ANOTHER SORT OF RELATIONSHIP 

Now, this isn't a blog specifically about breastfeeding or parenting, but there will be various entries about both of them. I could not write about my life without writing about my family. And nursing, well, that is a big part of my life with Maia now, and a very important part.

I've already armed myself with information (medically backed up) about why I am doing what's called “extended” breastfeeding and why it's still normal to feed a toddler the way nature intended. I know those questions are coming. I am by no means a “lactivist”, but breastfeeding is something I strongly believe in, and to me is optimal nourishment. I do not say a word about the way anybody feeds their child- to each their own, but I am an ardent supporter to those who breastfeed and may experience bumps in the road (which there will be – it is not easy sometimes). I love to help whenever I can.

Anyway, this post is not about the nutritional/medical aspect of nursing. It is about the emotions and feelings of this beautiful relationship. There is something so intimate about it, and you won't understand unless you've experienced it.

Maia is our last baby, so when she weans I will be sad. But I trust her to do it when she's ready. At the same time, I will be contented with all the memories I have and seeing her grow from a helpless newborn to an independent, healthy rambunctious toddler.

I will miss her pulling my hair, kicking, squirming, laughing as she looks up at me. I will miss her trying to carry the nursing pillow across the room to me. I will miss her nursing at night-- crazy as it sounds now, I know sleep is precious. But how much sleep have we lost for things far less noble? Being there in a way nobody else can for your child-- priceless. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Yes.

It's clear that we both still are happy in this relationship, neither of us is ready for it to end. When she is, I will respect that decision, although I will be sad for that part of our relationship to end.

As she falls asleep next to me, I myself drift off as I get home from work. There's nothing better to help calm her when she is tired and cranky.  She relaxes and nods off to sleep.

What people don't understand is that this toddler doesn't become a toddler overnight. Nothing miraculosuly happens on day 366 of their life that makes them need you any less. The older they get it is harder for people to understand that.

My greatest gift I can give is helping other mothers to nurse their child. I would not want them to miss this, something so beautiful. To put the needs of your child above all else. Period. Everyday in every way.

If you want to know all the medical benefits of breastfeeding, I will post that at another time.


So, when people ask me "why", the best response is "why not?"  Give me one good reason.


I read once that a good analogy to nursing is wearing a seat belt.  If somebody questioned you about that, you would look at them like they were crazy, because you know that it's just the right thing to do, so ingrained in you.  Nobody would change your mind.  Same with breastfeeding.