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Feeling a bit insecure...
Hey Ladies. I am nursing my 16 month old son and I enjoy the breastfeeding relationship. However, many of our family members don't support the idea of nursing a toddler and it creates an awkward environment at times. He had weaned himself down to just nursing at nap time, bedtime, and during the night, but in the past several weeks he started nursing throughout the day quite a bit again.
I always feel awkward when he asks to nurse in front of someone I know doesn't approve. If we're going to be leaving soon sometimes I tell him "as soon as we get home" and try to distract him, but usually I take him in the other room and feed him. I don't mind nursing him at all, but I do feel insecure whenever a family member is present because I know that I am seriously outnumbered by people who disagree with my parenting style.
My husband does support my decision which is a great blessing, but I feel so guilty for letting other peoples' opinions make me so nervous. I'm also concerned that my son will pick up on the tension in the room when he asks to nurse. I was just wondering if anyone else has dealt with this. Is it normal to feel insecure at times? Is that going to have a negative effect on my son? Thanks for your advice.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by tarahickey010293 on -
People can be so rude and opinionated! My son is only 6 months old but my mother breastfed me until I weaned myself at 23 months. She let all of us breastfeed until we weaned ourselves and I plan to do the same with my son. You are doing a fantastic job and doing what is best for your son. Keep it up and ignore the rude people. YOU CAN DO IT!
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Permalink Reply by sekinkead on -
My son is 15.5 months old so I understand exactly. I will be facing the same thing as we come into the holdiay season. My husband is so very supportive and so are a few of my friends. But, my husbands side of the family and some of my other friends are not. What I plan to do is like you said, go to another room or keep my visits short, try to distract him, or don't go at all. I also try to make sure we don't go anywhere around naptime and that he has a full belly when we do go to try and help him go longer before he asks to nurse. Other than that try not to let it bother you or go armed with info on why breastfeeding a toddler is so beneficial to him and the protection it gives to both of you. Maybe all they need is some education. :) Good luck to you!
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Permalink Reply by beautyforash on -
Hugs to all the moms who breastfeed...
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Permalink Reply by Aida on -
Dear Sweetmama, ignore them all, do what's best for your child! My son is 16 months old and nurses all day and night long and we both enjoy our relationship. Because of healthy breastfeeding my son is healthier, taller and more active then the kids of his age. He has 16 teeth, and his height is 32 1/2 inches, so he is a big boy but I don't care, I will continue breastfeeding until either I get pregnant again or my son weans himself. Your husband supports you - that's all you need! Breastfeeding is easy and cheap and convenient, take advantage of it while you can! Good luck to you!
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Permalink Reply by Merie Ivy Ryan on -
I'm currently breastfeeding my almost 17 month old son! My hubby truly supports it which is great! My mom keeps her opinion to herself, I think she tolerates it because of the science behind it and too she doesn't want to impose her parenting opinions on me! My dad doesn't like it and were not around my in laws but im sure they'd oppose to it as well! My neighbors ask all the time when I'm going to wean. I have two friends and two family friends that really support me breastfeeding so long. My response to everyone who questions is he will wean when his body and mind tell him too! In the meantime my son is healthy and has only been sick twice. He still has my immune system with me breastfeeding and that is very important to him and to me! It also forms a great bond between us and I've found I can ease him and his fears and anxieties quicker than any mom who doesn't breastfeed. Like Aida said my son is also healthier and a big boy. So ignore them and know that you're doing what God created your body to do. Yu will never get these days back with your son don't feel shame for enjoying such a special relationship! Keep your head up and be proud for what you and your body are accomplishing, which is a healthy baby!
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Permalink Reply by Cam Mom on
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Even if ur fam don't support u I do..I am a breast feeding mom & I plan 2 do so until my son wants 2 stop. If ppl have a problem with it then let them that is YOUR child not their so do not allow them 2 make u feel sum kind of way or deny YOUR child food.I know that there are things abt them that u may not like but do u make them feel the way they make u feel abt nursing YOUR child?
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Permalink Reply by samanths hines on -
I breastfed in front of everyone it got to apoint where they asked about weaning they were supportive of breastfeeding but not used to the breastfeeding past 6mon. or 1 I always had confidence in my answer and people stopped asking I just plain told them I would stop around 2is that it is "healthiest" to go until 2 according to the world health organization. I would than change the subject I breastfed in front of my in laws my father and friend if it makes someone unconmortablethey can go hide in a room. I refused to be the black sheep always hiding away am provididng my child with the best nutrition available no one should be uncomfortable. I breastfed for 27 months and plan to do it again longer if need be with the next. Keep up the great work and ignore the doubter and I advise you to stop hiding in shame their is nothing to be embarassed about.
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