We gathered in a circle, some perched on metal folding chairs while others sank into worn, floral-patterned couches that likely hailed from the 1980s. As I glanced around at this assembly of mothers—some cradling infants, others with a bit more independence—I found myself pondering, “What am I doing here?” My attention drifted to a little one, confidently navigating her second year, who intermittently returned to her mother’s partially exposed breast for a quick sip of breastmilk.
“It’s just a breast. Don’t stare!” I reminded myself. “It’s her choice to nurse her toddler, even if it makes you uncomfortable.” These thoughts swirled in my mind as I tried to refrain from judging the women attending this La Leche League meeting.
As a new mom, I sought guidance on public breastfeeding etiquette. I had a baby boy at home, and thankfully, our breastfeeding journey was going smoothly. Yet, every time I nursed him outside, I became acutely self-aware, fumbling with my nursing cover, anxious about revealing too much.
My background as a lawyer had conditioned me to a more formal environment. The informal discussions about motherhood, breastfeeding, and the logistics of diaper changes were all so foreign to me. In that La Leche League meeting, I felt like an outsider. Thankfully, my friend Sarah joined me (after I convinced her) and as we headed to our cars afterwards, I exclaimed, “Can you believe that woman nursing her toddler? That was wild. That will never be me.” Ah, the naive musings of a younger, more judgmental version of myself.
Fast Forward to Today
Fast forward to today, and I’m a mom to a 6-year-old, a 4-year-old, and a 2-year-old—whom I am still nursing. In fact, I have been breastfeeding continuously for the last six years. I navigated through two pregnancies while nursing and even tandem-nursed my children—one on each side—before weaning my boys at around 3½ years old. Yes, I breastfed them past the age of three.
Here’s the thing: I never subscribed to an extreme extended breastfeeding movement. I never joined a community that advocated for nursing preschoolers, nor did I adhere to any rigid parenting ideology that dictated how long mothers should breastfeed. Frankly, I have little patience for the so-called mommy wars. As long as a child is being fed in a healthy and appropriate manner, I’m supportive of it.
I’m just an ordinary mom, managing the ups and downs of parenthood like everyone else. I’m not affiliated with any niche extended breastfeeding group. After attending just two meetings, I decided not to join La Leche League. I simply follow the path that suits my family best.
And while you might not seek it, you have my full support to choose what works for you and your child. Because whether you opt for bottle or breast, you know what’s right for you.
Resources for Further Guidance
For more guidance on home insemination and fertility, consider checking out this resource, and for expert insights, visit this page. The CDC also provides valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination that can be found at this link.
Conclusion
In summary, this article reflects the journey of a mother who once judged others for their choices but has since embraced her own path in breastfeeding. The narrative highlights that parenting is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and each mother must find what works best for her and her family.