posted April 27, 2005 10:00 AM         

It's not like it wa all the time.. just for naps and comfort.. it came in handy though.... if they were sick, and couldn't keep anything down, that they could... and I was confident they kept their nutrition.
The only concern I had was not societal ( If they don't understand, eff 'em) It was nutritional for me.. for instance, my teeth SUCK!!!! If I had taken supplements,perhaps I wouldn't have this problem.. but I can't tell you how many problems I have with my teeth. I always have an ongoing appt. with a dentist.
I was concerned about leaching calcium etc from my bones.. you know, cuz if I wasn't taking in enough to produce breastmilk ( even in limited quantities) The milk would be produced anyhow.. and it needs fuel from somewhere.. ( my body?)
I was super super skinny.... the weight I had ammassed during pregnancy just slipped off.. but it continued.
When I was done, my breasts deflated.
Thankfully, My body filled out again, and so did my breasts. * a tad too much this winter, but I am seeing results from my working out, so I'm okay with it.. I also feel that men prefer me curvy instead of twiggy-skinny.
My children get the illnesses they need to provide their immune system antibodies, so they'll be healthy for life... perhaps breastfeeding longer than 'necessary' helped in the length and intensity of the colds they pick up?
They are healthy. We are connected and love each other as only mama and bebe can.

posted April 27, 2005 03:09 PM         

I also want to say that I believe mothers have the right to feed their babies any way they wish for any reason they'd like. My point was that if a mother really wants to breastfeed, but feels that she doesn't have the time, don't let that stand in your way because it really does have beautiful benefits, especially in those circumstances!

posted April 27, 2005 04:51 PM         

Anyway, it's nice to see you here! Now I feel less lost in a strange world!

posted April 28, 2005 08:24 PM         

We had only planned on going about 6 mos, but it just hasn't made sense to stop yet.

And we're here now:

(Heh, just had to share my ticker.)

Every time I talk to most of my family, I hear, "You're *still* breastfeeding that child?"
"Yep."
"When will you stop."
"When we get tired of it."

She's not at my teet throughout the day - it's mostly when she wakes up, at night before bed, and before naps now - but it's something that calms her down and centers both of us.

posted April 29, 2005 05:22 PM         

I would just like to say, no matter what people say- you do what you feel is best for you and your child- DON'T let anyone else make you feel under pressure not to!!

I have experienced some of that myself lately. People just don't seem to understand- it's rarely heard of in our society, it seems. And when people are brave enough to think for themselves and stray away from the 'norm', other people don't like it.

But, while breast-feeding for longer may be an anomaly in our part of the world, it is not globally. There is a lot of information on the internet on the subject, so I don't need to go into it.

And it's hard to try to explain to people who you meet and don't know very well.....personally, I am going to try to be discreet about it, as I can become a little bit fiery about things I feel strongly about, when people get me going! I don't have to explain it to them. I've done the research, as well as listened to my heart and child.
I have made my own choices, based on what I know. Had I led a different life, those choices may have been different. I don't tell my opinions to others. All I ask is they don't to me!!

Like you, my child only feeds first thing in the morning, before a nap and before going to bed. But sometimes he wants it for comfort too, especially when I go and sit down! I'm worried about it if I'm going to be socialising more & going to toddler groups more. I'll have to get him more use to the idea of not having it when we're out, I suppose. He's usually ok, and just has a cup of well-diluted fruit juice or whatever! But not always! Then I have to distract him. It's hard work! But definetely worth it. I may not have acchieved much in my life, as far as a CV goes, but at least I've done this. Because I wanted to. That's why I can allow myself to feel just a little proud.
And I'm glad I can think for myself!

I'm 'lost in a strange world'.....but the world wasn't always so strange.
There are some places where it still isn't*

LOve, Light & Peace

posted May 01, 2005 05:50 AM         

We've got our own little club here, haven't we? LOL

posted May 05, 2005 10:03 AM         

I have the time to give my children, to be able to do that.
other's may not.

the age of the child for weaning is a personal decision.
my decision of self weaning is excellent for me and my children.

Weaning at any other age is excellent for whoever is making that decision...