Tag: natural term breastfeeding

10 Differences Between Nursing an Infant & Nursing a Toddler

hollymilkowski July 2, 2015

This was my job as a mother to an infant: to nourish and love and protect my baby. Usually I could do all three with one tool… breastfeeding. During MaiTai’s infancy, it seemed breastfeeding was the best answer to almost anything.

Hungry? Nurse. Thirsty? Nurse. Overtired? Nurse. Bored? Nurse. Hurt or sick? Needing closeness? Feeling affectionate? Nurse, nurse, nurse. Of course, other types of attention and problem-solving were plenty helpful (looking at you, Sofie the Giraffe), but nothing quite like offering a breast in those early months.

In “My First Year of Breastfeeding”, you can read about how we managed from the first feed until the first birthday. I also posted a child-led weaning series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4) where I explained the whys and hows of nursing beyond infancy, sometimes known as full-term breastfeeding/natural-term breastfeeding (I avoid the label “extended-term” because it’s a sustained practice rather than an addendum).

Here I’ll share what’s changed (or not) in toddlerhood nursing from the earliest days.

I Caused My Relatives “Heartache” By Breastfeeding In Public

hollymilkowski June 15, 2015

First, A Little Background…

I went to a destination wedding this weekend in Charleston with my husband a.k.a. The Designated Dad (TDD) and our nursling MaiTai. The Bride and Groom are close relatives and TDD was the Best Man.

The first night I was excited to attend the rehearsal dinner. Shortly after arriving, I left briefly to use the bathroom. On my way back I was cornered — literally cornered — by the dinner’s host (another close family member). Let’s call him… Dinner Host.

“I need you to do me a big favor,” Dinner Host said. Ooh, exciting! I must be in on some kind of special surprise, I figured. Jokingly, I said, “Maybe, depends on the favor!”

Dinner Host’s face turned solemn and funereal. Something serious was afoot. Something dramatic. The thought actually crossed my mind if he was about to ask me to take someone to the Emergency Room.

“Holly,” he said. “I’m asking that if [MaiTai] needs to nurse tonight, that you go somewhere else. I know you’re very passionate about this, but honestly it isn’t the time or place.” Read More

Child-Led Weaning Awareness Series Pt. 4: What People Say

hollymilkowski April 9, 2015

This is the fourth and final part of a short series about child-led weaning (click for part one, two, and three).

We know the process of weaning — whether led by the child, the mother, a doctor, or society’s expectations — is an emotional, personal, and rather fascinating one.

Let’s finish the discussion with what formula companies, world health authorities and respected figures, parents, researchers, authors, and children have to say about breastfeeding beyond infancy.

Child-Led Weaning Awareness Series Pt. 3: Nursing Older Infants & Toddlers

hollymilkowski April 8, 2015

This is the third part of a short series about child-led weaning (click for part one and part two).

We know the process of weaning — whether led by the child, the mother, a doctor, or society’s expectations — is an emotional, personal, and rather fascinating one.

Let’s continue with a discussion about the benefits, myths, tips, & stories about nursing older infant and toddlers.

Child-Led Weaning Awareness Series Pt. 2: Common Weaning Concerns

hollymilkowski April 6, 2015

This is the second part of a short series about child-led weaning (part one here). We know the process of weaning — whether led by the child, the mother, a doctor, or society’s expectations — is an emotional, personal, and rather fascinating one.

Let’s continue with a discussion about these concerns:

Nursing strikes
What are common concerns in regard to weaning?
Does it spoil an older infant to breastfeed for comfort?

Child-Led Weaning Awareness Series Pt. 1: Weaning Before Age One

hollymilkowski April 2, 2015

This post begins a short series about child-led weaning. What is it? Who does it? What are the common concerns and myths? The process of weaning — whether led by the child, the mother, a doctor, or society’s expectations — is an emotional, personal, and rather fascinating one.

Let’s start off with a discussion about these questions:

Can a child self-wean under the age of one?
What events are commonly misinterpreted as a desire to wean?
Should a child be weaned under the age of one?

Reminder: You Don’t HAVE to Cover

hollymilkowski February 4, 2015

It is your legal right to breastfeed anywhere you are lawfully allowed to be, covered or uncovered, with any amount of exposed breast skin as might naturally show in the process of feeding. No one can make you leave and carry on in, say, a public bathroom or the backseat of your car.