In my experience, the first 12-months of nursing your new baby is full of endless snuggles, watching their sweet face twitch in satisfaction, and reaching for your nipple balm… again. But like all things baby, the inevitable descent into toddlerhood changes everything. My biggest lesson in parenting thus far has been; right when you think you’ve got the hang of something, the little boss likes to switch it up on you. This applies to almost everything. Sleep schedules, food preferences, and yes, nursing.
Your Baby Might Get More Demanding
This was my first clue that we were entering new territory. My daughter would no longer whimper in hunger in that sweet, helpless way that babies do. No. Now it’s something more like a growl, combined with a shriek and maybe a complementary flailing on the floor thrown in there for dramatic effect if I don’t disrobe fast enough.
The Positions Get Crazy
The second my daughter learned how to stand, that’s all she wanted to do, including when she nursed. The moment my daughter figured out how to climb, suddenly, I found myself laying there, nipple held captive in her mouth, a foot on my face and hands clawing through my hair. How. WHY?
You Are Now An Emotional Support Boob
I guess this has always been true, but toddlerhood really seemed to amplify this role for me. Feelings like happy, sad, scared, overwhelmed, and “who the hell are you?” at family functions all meant it was time to nurse.
Your Baby Might Become Less Interested
Depending on how much your baby is consuming in solid foods or taking in a bottle, they might become less interested in nursing. For some, this is a means of celebration. Finally, my nipples can breathe! Did you know nipples could breathe? I didn’t until my baby slowly started to self wean. To others, this decrease can be devastating. After all, “where did my baby go?” is pretty much the mantra of motherhood. Feel your feelings, mama. Celebrate or mourn the slow decline in whatever way suits your soul.
It’s Still The Best Ever
Just like a baby, breastfeeding a toddler is hard work. It dictates our outfit choices, alters our schedule, and sometimes leaves us feeling isolated and alone. And yet, nothing beats those moments when you look down and remember how freaking awesome this bond you’ve built is. Not only have you sustained and nurtured your baby with the sustenance they need to thrive, but you’ve created a safe space that makes them feel at home wherever they go. Amazing.
So give yourself a round of applause, mama. Whether you’re two months or two years into your breastfeeding journey, you rock. And remember, any amount of nursing is selfless and admirable, so please don’t feel pressured to do anything that doesn’t feel right to you. Just honor your body, and enjoy the ride.
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