I should begin by saying that I hope I don't offend anyone with this blog. I have had a few criticisms for my decision to nurse Isaac beyond one year, and this blog is mainly meant to educate those who are critical of my decision. Also, if Isaac ever says "EW, MOM! Gross! You nursed me until I was 2???" I can just refer him to this blog to show him what a gift it was (because of COURSE then he'll see it my way.... ha!)
I absolutely do not want to judge others for their decision (or because they are physically unable) to breastfeed for shorter periods of time, or to solely use formula, and on the same token, I don't feel it is okay for others to judge me for choosing to breastfeed longer.
I had intended to ween Isaac at approximately 12-15 months of age, but now that he is 14 months old, I absolutely have no intention of stopping just yet, unless he weens himself, of course.
I'll probably nurse Isaac up until he is about 2 years of age. With that being said, here is my little spiel, which details the reasons why I have made this decision. I certainly did a lot of research and, like Isaac's birth and Isaac's diet, I have armed myself with a whole lot of education on the subject before making my informed decision.
-First, the AAP (America Academy of Pediatrics) recommends that "breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child."
And because frankly, I think the USA is behind in progressive childbirth and breastfeeding information, I think it's important to note that the WHO (WORLD Health Organization) reports "Breastfeeding is an unequaled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; it is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers. As a global public health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond.
-Second, there are 101 additional reasons to breastfeed. If you are interested in finding out more, please visit the link just posted. It's one of many, but I love this one. It is all research based and makes me feel quite good about my decision.
5 comments:
Very well said and researched. Isaac is a lucky little dude to have you as his mama!
I'd always planned on nursing to around a year (then I thought they magically weaned themselves), and ended up nursing 'til 19 and 20 months with my two girls. I hadn't ever expected to 'extended nurse', but while doing it it really turned out to be the most natural experience for my girls and I, and I wouldn't have traded it for the world. (And it actually kept my oldest out of the hospital when she got a horrible parasite at 16 months old and could only keep down breastmilk.) Like you said, I think judging people about something like breastfeeding or not is just unnecessary -- and I appreciate when the favor is returned. I got a lot of, "That's weird!" or "I could NEVER nurse that long, not once the baby could ask for it, that's just wrong!" Good for you and Isaac, finding what works for you and sticking with it! :-)
I am on the other side, because my body stops producing on its own. I get looked down upon by many for not nursing even though I never actually made the choice to stop. Now it is hard for me to imagine nursing past three months and really hard to even do those three because bottles are easier now. I wish people would just let moms be moms....if it works for you all the power to you! Obviously, you have done your research, and made the decision you feel best for you and Isaac :)
You are so lucky. I wish I could nurse still. I only got three weeks and I would still be doing it if I could. I am still going to try on the next one though. And I always thought it was gross to nurse that long too and then I had my own. Izzy is still very much a baby and you don't realize that when you don't have kids. Your body makes milk because it is ideal. And it's free! Again, so lucky
I know this wasn't the point of your post, but I can't believe he's 14 months already! And I think nursing is great, and so good for the kid, and you are very well educated on your decisions with him, so kudos to you!
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