Author Topic: toddler reinterested in breastfeeding?  (Read 700 times)

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Offline bethann

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toddler reinterested in breastfeeding?
« on: June 07, 2008, 03:02:11 am »
My 27 month toddler (abigail) hasn't breastfed since she was 9 months.  Recently, while I have been breastfeeding my 11 month old (caleb), Abigail has taken a new interest in my milk.  Since DS birth, DD has watched my very intently even trying to squeeze some of the milk out on her own.  But then she wanted to feed a little herself- I let her.  I figured she was just curious and wanted to know what it tasted like.  She seemed to like it because now she wants to suck nearly every time we are upstairs feeding Caleb.  It's a little wierd- should I discourage her or just let it take its course? Is this at all normal?

thanks in advance!  :-*
{mom to abigail 3.13.16, caleb 4.14.07, and anna noelle 12.04.13}

Offline Samuel's mum

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Re: toddler reinterested in breastfeeding?
« Reply #1 on: June 07, 2008, 05:28:06 am »
It's very normal. I've heard it happening quite a bit (though to be honest usually when the baby is younger than Caleb). She's at an age when she's likely to take interest in something she sees everyday. She's a mini-scientist.

How you react is very much up to your comfort levels. But I think you have to extend Tracy's philosophy here - the bit about 'start as you mean to go on'. So if this doesn't feel great and you are praying it only lasts a couple of weeks then I would rethink. Just gently mention that Caleb needs his milk and she's a big girl and gets to eat things he can't. Perhaps she could have some in a cup instead when he's done. Or she could have a special kind of hug if she's seeking physical contact.
However if you are prepared for this to last perhaps months and months (and it may well last that long if she is in control and she becomes more established) then don't do anything.
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Offline Sarahlolly

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Re: toddler reinterested in breastfeeding?
« Reply #2 on: June 07, 2008, 10:24:57 am »
Hi there - glad you posted this.

I'm thinking that Ella will do the same when the new baby is born in Sept.  She's always very interested in my boobs anyway.  I just thought I would go with the flow!  Glad the hear it happens to others too.

Sarah x
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Offline bethann

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Re: toddler reinterested in breastfeeding?
« Reply #3 on: June 07, 2008, 18:30:16 pm »
thank-you.  I do think it is not something I would like to "go on" with.  The last couple of times I've said something to the effect that it is milk for Caleb and she understood.  She's backed off a little and it hasn't been frequent enough to become habit forming.  I am just glad to hear that it does happen to other bfing moms. 

:)
{mom to abigail 3.13.16, caleb 4.14.07, and anna noelle 12.04.13}