I’m currently breastfeeding my 2-year-old, Mia, and my 5-year-old, Ben. Yes, I’m one of those tandem breastfeeders you’ve probably heard about. I don’t share many photos of Ben nursing these days since he mainly does it at bedtime or just a quick sip during the day before darting off to play. So most of my pictures feature Mia, who is the little one and nurses quite often.
Recently, someone commented on a Facebook photo saying, “He’s too old to breastfeed.” I was stunned because I thought I had posted a picture of Mia. I double-checked, and sure enough, it was her. Apparently, at the age of 2, she’s now considered too old to nurse. It took everything in me not to respond with a picture of Ben and ask what they thought about that!
Let’s Break This Down
Our culture pushes kids to grow up way too fast. Sure, Mia isn’t a newborn, but have you spent time with a 2-year-old? They’re still very much in that baby phase, just with a few more words and somewhat clumsy motor skills. To me, she still feels like my baby, and I have no intention of rushing her to adulthood.
The way we label our children feeds into this absurd belief that every milestone means they’re suddenly grown-up. I often hear parents at the playground shout, “Look out for the baby!” when older kids come running. Guess what? That baby is still very much a baby to me!
I remember when Ben turned one. I was so excited to call him a toddler. Looking back, though, he was still my baby at that age. Just because he can articulate thoughts like a mini-adult doesn’t mean he’s not still a child. At 5, Ben is still a long way from adulthood, and I’m happy to embrace that.
Societal Judgments
So, a 2-year-old is too old to breastfeed? What a sad commentary on our society. Was she too old at 23 months? Or 18 months? Who sets these arbitrary breastfeeding limits? Someone needs to tell Mia she’s apparently too old, because she seems blissfully unaware and continues to nurse whenever she wants!
Women face enough challenges without the added stigma of breastfeeding. It’s disheartening that someone would judge a loving mother feeding her child. A 2-year-old nursing? Really?
I love how my perspective has shifted over the years. To me, Mia is still a young nursling, and Ben just feels like he’s growing up normally. I know my thoughts have changed; just five years ago, I might’ve thought nursing a 5-year-old was odd. But that’s not for anyone else to judge. If you think it’s too old? Fine, but keep it to yourself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breastfeeding a 2-year-old is completely normal. Embrace your parenting choices and don’t let society dictate what’s right for you and your child. For more information on home insemination and related topics, check out this blog post and learn from the experts at Make a Mom on effective home insemination kits. You can also find excellent resources on fertility through Medical News Today.
Summary
Breastfeeding a 2-year-old is perfectly normal and should not be stigmatized. The pressure to label children as “grown-up” too soon is misguided. Embrace your parenting journey and ignore societal judgments.