Before the pandemic, I had made plans to wean my toddler before he turned two. However, when the world shifted, so did our routine. On the first day of shelter-in-place, my son, at 22 months old, nursed all day long, leaving me feeling concerned. I had originally intended to breastfeed for about a year, maybe 18 months at most, especially since I had a book coming out in mid-2020 and anticipated being away from him on tour.
Yet, as I approached the one-year mark, I realized that my son wasn’t ready to stop, and surprisingly, neither was I. By then, he was eating solid foods, so breastfeeding wasn’t a constant demand. Over time, my perspective on nursing transformed. It shifted from feeling like an obligation to recognizing it as a meaningful connection between us—a personal and empowering choice that defied societal expectations.
As the pandemic unfolded, my plans to gradually wean him fell to the wayside. With our normal routine disrupted—where he would be at daycare and with family—he was home with me all the time, leading him to want to nurse even more. The first week was a whirlwind of nursing requests, leaving little room for anything else—whether it was playing, bathing, or simply looking out the window.
In the months that followed, he fell back into old habits, seeking comfort through nursing as we navigated this new normal. I felt torn; I was aware of the benefits of extended breastfeeding and understood I was fortunate to have the choice, but I was also longing for personal space and a break. My thoughts often drifted to those long-expired edibles I had stashed away.
As the pandemic progressed, the reasons I had for weaning began to dissolve. The book tour transitioned to a virtual format, and I learned how to create boundaries during work hours. I discovered ways to gently delay nursing requests, and I recognized that breastfeeding was becoming a useful tool for managing our time at home. It was no longer just a means of comfort but a practical strategy for coping with our new reality.
Accepting that we might continue this journey longer than I had initially planned allowed me to release my anxieties about weaning. With no impending work commitments, I found joy in those quiet moments of nursing amidst the chaos. I came to appreciate the lessons in patience, as nursing taught me the value of waiting—not just for the end of a session but in a broader sense, reflecting the realities of parenting during a pandemic.
Now, with my child’s third birthday approaching, I contemplate what the future holds. Will he naturally lose interest as he begins preschool? Should I set a specific date to stop? I don’t have the answers, but I’ve learned that not everything can be planned. For now, I’ll let these questions linger, enjoying the moments we share in this unexpected journey.
Additional Resources
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In summary, my experience with nursing during the pandemic has taught me the importance of patience and adaptability. As I navigate the challenges of parenthood, I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected and cherish the moments spent with my child, no matter how long this journey of breastfeeding may last.