So many times I have heard people say that once a child reaches some arbitrary age (for some it's six months, for some a year, for some 18 months), if the mother still wants to breastfeed, she should express and give the milk from a cup.
I thought I would explain the reasons why this is impractical and nigh on impossible, for me at least, and see if others who feed toddlers have had the same experience.
I expressed when I went back to work and initially could produce enough to leave 20oz a day, plus feed DS morning and night. I only worked one day and one afternoon/evening a week, so I breastfed him the rest of the time and my supply wasn't affected.
However, as time went on, I was able to express less and less milk. DS was eating more, which I think had some effect, but he didn't eat much until he was closer to a year and he still breastfed on demand.
Now he is 15mo, I have no desire to get the breastpump out again (and all the faffing about washing it and assembling it) and sit trying to express for the one or two feeds DS has a day. It would take a long time and why should I? Because society feels weird that I feed an older baby? It is much easier to give him a discreet feed when he needs it - he rarely asks when we're out any more, but does occasionally, so I just do it. He feeds quickly, then he's off to play again - no worries!