Toddler wanting to breastfeed again…

[C4SKI]

So my toddler who is 2.5 tried to breastfeed again, I think because the younger sibling is still nursing. He actually self weaned at 1 year so it’s a very long time since he was breastfed himself. It took me quite by surprise and I’ve always tried to be open and relaxed around him when it comes to bodies and nature so if he wants to look inside my top for example I’ll let him explore. He had a fascination with my breast pumps a while back so I explained and showed him. But today he tried to feed himself and I didn’t know how to react, I didn’t stop him but I feel terrible because I think he picked up on my apprehension and dare I say I may have given off some sort of “shame” vibes in my confusion as for a fleeting moment I wondered whether I was doing something very wrong (I’m not against breastfeeding at this age, I think I was more worried about confusing him or how my partner might respond or be uncomfortable with it). Anyway my boy looked almost ashamed himself (he only tried for about 10 seconds for which I think was purely curiosity). Perhaps he’s a bit jealous of his sibling. Anyway I was wondering if anyone else has had to deal with this and how could I have handled it better?

I think you're overthinking it. DS1 did this and I just said no, you don't have mummy milk any more. Then he insisted so I let him try and it didn't put him off so I said no a bit more clearly and that was that.

You could try expressing a little bit and putting it in a cup for him to try. That often puts them off, it's not the milk they're used to. My oldest was fascinated by the breastfeeding when my second was nursing and she tried to nurse too. With a mouthful of teeth and being a year out of practice, she couldn't manage, so I expressed a bit for her. She hated it! But she did like being cuddled in close to my chest so she would often come and sit the other side when her brother was being fed. She was still a baby herself really and loved the comfort. Just not the milk!

What is the normal age of child to stop breast feeding?

@Indigoo03 there really is no ‘normal’ age.
I stopped feeding at 1yr 8 months in Feb this year. She was sort of on and off up until March.

then last week or 2 has attempted it again. She was ill one night and I let her snuggle like that and she tried it and kind of laughed and looked at me a bit like ‘ha ha I used to do this’

if you don’t want to re-start you will have to be firm I suppose. You don’t want to give out mixed messages. It does feel a bit mixed emotions I expect!! I have same feelings with mine. A little bit sad but also I am glad really we have stopped as it was getting a bit much, all the touching and fiddling they do at the same time!