Extended Nursing: One Year and Beyond!

I will admit it, I was one of those people who, before I had children, thought it was weird to nurse a baby past one year old. For me, it was unfamiliar and I wasn't educated on the amazing benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby. Not only that, but I didn't understand the incredible bond felt between mom and baby that is emotionally hard to break.

I nursed my daughter until she was 14 months old, at which point she decided she was done. I was a little over 3 months pregnant with my son and apparently nursing took too much time out of her busy agenda. My daughter was a constant mover and at 14 months there was no way she was sitting still to wait for my boobs to provider her with a let-down. Her sippy cup was more efficient in her eyes. Not only could she drink it at her pace, but it could come with her as she ran around. Apparently my boobs just aren't that mobile.

Now, here I am with a 12 month old and we are still chugging along. I am giving myself one fat pat on the back for making it this far without having to supplement with formula (which I had to do for my daughter at approximately 9-10 months). This lovely picture is from my mid-day pump. My boobs are still working just the way nature intended, and I am proud!

This time around I hope to make it past 14 months. The World Health Organization is encouraging mom's to breastfeed to 2 years and beyond, with a recommendation of at least 6 months. While I doublt I will nurse my son until he is 2, I hope to make it past 14 months with at least one feeding per day. Not only is it a special bonding time for just my son and I, but it yields health benefits for both of us.

Nowadays, I don't even flinch at mom's who nurse their babies beyond a year. In fact, I look up to those women. Trust me, I have heard the comments about extended nursing, and while I feel there is an age where enough-is-enough for my family, who am I to decide what the right age is for other families? I say do what feels right.

How long did you nurse your children? Would you do it differently if given the chance?