by I never intended to breastfeed only when we had our first daughter Heidi. My husband Alex and I thought we would feed a combination, but when she refused to take a bottle, we accepted that it would only be breastfed.
However, I had no idea that I would still breastfeed her when she was three years old and I wanted to give birth to my second daughter, Frida. Or that it would take six years before I finally ended my currency.
I think the fact that I don’t have a full -time job with nine to five to five to five to five to five to five to five was a large part of why the extended breastfeeding worked for our family. Many mothers work to work again after nine months or a year, and the practical aspects of the experiment to satisfy an office job are really difficult.
My job as a Pilates trainer is much more flexible, so I could be with the girls during the day, where I nap or whenever they wanted.
What I loved most of breastfeeding was the closeness that we were. It wasn’t just about food. It was about comfort, love and calming, and it solved them with transitions or difficult moments. It also became a habit for all of us. I am with both girls until they three in Alex in the guest room-and it was much easier for me to breastfeed them than to get up at night to make milk.
What I loved most of breastfeeding was the closeness that we were.
Avoid judgment
When Heidi and Frida were babies, I fed them everywhere and everywhere – trains, cafes, beaches and more. When they got older, it naturally shifted to something that we did more at home – it just felt more appropriate and more comfortable for us.
In retrospect, I can see that I really only eat them privately when they became toddlers. I knew that I didn’t have to justify my feeding, but because I have never seen other mothers who fed the children at the age of the girls in our local parks, cafés or to small children, I just didn’t feel comfortable in public. I didn’t want to deal with negativity or assessment.
Apart from Alex, my family and a few close friends, I really didn’t say anyone that I still fed the girls when they were toddlers. I stayed still because I knew that it was outside of what was considered a “norm” when it comes to breastfeeding in this country, and I didn’t want to constantly explain myself.
Great Britain estimates that only 0.5% of the babies are still breastfed when they are one year old. This is one of the lowest rates in the world.
Great Britain estimates that only 0.5% of the babies are still breastfed when they are one year old. This is one of the lowest rates in the world.
Reactions from others
In retrospect, I wish I had talked more about it – maybe it would have contributed to normalizing the extended feeding for others or opening the door for more honest conversations.
The early stage of motherhood is really difficult. They feel vulnerable, they are tired and they have additional hormones and emotions that go through their bodies. I think as a mother, they always ask themselves whether they are doing the right thing, but I am proud of myself that I have adhered to my decision, even if I didn’t scream from the roofs about it.
There were a few times in which subtle comments such as “My goodness, that’s a long time” or “I could never do” by friends (not close) who apparently indicate that what I did was ‘too much’ or for ‘too long’. I tried not to take it personally, but it sometimes stabbed it. I usually just smiled and redirected the conversation. I knew what we worked for ourselves – and that was the most important to me.
Subtle comments were “my goodness, this is a long time” or “I could never do it” … which indicates that what I did was “too much”.
Of course there were challenging moments of breastfeeding, especially since they got older and changed my own needs – how I wanted to share a bed with Alex again with Alex or sleep through the night, but overall it was a deeply significant experience.
This bond is something that I will always appreciate.
Go “cold turkey”
One of the most difficult times was on our feeding trip when I was very pregnant with Frida, but still fed Heidi and slept with her. I was so tired and I knew I had to pack it with her because I wanted to greet the baby number two and start again.
One day I just felt my neck. All of these nights that had been on my side and the breastfeeding had finally demanded their tribute. I was in great pain and knew that I couldn’t go on.
It was a “cold turkey” station for her when Frida arrived when I just had to say Heidi ‘no’. Fortunately, she dealt with it very well and I think that is because she was old enough to see that her little sister needed my milk.
Frida’s extended eligibility also ended abruptly. One day I just felt my neck. All of these nights that had been on my side and the breastfeeding had finally demanded their tribute. I was in great pain and knew that I couldn’t go on. It was a signal that our extended breastfeeding had to finish.
It was terrible, but it was also a blessing and I wonder without having added it.
Frida took it so well what I think that she was helped with her age. I had to explain to her that Mama’s neck was sore, which she could understand at the age of three and somehow much easier than I expected.
To mark the end of this chapter, we bought the girls a cozy toy, a kite and a cat that they both still have.
Council to others
Now, nine and six years old, Heidi and Frida are strong and healthy girls, and I like to think whether I am right or not, this breastfeeding has played a role. I also have the feeling that the security of security gave them them and I know that I was there to comfort them when they needed me, made them very happy and safe children.
My advice to everyone else who opted for an extended breastfeeding, but may be faced with criticism, it is to trust their instincts. You know your child what it needs and what works for you as a mother.
You know your child what it needs and what works for you as a mother.
Try to climb and possess any negativity. I wish I had done. Perhaps it would have contributed to normalizing it for others or opening the door to get a more honest discussion about what it can be for a positive experience, although there are so few of us.
Nursing support and instructions
The exclusive breastfeeding of a baby in the first six months of his life is advised by the World Health Organization, but it is not possible or the best choice for every parent – and other options are available.
If you have breastfeeding concerns, speak to your midwife or health visitor or join a local NHS -Still support group.
Read more about breastfeeding:
