeding session
How long a nursing session varies greatly. Sometimes it lasts just 3 to 5 minutes and that leaves me wondering whether he is satisfied at all. Since he has turned his back on the bottle completely, he makes up for lost nursing time by nursing more at night.
For more information on extended nurse, here's Kellymom's notes.
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