to think it's ok my toddler has upped his breastfeeding game?

[STANTER]

My son is nearly 16 months old. He's bloody amazing and I love every ounce of him. He had a shitty start in life and the fact I've even got him breastfeeding felt like a minor miracle at the time. Recently he's started feeding like a newborn again. Nothing has changed in his routine, he's just boob obsessed. Is this normal? He's gone back to searching for my boob at night (desperately) and sucking his fingers whilst whimpering half asleep about 8/9 times a night, until I feed him. No idea how to respond to it without being totally exhausted. He eats so well in the day. AIBU to be insanely frustrated by this?! 😅

Totally normal & expected in other parts of the world.
I love this (old!) blog post
www.drmomma.org/2009/07/breastfeeding-in-land-of-genghis-khan.html?m=1

I’ve done extended breastfeeding with all of mine and they’ve all gone through funny stages where they seem like they might be weaning and aren’t that bothered, to suddenly being absolutely obsessed and constantly seeking out their next milk feed. Even my 5 year old who stopped feeding a year and a half ago still regularly asks if she can “hug your boobies please Mummy”, she just likes the warmth and comfort of being close, I think. It’s not always easy, in fact I’ve gone through times when it’s been almost unbearable. But they’re not little for long and when I feel sleep deprived and ready to cry, I try to remind myself of that.

My little one is also 16 months old and he's stared to nurse loads again too, I think it must just be a phase. It's taking up a lot of time again. Good luck!

@Thehop - honestly you made me laugh out loud (enough to make boob obsessed boy unlatch to ask what I was laughing at)

Thank you though, I'm the last of my friends to still be feeding so it helps to feel less alone.

As you say he is eating okay in the day, and as long as both you and him are okay with it then sounds normal! He probably just requires a bit more comfort for whatever reason at the moment, do you have a support group nearby though? At the local one here there were quite a few who were feeding well past 12 months and it was useful to hear their advice and just have a natter.

But YANBU to feel frustrated by it, I think you're amazing, sounds like my idea of hell- but it sounds like you're doing great, and he is thriving too;

Mine did this, we weaned at 2 but she still likes sticking her hand down my top at any given opportunity a year later

DS self weaned at 14 months, is now 3.3 and still does this. If I'm not there, he sticks his hand down his own top 😭😂

I was under the impression that toddlers' main goal in life is to deprive you of your sanity!

I'm still feeding my 2.5 year old (3 in April) and I'm currently 29 weeks pregnant too so it's an extra level! The 5am "milk, mummy, milk, milk, milk" is challenging me at the moment! At least he pretty much reliably sleeps through the night until then though!

@partysong haha apologies to your disturbed toddler!

I’m the only one of mine too, and I had to join some Facebook groups to not feel like it was just me!

I don’t knot my own yoghurt Or wear coats made of my pubic hair I just breastfeed and co sleep so I don’t really fit with any group 🤦‍♀️

Knit

@Thehop - we may well be our own group. I breastfeed and co-sleep. I also like to think I'm quite the slick business woman too (I'm not, and none of my work colleagues are really surprised I'm still feeding and co-sleeping ... but still... let's pretend that someone other than me is convinced by my slick 'adulting' professional side too)

Sounds like teething. My DS is 15 months and I’m desperate for him to stop at this stage, I just don’t have the heart to turn him away .

@partysong Haha this is me! I think I’m normal but I’m certain my colleagues call me a hippy behind my back 😂😂

But because I’m not a proper crunchy and I have a job/wash my hair in my head.....practically a city slicker 🤓

😁 yep, that sounds like me

Mine did this in phases until he stopped wanting it at all just before age3. I must be mad, but I miss it! Keep on keeping on.

Mine did this at exactly the same age. It drove me nuts! It lasted a good couple of weeks. Also still feeding at 3 1/2, although only at night now for less than a minute.