As a mother currently nursing my 2-year-old, Leo, and my 5-year-old, Sam, I can confidently say that tandem breastfeeding is not as uncommon as some might think. While I don’t share many photos of Sam nursing anymore—since he typically only does so at bedtime or for a brief moment during the day—most of my posts feature little Leo, who still nurses frequently.
Recently, someone commented on one of my Facebook photos claiming that Leo was “too old to breastfeed.” I was shocked, as I was certain the picture featured Leo and not Sam. This comment made me pause and reflect on the absurdity of such judgments.
There’s a pervasive issue in our society where we rush children to grow up. Sure, Leo is not a newborn, but have you ever spent time with a 2-year-old? They are still very much in their earlier stages of development, often clumsy and babbling incoherently. Just because Leo is technically classified as a toddler doesn’t mean he’s ready to tackle adult responsibilities—like opening a bank account!
I recall feeling the same way when Sam turned 1. I was so eager for him to embrace toddlerhood that I readily declared him no longer a baby. Looking back at those photos of 1-year-old Sam, I realize he was still very much my little baby. Now, I trust my instincts. Just because Sam exhibits the vocabulary of an adult doesn’t mean he’s not still a child, closer to being a baby than to being all grown up.
Is a 2-Year-Old Really Too Old to Breastfeed?
Honestly, what a sad commentary on our society! At what age is breastfeeding suddenly deemed unacceptable—23 months, 18 months? Who established these arbitrary rules? It seems that Leo hasn’t received the memo; he continues to nurse whenever he wishes, clearly perceiving it as a normal part of his life.
Women face enough challenges without the added stigma surrounding breastfeeding. It’s disheartening to see someone judging a mother for simply nurturing her child, reinforcing the notion that there’s something wrong with breastfeeding a 2-year-old. I love how my perspective has evolved over the years. To me, Leo is still a young nursling, while Sam feels perfectly normal in his age. I must admit, five years ago, I would have had a different view on nursing an older child. Yet, it’s not my place to criticize how others choose to parent.
If you think a child is too old to breastfeed, fine—keep your opinions to yourself.
For more insights on this topic, check out our post on breastfeeding norms that delve deeper into societal expectations. If you’re considering home insemination, MakeAMom offers reliable options for at-home insemination kits. Additionally, if you’re looking for valuable information on pregnancy, the NICHD provides excellent resources.
In summary, breastfeeding a 2-year-old is a normal practice, and societal judgments should not dictate how we nurture our children. Let’s celebrate the bond of breastfeeding, regardless of age.
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