We gathered in a small circle, some perched on metal folding chairs while others lounged on worn floral sofas that seemed to hail from the ’80s. As I glanced around at the mothers in attendance—some cradling their infants and others not—I couldn’t help but wonder, “What am I doing here?” My gaze was drawn to a little one, still in her toddler years, wandering around the room and occasionally returning to her mother for a quick sip of breastmilk.
“Just a breast,” I reminded myself. “It’s her choice to nurse her toddler, even if it feels uncomfortable for you.” These thoughts echoed in my mind as I tried not to judge the women at this breastfeeding support meeting.
As a new mom, I was seeking advice on nursing in public. I had a baby boy at home, and thankfully, breastfeeding was going smoothly for us. But every time I nursed him in public, I felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over me, fumbling with my nursing cover and desperately trying to shield myself from prying eyes.
My background as a doctor had instilled a sense of professionalism in me, and navigating the world of motherhood—complete with discussions about diapers—felt foreign. I was out of my element at this meeting, yet I was grateful my good friend, Sarah, joined me (after some persuasion). As we walked to our cars afterward, I remarked, “Did you see that woman nursing her toddler? That’s just wild. I could never do that.”
Ah, the blissful ignorance of my earlier self. Fast forward to today, and I am the mother of three young children: a 7-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a 3-year-old whom I still nurse. In fact, I’ve been breastfeeding for over six years straight. I nursed through two pregnancies and tandem nursed my kids—one on each side—before weaning them around the age of 3½. Yes, I continued to breastfeed well past the toddler stage.
Here’s the truth: I never joined any extreme extended breastfeeding movement or subscribed to a strict parenting philosophy dictating how long to nurse. I hold no interest in the so-called mommy wars. As far as I’m concerned, as long as you feed your child in a healthy manner, that’s what really matters.
I’m just a regular mom navigating this parenting journey like so many others. After attending a couple of meetings, I never became a member of the breastfeeding group. Instead, I focus on what works best for my family. And while you might not need it, I encourage you to do what feels right for yours. Whether you choose bottle or breast, you know what’s best for your child.
Further Insights and Resources
For further insights on this topic, check out our other posts here. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, you can find valuable resources at Make A Mom. Additionally, for support related to female infertility, this link offers excellent information.
In summary, my journey through motherhood has been filled with unexpected turns, including my views on breastfeeding. What I once thought I could never do became my reality, and I’ve embraced it. Ultimately, every mother should feel empowered to choose what works for her family without judgment.