Yes I am!

I breastfed both my kids far longer than I originally intended.

With E, my firstborn, He was a few days shy of his second birthday.  I had to abruptly wean because I underwent chemotherapy and the meds are not going to be good for him.  Since he was almost 2 anyway, I decided that maybe it’s time for us to stop with the nursing.  Anyway, since I had to be confined in the hospital for a surgery and will be gone for 5 days, perhaps he won’t be looking for my breasts when I got home again, that’ll give me enough time to find out how long after taking excedrin can i breastfeed.

I was wrong.  It was such a traumatic experience for both of us since neither of us was ready to stop at that point.  E was so happy when I finally got home and couldn’t understand why my breasts were suddenly off limits to him.  I knew that more than the nutrition E was getting from my milk, it was the emotional closeness that he was after.  It was his source of comfort and security and maybe a symbol of love.  It broke my heart, but he definitely can’t nurse because of the drugs in my system.  I didn’t want to repeat that experience!

Now I am still breastfeeding R, and she’s now 2 years and 5 months old!  I do not see any desire for her to stop our breastfeeding relationship.  And since she may well be my youngest child, I am hoping for child led weaning this time around.

Photo: “breastfeeding the little crazy alien” by , c/o Flickr. Some Rights ReservedXX

I did not expect that I would be having such a long breastfeeding relationship with my kids, but I’m glad I did.

What I was able to do was nothing as spectacular as what other moms think.  These are the things I kept in mind while I was breastfeeding and which made me keep at it for as long as possible:

• Take it one day at a time.  Goals are more easily met when divided into small chunks.  My first goal was to simply master breastfeeding.  Then after we went through all the aches and pains and fumbles, it became easier.  1 month became 2 months, then time flew after that and soon we were passing the 6 month and the 1 year mark.  Now I’ve passed the 2 year mark!
• Don’t be affected by the negative comments of people who do not believe in breastfeeding.  Believe in your choice!  You made a decision that had your child’s best interest at heart.
• Enjoy the breastfeeding moments.  Once it ends, there’s no going back to it with the same child.
• This is a gift that you and only you can give, and only at this time in your child’s life.  Let your child cherish it for as long as possible.  And you should cherish this bonding while this lasts.  Your child is not going to stay little and dependent forever!
• When the difficulties strike (pain, biting etc) think “this too shall pass”.  And it does!

I will definitely miss breastfeeding when my little R weans, but I’ll always cherish the precious moments that I have shared with both my kids.

Tags: advise, breastfeeding, extended breastfeeding