Conflicted about BFing 16 month old
(11 Posts)I think I just need to get this all down somewhere because it's swirling in my head and I'm going mad!
My 16month old (DC2) was down to almost no feeds until a couple of months ago - I was happy that things were naturally trailing off and was relaxed about it taking a while. At the time he was feeding to sleep for naps and bedtime, and maybe once overnight.
All of a sudden a couple of months ago, he started wanting BF in the day, basically anytime he sees me, wherever we are. He's fine when I'm at work (part time, but full days, working today) but for some reason (perhaps because he's fed so much over the weekend?) I have one boob so engorged today that it is agony!
I haven't had engorgement for months and months!! And it doesn't help that he basically only feeds from one side, so I have one giant beach ball and one empty teabag 
I don't know what to do: I'm panicking a bit that this engorgement is going to keep happening at this rate (I have had to express for comfort today, so have probably perpetuated the problem) Also we're away on holiday with family in a few weeks and I feel stupidly self conscious about feeding in front of them, especially if it's all day every day!
Argh!! Is it possible he'll just calm down a bit on the Bf front by himself? Or do I have to do something?! I fed DC1 until 2 years ish, but don't remember the feeds ramping up like this.
Thank you if you've read this essay, and if anyone's got any wisdom or advice please let me know!
Bump for the evening
Thanks Moi, reassuring to hear you've found the frequency going up and down too. I guess it surprised me because he'd been tapering off so predictably, and seemed to adjust really well to me being back at work. But you're right, the hot weather could be playing a part (and I suspect possible teeth as well)
Ah the family thing is totally my own silly issue to get over. I don't think there's anything wrong with feeding a toddler. They probably don't think there's anything wrong with feeding a toddler, I just feel weird about them knowing I do it 
Oh yes, teething is often a stimulus for more nursing, for us. Apparently some babies stop feeding as much -- mine won't let go!
If you can retire to another room, at least for a day or two, that might help? But honestly no-one has said a word to me about it (not to my face, anyway!) -- although at first, when people asked how long I intended to breastfeed for, I said 'As long as we both want to', which may explain the lack of comment now! With this being my firstborn, I'm not sure how long we'll go, but we're both (mostly) happy so we're keeping on.
Breastfeeding my 21 month old here. There are days when she feeds more frequently than when she was a newborn. 
I've had many unwelcome comments from friends, relatives and healthcare professionals, the subtler ones usually along the lines of 'When do you plan to stop?' to which I reply with what moimichme said above or 'I'll let her decide'. People tend to shut up after that.
Just do what you and DS is happy with and ignore the family. It's really none of their business.
Join the discussion
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.
Join MumsnetAlready have a Mumsnet account? Log in