How often to you bf your toddler 2+?

[itsonlysubterfuge]

I'm just curious as I notice a lot of people saying their child around 2.5 BF two or three times a day. My DD will be 3 in July and if she could she'd BF constantly. For example, she would happily watch a movie from start to finish, BF the whole time. Our day is normally:

Wake up
BF
breakfast
BF
playtime
BF
lunch
BF

and so on. These are 15-20 minute sessions, most of which I am the one who stops them and says it's time to stop. There are times she asks to BF and I say no and she has a little strop.

I am not really wanting it to change, I guess I just want to know I'm not the only one .

my dd is 2.5 and bfs when she wakes up and before going to bed (unless I'm out in the evening). if I'm not working and if she goes for a nap (it's in the process of being dropped :( ) she'll have one before nap as well.

My 2.3 year old:
Wake up
Bf
Late morning bf prior to nap.

Before bed bf.
It doesn't work like clockwork from one day to the next it can vary.
If he is poorly, he bf s more often.

I have put a stop to night time bf as on occasion if he wakes in the night, he would expect it.

I'm not stressed about it. I kinda don't offer but don't refuse IF he asks.

Are you worrying about it?

Not worrying about it no, it just seems like an awful lot. She doesn't really have any other comfort items. It's not just BF it's my "boobies" because they are "soft and snuggly and squishy" in her words. Like during the night she wants to hold my breast or lay her head on them and I feel so guilty when I tell her no because it's her only comfort item.

So hard isn't it. I suppose you have to ask yourself when do you want to stop. There was a woman in the news breastfeeding her 7 year old! Eg if you want to stop before she is a particular age you will have to wean her off gradually. Does it make it tricky to go out - as I imagine it is harder to breastfeed an older child both in terms of practicality and also people being judgemental?

I see, mine doesn't have any other comfort item either although he loves fireman Sam & has a little fireman Sam doll which is in his cot.
Could you get her a comforter or dolly of something she especially loves and offer that?
Could you offer that instead of one feed to start with?

I am so dreading him no longer wanting to snuggle with me as we have both enjoyed it so much.

People think I am nuts & a bit odd still bf, like you I don't know anyone in rl who has bf until this age, do you know any one? Do you feel a bit awkward about it?

When we are out I usually just tell her she has to wait until we get to the car or find a private area I can do it in. She constantly has her hand down my shirt, just to feel my breast which I don't really mind and I've never had any negative reactions to that.

I think she should decide when she should stop, I can't imagine it lasting until she is 7 though.

She is a very loving and kind toddler. We are a very touchy, feely family and do a lot of kissing and cuddling, so I'm hoping she will gradually enjoy the cuddles without the bf. I will be sad and relieved when we stop though.

DS1 was morning, occasionally nap time, and occasionally in the night/to sleep at that age. He never had (and still doesn't have) any comfort items either.

I took the view that it wouldn't last forever, and I would miss it once it was gone, and just let him snuggle. When DS2 came along the milk dried up and so he was forced to wean at 3, and all attachment to my boobs went with it.

DS2 gave up milk before he was 1 - but he was eating unbelievable amounts by then, never was attached to boobs (eg. didn't immediately stick his hand in my cleavage when picked up like DS1), also doesn't have a comfort item though - which TBH is really handy, my sister lives in constant fear of losing her son's blankie!

Ds was just the same (hes 3 in june). We stopped at Easter at my instigation because I'm pregnant and it had become quite painful for me which was making me snappy with him. He would have fed all day if he could! I thought giving up would be hellish but it's been surprisingly easy, thankfully.

I do feel a bit awkward sometimes, however I do not have any friends and no one really knows that I still bf my daughter. My PiL are very supportive about it though. I'm American so they are the only people I really know over here, except DH and he think it's amazing that I'm still bf our DD.

She loves Goofy and has several Goofy toys she loves to play with, she just doesn't find any comfort in them. If I try to give her a Goofy to cuddle with at night time she says "Go away Goofy, I don't want you" and throws him out of bed.

My lo is 3 and would constantly be attached to if I let her.

We bf morning in bed, then if we aren't going out she is likely to have some downstairs. Then maybe around 3 if we are still in the house and I feed her to sleep at 7.

The days I'm at work she's fine without.

I'm fine with it, but I do take evening primrose oil, magnesium and calcium when I'm ovulating as I get awful nipple sensitivity/nursing aversion.

I only ask because it annoys me how awkward I feel in company.
If I have friends round for coffee I know my boy will want a bf at his usual time.I do it but feel annoyed that I feel uncomfortable.

I don't know anyone else who bf let alone until over 2.

I'm the same it does get to me that I feel embarrassed and I don't offer the information out to others that I still feed her.

Although I know it's good for her and there is nothing wrong with it. But still, I just wish it was more the norm.

I know I'm doing what's best for my DD, she is happy and healthy and it's something she wants, I'm not making her do it. I do know that sort of awkward embarrassed moment you feel when someone gives a look because you say you are still BF.